Why Treat Gum Disease with a Periodontist?

While many general dentists provide basic gum care, complex cases require the expertise of a periodontist— our Westchester County dental office specializes in diagnosing, preventing, and treating diseases of the gums and supporting bone. When gum disease isn’t treated promptly, it can harm both your oral health and your overall well-being.

Here’s why timely periodontal treatment is so important:

  • Loose, Drifting Teeth: Oral bacteria attack the gums and bone surrounding your teeth, causing them to loosen and shift. Once a tooth becomes mobile, it’s at serious risk of loss.
  • Tooth Sensitivity: As gums recede, tooth roots become exposed, making your teeth more sensitive to hot and cold.
  • Receding Gums and Root Cavities: When bacteria damage the gums, they pull away from the teeth, exposing vulnerable roots that are more prone to decay and harder to restore.
  • Tooth Loss: Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults. It can destroy the bone and connective tissue that support your teeth, leading to extractions or spontaneous tooth loss.
  • Systemic Health Risks: Gum disease doesn’t just affect your mouth—it can impact your entire body. Research links advanced periodontal infections to heart disease, stroke, diabetes complications, and even dementia. Treating early helps protect not only your smile but your overall health.

How Our Westchester County Periodontist Treats Gum Disease

During your consultation, our periodontist will perform a thorough periodontal examination. This includes checking the health of your teeth and gums, measuring pocket depth, assessing your bite, and reviewing diagnostic X-rays to detect any bone loss or hidden infection. After understanding your gum health, your periodontist will recommend the right treatment plan for you.

  • At-Home Dental Care Adjustments: Mild cases of gingivitis can often be reversed through improved brushing and flossing habits, guided by your periodontist’s recommendations.
  • Tray Delivery Systems: Custom trays deliver prescribed antibacterial or antibiotic solutions directly to the gums, helping control infection and inflammation.
  • Gum Debridement: This procedure removes hardened tartar deposits below the gum line to allow healing and prevent bacterial buildup.
  • Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning): Your periodontist will carefully clean above and below the gum line and smooth root surfaces to help gums reattach to the teeth.
  • Osseous Surgery: For advanced bone loss, osseous surgery removes bacterial infection and reshapes bone for better tooth support. In some cases, bone grafting or guided tissue regeneration may be used.
  • Gum and Soft Tissue Graft: This procedure rebuilds gum tissue using donor material or tissue from your mouth to restore a healthy gum line and protect tooth roots.
  • Bone Graft: When gum disease has weakened the bone, a bone graft rebuilds the foundation needed to support teeth or prepare for future dental implants.
  • Tooth Extraction and Replacement: If a tooth cannot be saved, extraction may be necessary. We’ll discuss natural-looking tooth replacement options, including dental implants, to restore your smile and function.

All treatments are designed to eliminate infection, restore gum and bone health, and prevent recurrence

Preventing Gum Disease Recurrence

Once your gums are healthy again, keeping up with regular checkups and consistent home care is the best way to prevent a relapse. Regular cleanings and simple daily habits go a long way in keeping your gums healthy for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gum Disease

Gum disease begins when plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—builds up along and under the gum line. If it isn’t removed through daily brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings, it hardens into tartar and irritates the gums. Over time, this inflammation can damage the tissues and bone that support your teeth.

The first stage, known as gingivitis, often causes red, swollen gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing. Persistent bad breath and tenderness are also common warning signs. If you notice these symptoms, schedule an evaluation with our Westchester County periodontist before the condition worsens.

Yes—when caught early, gingivitis can often be reversed with professional cleanings and improved at-home care. Once gum disease progresses to periodontitis, treatment focuses on stopping infection, repairing tissue, and preventing further loss.

Most treatments are not painful. Modern periodontal therapy often uses local anesthesia, laser techniques, and gentle methods to minimize discomfort. Any temporary sensitivity afterward is typically mild and manageable.

Once your gums are healthy, prevention becomes part of your daily routine. Brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings remove bacteria before they can cause irritation. Ongoing maintenance visits with your periodontist help protect against recurrence.

You should visit a periodontist if you notice gum recession, loose teeth, or signs of advanced gum disease. Periodontists have specialized training to treat complex cases involving bone loss, gum grafting, or surgical periodontal therapy. At Advanced Dentistry of Scarsdale, patients throughout Westchester County, NY can receive this level of care in one convenient location.

Get Comprehensive Treatment in Westchester County

If you suspect you have gum disease, don’t wait to seek care. Our periodontist provides personalized, effective treatment to restore your oral health and protect your smile.

Call Advanced Dentistry of Scarsdale at (914) 725-7100 today. We proudly serve patients throughout Scarsdale, White Plains, New Rochelle, and all of Westchester County.