Gum Disease

This Specialists deal with cases starting from moderate gingivitis to more extreme periodontitis. They provide a extensive variety of treatments, which includes scaling and root planing, root surface debridement, and regenerative procedures. When necessary, periodontists can also carry out surgical procedures for patients with severe gum disease. Additionally, periodontists are educated in the placement, preservation and repair of dental implants.

Gum disease is diagnosed when probing reveals one or more periodontal pockets, or regions in which the gum has pulled far from the tooth, four millimeters deep or more. In a few instances, only one quadrant, or quarter of the mouth, may be affected. In other cases, the affected areas may additionally span at some stage in the whole mouth.

Gum disease can be caused by a lack of regular and proper brushing and flossing, long periods of time between regular professional dental cleanings, and other known conditions which includes diabetes.

How can I prevent tooth decay and gum disease?

Good oral hygiene starts at home, though it needs to be supplemented by regular visits to our cosmetic and general dentistry practice, Astoria Dental Group. Steps you can take to prevent tooth decay and gum disease include:

Thorough brushing

Brush at least twice daily using a soft-bristle toothbrush and an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste. This helps prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and the need for costly cosmetic or restorative dentistry in the future. Replace your brush every two to three months.

Proper flossing

Flossing is crucial to the health of your teeth and gums and the prevention of gum disease. When flossing, use an 18-inch strand of floss. Ease the floss between each tooth; then, sweep it up and down several times while curving around the tooth at the gum line. Don’t forget to floss behind your last tooth and to floss bridges and artificial teeth with the aid of a floss threader.

Regular dental visits

At every regularly-scheduled dental appointment at Family Cosmetic Dentistry, one of our dentists will carefully check your teeth, gums, mouth, and throat. A checkup at Family Cosmetic Dentistry office includes:

• A head and neck examination: This includes a cancer exam, facial exam, palpation of chewing muscles, palpation of lymph nodes, and an exam of the temporomandibular (jaw) joint.
• A clinical dental examination: This includes a periodontal exam and examinations of the mobility of teeth, the mucous membranes, saliva, occlusion (bite), removable appliances, and contact between teeth. If we detect tooth decay or broken fillings, we will discuss appropriate action with you.
• A full set of digital X-rays
• A dental cleaning (prophylaxis): This includes scaling plaque, polishing teeth, flossing, assessing your mouth’s cleanliness, and providing oral hygiene instructions. If you wish to learn more about proper brushing and flossing techniques, ask your dentist about it at this stage of the visit.

A number of European countries have banned the use of mercury fillings outright and the FDA has recommended that they not be given to pregnant women, children, and patients with weak immune systems.