GUM & PERIODONTAL Disease TreatmentS Upper Westside Manhattan

Periodontal diseases are infections of the gums, which gradually cause destruction of the bony support of your natural teeth. There are numerous disease entities requiring different treatment approaches. Dental plaque is the primary cause of gum disease in genetically susceptible individuals. Daily brushing and flossing will prevent most periodontal conditions. Unfortunately, even with the most diligent home dental care, people still can develop some form of periodontal disease. Once this disease starts, professional intervention is necessary to prevent its progress.

What Causes Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease and decay are both caused by bacterial plaque. Plaque is a colorless film, which sticks to your teeth at the gum line. Plaque constantly forms on your teeth. Bacteria found in plaque produces toxins or poisons that irritate the gums, which may cause them to turn red, swell and bleed easily. If this irritation is prolonged, the gums separate from the teeth, causing pockets (spaces) to form. As periodontal diseases progress, the supporting gum tissue and bone that holds teeth in place deteriorate. If left untreated, this leads to tooth loss.

Other important factors affecting the health of your gums include:

• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Stress
• Clenching and grinding teeth
• Medication
• Poor nutrition

Preventing Gum Disease

Adults over 35 lose more teeth to gum disease (periodontal disease) than from cavities. Three out of four adults are affected at some time in their life. The best way to prevent cavities and periodontal disease is by good tooth brushing and flossing techniques, performed daily, and routine visits to our office so we can prevent and manage any problems.

Gum Disease Treatment Options

Here is an overview of options.  Please visit the corresponding tabs to find out more.

**Non-Surgical Treatments

1. Professional Dental Cleaning
For early-stage gum disease (gingivitis), a thorough cleaning removes plaque and tartar buildup above and below the gumline.

2. Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning, also called “Gum Infection Cleaning”)
A more advanced cleaning that smooths the tooth roots and removes bacteria from beneath the gums. This helps the gums heal and reattach to the teeth.

3. Antibacterial Therapy (Arestin)
Targeted antibiotics or antimicrobial rinses may be used to reduce infection and promote healing.

---

**Advanced (Surgical) Treatments

1. Pocket Reduction Surgery 
Also called flap surgery, this procedure gently lifts the gums to remove deep bacteria and reduce spaces where infection can hide. The bone is smoothed out so bacteria cannot get trapped anymore.

2. Gum Grafting
If gum recession has occurred, healthy tissue is used to restore the gumline, protecting the teeth and improving appearance.

3. Dental Implants
In cases where teeth cannot be saved, implants provide a long-lasting, natural-looking replacement.  See our section on “Dental Implants”.