F.A.Q.

• What is periodontal disease?
• What are the symptoms of a periodontal disease?
• Why, all of a sudden, is my dentist sending me to a periodontist?
• How is periodontal infection treated?
• Does periodontal treatment hurt?
• What is going to happen on my first visit at the periodontist’s office?
• Are there medical consequences if I delay treatment or delay my visit to the periodontist?
• Do you work with my general dentist regarding my periodontal care?
• What are dental implants?
• Do you use the latest equipment and techniques to treat patients with periodontal issues?
• What treatments does a periodontist provide?

What is periodontal disease?

Many people ask the question, "What is periodontal disease"? Periodontal disease, which is sometimes referred to as periodontal infection, pyorrhea, or severe gum disease, is an infection that is not only ongoing, but one that affects the gums, the tissues surrounding the teeth and the teeth. Periodontal disease can be painful, uncomfortable, can cause bleeding gums, and the cause of periodontal disease is bacteria which gets into one's gums.

This periodontal infection can be severely harmful to one's health; gum disease starts destroying the bone which supports your teeth, it can destroy the bone in the jaw which also supports teeth, and it can also destroy other surrounding tissues. Periodontal disease can be harmful to one's oral health, cardiac health, and general well being. Periodontal disease must be treated by a qualified periodontist as soon as possible. You will find certified New York periodontists at D & D Periodontal Associates, P.C., located in Midtown Manhattan, NY that will happily help patients treat issues with periodontal disease.

For a more in depth explanation about periodontal disease, view our Periodontal Disease section.

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What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease or gum disease has a number of different symptoms that begin to appear when the disease worsens. Early on, an individual may see no signs or minor signs of periodontal infection. The severity of gum disease will determine what signs and symptoms of periodontal disease appear. Below are a few signs and symptoms associated with periodontal disease:

• Swollen, red, painful, irritated gums are associated with gum disease.
• Spaces between teeth may appear in patients with periodontal disease.
• Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold can develop in a patient with gum disease.
• Teeth can become loose or shift
• Bad breath
• Tooth loss
• The formation of deep pockets around teeth
• Gum recession causing unnaturally long looking teeth.

For a more in depth explanation about periodontal disease, view our Periodontal Disease section.

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Why, all of a sudden, is my dentist sending me to a periodontist?

If your dentist has referred you to D & D Periodontal Associates, P.C., it is with good cause. Periodontists are specifically trained in the procedures and methods used to treat periodontal disease as well as the methods for gum disease prevention. Periodontists also have special, advanced training in Implantology and dental implants, and can prepare a patient for dental implant surgery and future dental implants.

Periodontal disease acts as a continuous infection in the patients body, which not only harms the individual's oral health, but it also affects the individual's general health in a number of ways. Long lasting periodontal infection increases the progression of gum disease greatly. Causes for periodontal disease vary, but below is a short list of potential causes:

• Dental Plaque is one of the primary causes of bleeding gums and gum disease.
• Poor Oral Hygiene can cause gum disease and issues with bleeding gums.
• Stress can worsen gum disease.
• Improper dietary habits can facilitate gum disease.
• Smoking can perpetuate issues with periodontal infection and bleeding gums.
• Age plays a significant role in periodontal disease severity.
• Genetic factors play a role in the formation of gum disease.
• Certain illnesses may be responsible for gum disease, and gum disease may be responsible for certain illnesses.

Two Major Factors Leading to Gum Disease include:

• Lack of regular dental checkups - checkups involve an examination which determines if gum disease has started.
• Lack of regular dental cleanings - without regular cleanings a patient develops plaque buildup, an increased exposure to bacteria that forms gum disease, and periodontal disease then develops.

Sporadic growth of periodontal infection may occur; when this happens or one has signs of gum disease, like bleeding gums and irritation, it is time for a visit to the Periodontist's office.

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How is periodontal infection treated?

Gum disease is treated in a variety of ways. Periodontal treatment and gum disease treatment include methods for bacteria removal. The removal of bacteria allows the area to heal, and helps to diminish the progression of gum disease.

For more information about gum disease treatment, see our Procedures section.

When you visit our New York periodontists' office, you will get a complete evaluation and we will clarify the type of periodontal treatment that you require, as well as the various treatment options available for you.

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Does periodontal treatment hurt?

At our New York periodontists' office, we ensure your comfort first and foremost. We do everything we can to offer you a comfortable experience and to reduce the anxiety you may feel. Our periodontists are trained to offer the latest techniques to minimize any discomfort associated with the treatments we provide. The majority of our patients are pleasantly surprised by the level of comfort they experience during the procedures we provide.

For more information about gum disease treatment, see our Procedures section.

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What is going to happen on my first visit at the periodontist's office?

When you visit our New York periodontal office, you will first get a complete periodontal examination and evaluation. There is little to no discomfort during the evaluation process provided by us. We may take x-rays so that we can assess the condition of your bones and teeth, and to indicate the type of periodontal treatment you require or if you have gum disease and require treatment. We will clearly reveal and explain our findings to you. You will have time to ask our periodontists questions and address your concerns.

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Are there medical consequences if I delay treatment or delay my visit to the periodontist?

Gum disease requires treatment as soon as possible. Periodontal infection gets into the bones around the teeth and can easily enter into your bloodstream. This can produce a whole host of health issues. The periodontal infection can spread and contribute to a variety of medical problems. Patients with periodontal disease that is left untreated are more likely to have a stroke and as much as two times more likely to have heart disease.

Please review our section entitled "Medical Consequences" to review the recent research correlating periodontal disease and progressive gum disease with serious medical problems.

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Do you work with my general dentist regarding my periodontal care?

Yes, we do. Our periodontists will work closely with your general dentist so that we have a comprehensive understanding of your dental history, the present condition of your oral health, and your dental needs in the future. Your general dentist will remain in charge of your care and we will coordinate our periodontal treatment provisions with those that your general dentist offers.

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What are dental implants?

Dental implants are replacements for missing roots and missing teeth. Part of a science known as Implantology or implant dentistry, our periodontists are trained in dental implant surgery and dental implant science. We will insert dental implants that can be used as an anchor for your dentist. Your dentist will then use the implants to place fixed bridges, crowns, and other forms of dental restoration. Dental implants involve dental implant surgery where the implant is placed directly into your jawbone.

For more detailed information on dental surgery and dental implants, please see the Section entitled "Implants."

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Do you use the latest equipment and techniques to treat patients with periodontal issues?

At our Midtown Manhattan office, we have periodontists that remain up to date on all of the latest advancements. We ensure your comfort at our office by using state-of-the-art methods for treatment and periodontal care. You can visit our Midtown Manhattan office or contact us for more information.

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What treatments does a periodontist provide?

Our periodontists offer an array of services to those living in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, NYC, and the Outer Boroughs. Besides the periodontal treatment and dental implant surgery / dental implant services we provide, our periodontists also provide:

• Gingival - Gum Contouring
• Gingival - Gum Grafting
• Gum Disease Prevention
• Gum Recession Treatment
• Gum Surgery
• Gummy Smile Reparation
• Perio Surgery
• Bone Grafting
• Crown Lengthening
• Frenectomy
• Hygiene Education and Maintenance
• Ridge Augmentation
• Sinus Augmentation
• Smoking Cessation Therapy
• Deep Cleaning
• Root Scaling and Planing
• Sinus Grafts
• Sinus Lifts
• Treatment for Bleeding Gums
• Treatment of Gingivitis and Bad Breath
• Tooth extraction
  

For more information on these periodontal procedures, please see the Section entitled "Procedures."

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