
Gum disease can severely undermine the health and appearance of your teeth.
Gum disease is one of the most common and most damaging dental problems facing our Bay Shore, NY, patients. Nearly half of adults in the United States suffer from some degree of gum disease, which continues to be a leading cause of tooth loss. If you have swollen or bleeding gums, Drs. Daniel P. Duggan and John E. Seylar may be able to save your smile with gum disease treatment. Early intervention can prevent tooth decay, gum tissue recession, and other undesirable symptoms of periodontitis. In addition to serving Bay Shore, we also serve patients in nearby West Islip and North Babylon, NY.
Gum disease can severely undermine the health and appearance of your teeth.
Periodontal disease damages the areas that support the teeth, including the gums and alveolar bone. Known risk factors for gum disease include:
Unfortunately, the symptoms of gum disease are not always immediately obvious. During a visit to our Bay Shore dental practice, one of our doctors will examine your smile to identify potential signs of the condition, including:
Gum disease is generally classified into three stages:
Maintaining healthy gums is critical to maintaining optimal oral health. By undergoing periodontal care at our dental practice, you can benefit from:
Furthermore, there are proven benefits to your overall health, as well. Studies have shown a link between gum disease and health issues like including diabetes and heart disease. As a result, keeping your gums healthy can also keep your entire body healthy.
For patients with the early stages of gingivitis, regular dental cleanings twice a year are often enough to keep the gums healthy. During your visit, a member of our dental team will gently remove plaque and tartar deposits. If one of our dentists or hygienists observe signs of gum disease, they can recommend simple home remedies, like flossing and therapeutic mouthwashes, to address your symptoms.
More advanced stages of gum disease may require deep cleanings, also known as scaling and root planing. During this procedure, your gums will be numbed using a topical anesthetic. Then the doctor can remove tartar from above and below the gum line, a procedure referred to as scaling. Afterward, one of the doctors can perform root planing to smooth the surface of your roots to prevent the return of plaque deposits and infection. Antibiotics can also be applied or prescribed to address advanced infections.
Patients who have advanced periodontitis that cannot be treated using non-surgical means may require pocket reduction surgery or another surgical gum disease treatment.
Once your gum disease treatment is complete, most patients can enjoy fully restored oral health. With proper oral hygiene habits and twice-a-year visits to Duggan Dental Group, you can prevent the return of gum disease. Our office offers CareCredit® financing to help patients afford treatment. To schedule your gum disease treatment, contact our office online or call (631) 586-6300.
"We love Dr. Duggan and his staff. Everyone is friendly and professional and we feel that they would do anything for our family. We highly recommend to anyone!"
Colleen Kelly V.