Gum Disease Treatment

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal treatment is necessary when various conditions affect the health of your gums and the regions of your jaw bone that hold your teeth in place. Retaining your teeth is directly dependent on proper periodontal care and maintenance. Healthy gums enhance the appearance of your teeth, like a frame around a beautiful painting. When your gums become unhealthy, they can either recede or become swollen and red. In later stages, the supporting bone is destroyed and your teeth will shift, loosen, or fall out. These changes not only affect your ability to chew and speak. They also spoil your smile.

Periodontal diseases are ongoing infections of the gums that gradually destroy the support of your natural teeth. Periodontal disease affects one or more of the periodontal tissues: alveolar bone, periodontal ligament, cementum, or gingiva. While there are many diseases which affect the tooth-supporting structures, plaque-induced inflammatory lesions make up the majority of periodontal issues, and are divided into two categories: gingivitis and periodontitis. While gingivitis, the less serious of the diseases, may never progress into periodontitis, it always precedes periodontitis.

Gingivitis

Dental plaque is the primary cause of gingivitis in genetically-susceptible individuals. Plaque is a sticky colorless film, composed primarily of food particles and various types of bacteria, which adhere to your teeth at and below the gum line. Plaque constantly forms on your teeth, even minutes after cleaning. Bacteria found in plaque produce toxins or poisons that irritate the gums. Gums may become inflamed, red, swollen, and bleed easily. If this irritation is prolonged, the gums separate from the teeth causing pockets (spaces) to form. If daily brushing and flossing is neglected, plaque can also harden into a rough, porous substance known as calculus (or tartar). This can occur both above and below the gum line.

Periodontitis

If gingivitis progresses into periodontitis, the supporting gum tissue and bone that holds teeth in place deteriorates. The progressive loss of this bone, the alveolar, can lead to loosening and subsequent loss of teeth. Periodontitis is affected by bacteria that adhere to the tooth’s surface, along with an overly aggressive immune response to these bacteria.

Periodontal disease is dangerous in that it is often painless and symptomless. Eighty percent 80% of Americans will be afflicted with periodontal disease by age 45, and 4 out of 5 patients with the disease are unaware they have it. It is important to maintain proper home oral care and regular dentist visits to reduce the risk of obtaining this disease.

Gum Disease Treatment Options

At Rosen Specialized Dentistry, we offer periodontal treatments to help manage gum disease, reduce inflammation, and protect the health of your gums and supporting bone. The appropriate treatment depends on the severity of your periodontal disease, the condition of your gum tissue, and your individual oral health needs. Our team provides personalized periodontal care for patients in Peekskill, Somers, and surrounding Westchester County communities.

Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)

Scaling and root planing is a common nonsurgical treatment for gum disease. This deep cleaning procedure removes plaque and tartar from beneath the gum line and smooths the tooth roots to help reduce bacterial buildup and support gum tissue healing. It is often recommended for patients with early to moderate periodontitis.

Osseous Surgery (Pocket Reduction Surgery)

For more advanced periodontal disease, osseous surgery may be recommended to address deep periodontal pockets that are difficult to clean through nonsurgical treatment alone. This procedure allows access to affected tooth roots and supporting bone to remove bacterial deposits and reduce pocket depths, making ongoing oral hygiene and periodontal care more manageable.

Gum Grafting

Periodontal disease can contribute to gum recession, exposing tooth roots and increasing sensitivity. Gum grafting may help restore coverage to exposed roots, protect vulnerable areas, and improve gum tissue stability. While gum grafting does not eliminate periodontal infection, it can be an important part of comprehensive treatment for patients experiencing gum recession.

Periodontal Maintenance

Following active gum disease treatment, ongoing periodontal maintenance helps manage bacterial buildup and reduce the risk of disease recurrence. These specialized maintenance visits typically involve thorough cleaning above and below the gum line, monitoring periodontal pocket depths, and evaluating the health of your gums. Your dental team will recommend a maintenance schedule based on your periodontal health.

Which Gum Disease Treatment Is Right for You?

Not every patient with gum disease requires surgery. Early gingivitis may improve with professional cleaning and consistent home care, while more advanced periodontitis may require scaling and root planing, surgical treatment, or a combination of periodontal procedures. An examination of your gums, periodontal pocket depths, and supporting bone can help determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

If you are experiencing bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, or loose teeth, contact Rosen Specialized Dentistry to schedule an evaluation at our Peekskill or Somers location.