There are many types of dental diseases that affect various parts of the mouth—many of which cannot be identified by an individual. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least half of the American adult population has periodontal disease, widely known as gum disease.

Our team of dentists in West Hempstead, NY, specializes in periodontics, cosmetic dentistry, general dentistry, and more. At Confident Smile Dental, we are committed to providing a comprehensive assessment of your oral health to keep you smiling confidently.

Periodontal Disease and Your Dentist

As described by the American Academy of Periodontology, a periodontist is "a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease, and in the placement of dental implants." Periodontists have been trained to determine the best treatment for any gum, root, or oral tissue concerns.

Here are a few common indicators of gum disease to look for:

• Persistent bleeding during brushing or flossing
• Inflamed, sore, or weak gums
• Gum recession
• Loose teeth
• Changes to your bite
• Increased tooth sensitivity

Types of Periodontal Diseases and Treatments

Gum disease treatments depend on the severity of your condition (i.e. measuring the depth of space—also called periodontal pockets—between your teeth and gums). Your West Hempstead, NY, periodontist will observe for:

1. Gingivitis—a result of plaque buildup on/surrounding the gum line, that has been neglected, developing into gingivitis. This is the only periodontal disease that can be overturned since the disease hasn't begun attacking the bones of the teeth.
2. Slight periodontal disease—considered the next level from gingivitis, where the infection weakens the bone and supportive tissues. By this point, the disease will start inflicting serious damage to the bone.
3. Moderate periodontal disease—the next stage of the disease that deepens periodontal pockets, effectively inviting harmful bacteria to inflict further damage to the bone as well as entering the bloodstream.
4. Advanced/severe periodontal disease—bacteria will cause serious destruction to the bone and supportive tissue of the teeth. This is the stage that will likely require periodontal surgery.

Your periodontist at Confident Smile Dental will identify the severity of the disease and perform cleaning methods that aim to eliminate pockets of plaque or tartar (solidified deposits of plaque called calculus). These techniques are called scaling, root planing, or debridement, which uses an ultrasonic or small hand measuring instrument. These deep-cleaning methods remove plaque and tartar that are located above and below the gum line; thus creating a clean surface for the gums to rebuild and reattach to the teeth.

Consult With Your Periodontist

If you have noticed signs of gum disease, our team of experts at Confident Smile Dental in West Hempstead, NY, encourage you to schedule an appointment to discuss how periodontics, cosmetic dentistry, and general dentistry can improve your overall gum health. Book your appointment and call our office today at (516) 564-9444.