Offices Conveniently Located in Great Neck & Briarwood
From a young age, we are often lectured about the importance of good dental hygiene. We know to brush after every meal, watch what foods we eat, and be mindful of bad habits, like smoking and excessive caffeine consumption. But did you know that your oral health is directly tied to wellness in other parts of your body? This is especially true when it comes to the health of your gums.
Research suggests an association between periodontal (gum) disease and other health issues, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and preterm or low birth-weight babies. That’s why it is so important to treat gum disease as soon as it’s detected. By doing so, you can prevent other health and dental issues from occurring down the line. At Cohen Dental Care, patients receive state-of-the-art periodontal services, including deep cleanings, surgery, and treatments for gum infections.
Periodontal Treatment Options
Your recommended periodontal care will depend greatly on your individual dental situation, as well as your overall health, and Dr. Cohen will take time to understand your circumstances and what will work best for you. Scaling and root planing, also known as “deep cleaning,” are the most common and conservative forms of treatment for gum disease. Scaling includes removing stubborn tartar and plaque that attach to the surface of your tooth and stick around despite regular brushing and flossing. This process especially targets the area below the gum line and along the root.
Since plaque is more likely to stick to rough surfaces, Dr. Cohen smooths down the root surface in a process called planing. More advanced gum disease calls for more advanced treatment so we offer surgical and nonsurgical periodontal strategies. For patients who are candidates for nonsurgical gum treatment, injectable antibiotics can be used to fight infections at the root of the problem. The antibiotic powder is placed inside infected periodontal pockets just after your scaling and root planing procedure is finished. In the most extreme cases, periodontal surgery is recommended. During this procedure, periodontal pockets are reduced, and excessive gingival (gum) tissue is removed and repositioned to an ideal height in relation to the teeth and the roots.
Who needs it?
Gum disease does not discriminate, so it’s possible to develop gingivitis and other oral health concerns at any point in your life. New research indicates that gum disease and periodontal issues may be linked to genetics. If you are predisposed to the condition, it’s important that you take extra care to prevent it.
Periodontal problems are often detected during routine screenings. Symptoms include red or swollen gums and general discomfort. Senior citizens or others who struggle with maintaining regular oral hygiene routines may find themselves at higher risk of developing periodontal issues. If you are diabetic, your oral health is especially important. Having this disease increases your risk of gum troubles. While gum complications are often painless, you should be alert for key symptoms, including bleeding gums, swollen gums, gums that have pulled away from your teeth, loose teeth, and chronic halitosis.
Women who are pregnant need to be especially mindful of their gum health leading up to delivery. In some cases, periodontal diseases can transfer to a newborn by way of the mother or cause other complications. You may also notice other strange symptoms in your mouth during pregnancy, including loosened teeth, decay, tooth loss, or pregnancy tumors, which can be caused by having an abundance of plaque. If you are expecting, be sure to speak with Dr. Cohen to let him know your situation and discuss any concerns you may have.
When should you have periodontal care?
As with many other dental concerns, the more quickly you address the problem at hand, the sooner you will have relief. When it comes to gum health, the stakes are even higher because you want to alleviate symptoms before they worsen or spread to other parts of your body. If you are worried about gingivitis or other dental problems, don’t put off speaking with a professional! It’s simply not worth the risk — especially with the availability of today’s advances in dental care.
Contact Cohen Dental Care for Periodontal Treatment
Dr. Cohen and his staff are dedicated to your well-being and will treat you as an extension of their own family. Their mission is to provide you with the highest quality dental care, using the latest dental technology, in a comfortable and friendly setting. Cohen Dental Care welcomes new patients and accepts most major forms of dental insurances. Please fill out the contact form to request an appointment.