Periodontics
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Periodontal disease is more commonly known as gum disease. Your gums are the tissues that hold your teeth in place. Poor brushing and flossing habits can lead to the formation of plaque—a built-up layer of bacteria. Over time, plaque can cause inflammation and damage to your gums and can lead to bleeding, gum pain, or even tooth loss.
What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?
- Swollen or inflamed gums
- Bleeding gums, especially when you brush your teeth
- Chronic bad breath
- Unpleasant taste in your mouth
- Deep pockets between your teeth and gums
- Receding gums (gums that pull away from your teeth)
- Loose teeth
- Teeth that shift and change how they fit together when you bite down
Regular checkups with your dentist are the best way to make sure that gum disease is detected and treated early. But when your general dentist finds signs of gum disease, they may refer you to a periodontist.
What Do Periodontists Do?
Periodontists are dentists who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease. They have extensive training in the treatment of oral inflammation. They are also experts in the placement of dental implants.
In addition to treating gum disease, periodontists also perform a wide range of specialized procedures:
Gum Graft Surgery
Healthy gum tissue taken from your palate or another donor source is used to cover an uneven gumline or exposed root.
Regenerative Procedures
After removing harmful bacteria, periodontists use bone grafts or tissue-stimulating proteins to encourage natural bone and tissue regeneration.
Dental Implants
Metal screws are inserted into the jawbone to act as permanent anchors for replacement teeth or bridges.
Gum Pocket Reduction
The gum tissue is folded back, cleaned of bacteria, and reattached. The bone surface is sometimes smoothed out to allow for more secure placement and to reduce areas for bacteria to thrive.
Cosmetic Procedures
Treatments to correct uneven or pronounced gum lines, cover exposed roots, or correct indentations in the contour of the gums or jaw.
Why Choose ColumbiaDoctors Dentistry?
At ColumbiaDoctors Dentistry, we are the experts that train the experts. Our dentists are all faculty at Columbia College of Dental Medicine, with years of specialized training and experience. We offer the latest techniques for treating gum disease, including state-of-the-art surgical procedures.
We offer treatment in comfortable private-practice settings—you'll be able to see an expert periodontist in the same office as your general dentist. And with multiple ColumbiaDoctors Dentistry locations throughout Manhattan, you'll be able to find a dentist near you.
