Table of contents
What Is Periodontics?
Periodontics focuses on treating problems affecting the structures supporting your teeth. The structures include your gums, the bone surrounding your teeth, known as alveolar bone, and ligaments called periodontal ligaments.
These ligaments are stretchy tissues that act like tiny shock absorbers, so that when you bite down, they absorb some of the pressure created. The periodontal ligaments are attached to teeth and the tooth sockets, holding them in place.
All of the structures can be destroyed by periodontitis, a common bacterial infection requiring the services of an experienced periodontist. Without these structures, the risk of tooth loss increases, and advanced periodontal disease, including gingivitis, is the most common reason for losing teeth.
What Is a Periodontist?
A periodontist is a dental specialist who has undergone years of advanced training. They must first complete training in general dentistry before specializing in this field and spending an additional three years in dental school. After graduating, a periodontist must become board-certified to practice in their chosen state.
A periodontist can provide a wide range of treatments that are beyond the scope of the general dentist.
When to See a Periodontist
You may need to see a periodontist if you require specialist dental treatment. Some individuals may require the services of a periodontist temporarily for a specific treatment. Others may benefit from consulting a periodontist in the long term, for example, if they develop a chronic disease such as periodontal disease.
Advanced Dental Implant Treatments
Periodontists are also experts in planning and placing dental implants, as well as providing all other treatments associated with the gums and jawbone. Whether you need a single implant or a full arch restoration, a periodontist will ensure you receive the best planned implant treatment and achieve optimal results.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is a progressive, inflammatory destruction of the attachment apparatus supporting your dentition. Initiated by pathogenic bacteria within plaque biofilm, the condition triggers a localized immune response that systematically breaks down the gingival tissue, periodontal ligament, and surrounding alveolar bone.
Once the disease transitions from reversible gingivitis to advanced periodontitis, it becomes a chronic condition requiring targeted, specialist intervention to arrest tissue degradation, stabilize bone levels, and mitigate systemic inflammatory risks linked to overall health.
Periodontal Maintenance & Surgery
Periodontal maintenance includes scaling and root planing, a treatment also called a deep dental cleaning. When periodontal disease is present, regular deep dental cleanings may be necessary to control this condition.
Our periodontists at NYC Dentistry Center can also provide a range of advanced treatments for periodontal disease. These include:
- Pinhole surgery and gum grafting to rejuvenate and restore damaged gums.
- LANAP laser gum surgery to treat advanced periodontal disease.
Benefits of Periodontal Treatment
Periodontal treatment can offer some significant benefits, including:
- Restoring gum health and stopping the progression of gum disease.
- Preventing the loss of inflamed or infected teeth with apicoectomy.
- Restoring functionality and the ability to eat and speak.
- Supporting long-term implant success.
- Improving overall health and appearance.
- Supporting overall health.
The Connection between Periodontal and Overall Health
Good periodontal health and overall health are closely linked. An increasing number of clinical studies have shown the connection between advanced gum disease and serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes, respiratory illnesses, stroke, and complications during pregnancy.
If you have advanced periodontal disease, the bacteria that cause this condition can affect your overall health, increasing the risk of you developing serious health problems. Conversely, if you already have health problems, these can increase the likelihood of developing periodontal disease.
Taking care of your gums and following a good preventive dental care routine can help protect and promote better overall health.
Other Treatments Offered by Periodontists
Our periodontal team provides advanced surgical therapies designed to regenerate lost hard and soft tissues, restore structural symmetry, and optimize the functional foundation of your mouth. These highly specialized procedures include:
- Dental Bone Grafting: This procedure involves placing biocompatible bone matrix material into areas of severe alveolar bone loss. It stimulates natural bone regeneration, rebuilding the essential structural volume needed to stabilize loose teeth or establish a solid foundation for dental implant placement.
- Gum Grafting: Designed to treat severe gingival recession, this micro-surgical procedure uses soft tissue grafts to cover exposed root surfaces. This shields vulnerable cementum from decay, eliminates root hypersensitivity, and reinforces the protective band of attached gingiva around the teeth.
Dental Bone Grafting
Bone grafting is often necessary to prepare the jawbone for implant surgery, and our periodontal team provides a range of bone grafting services, including sinus lifts, socket preservation after tooth extractions, and ridge augmentation surgery.
As periodontists are specialists in bone grafting, they are also the people to see if you have any problems with a bone graft completed previously or have other complications that could affect a dental bone graft.
You may never need to see a periodontist for specialist care, but if you do, it’s comforting to know that these services are available from NYC Dentistry Center, a team you already trust to take excellent care of your oral health.
If you are looking to improve your gum health and prevent periodontal disease, periodontic care at NYC Dentistry Center in Midtown East can help. Call our office at (212) 518-6096 or visit our dentistry center to learn more.
NYC Dentistry Center6 E 45th St #801
New York, NY 10017
(45th St. btw 5th Ave / Madison Ave)
(212) 518-6096