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Periodontal Disease

Surgical Dentistry & Laser Dentistry located in Yonkers and Thornwood, NY

Up to 36% of Americans 30 and older have some type of periodontal disease. At Riverside Dental in Yonkers and Thornwood, New York, family dentist and oral surgeon Gemini Master-Patel, DMD, and her team specialize in diagnosing and treating periodontal disease. A combination of healthy lifestyle changes and in-office treatment can prevent the infection from spreading and preserve your oral health. Call the nearest Riverside Dental office today to schedule treatment for periodontal disease, or book your appointment online.

Are there different types of periodontal disease?

Yes. The Riverside Dental team treats the following types of periodontal disease:

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is caused by plaque –– a blend of food particles, saliva, and bacteria  –– that collects on your teeth and beneath your gums. Without routine cleanings, the plaque can irritate your gums, causing them to pull away from your teeth.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a more serious infection that damages the bone that supports your teeth. Without treatment, it can cause your teeth to loosen or fall out. 

Gum disease always requires professional treatment. If you’re concerned about your risk, contact Riverside Dental today.

How do I know if I have periodontal disease?

Only a dentist can diagnose periodontal disease, but there are telltale signs to watch out for, including:

  • Swollen or puffy gums
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Pus between your teeth and gums
  • Painful chewing
  • New gaps or spaces between your teeth

If you have gum disease, your gums might bleed when you brush or feel tender to the touch.

Is periodontal disease diagnosed during an oral exam?

Yes. Your Riverside Dental provider reviews your dental records and asks about your lifestyle, including how often you brush and floss and whether you use tobacco or drink alcohol. Answer their questions honestly; the team isn’t there to judge you — your responses help them gather essential insights into your oral health. 

Next, your dentist completes an oral exam and uses a small ruler called a periodontal probe to measure the pockets between your teeth and gum line. 

Last, your dentist orders digital panoramic X-rays to get a closer look at your tooth roots, jaw, and alveolar bone (the bone that anchors your upper teeth).

How is periodontal disease treated?

The Riverside Dental team treats periodontal disease with minimally invasive measures whenever possible. They might recommend:

  • Scaling to remove tartar from your teeth and underneath your gums
  • Root planing to smooth your tooth root surfaces, allowing your gums to reattach
  • Antibiotics to help control bacterial infection
  • Pocket reduction surgery to prevent receding gums
  • Bone grafting to encourage the growth of new, healthy bone

Your dentist eliminates the infection first and then develops a personalized treatment plan to preserve your gums, teeth, and smile. 

Call the nearest Riverside Dental office today to receive treatment for periodontal disease, or make your appointment online.