Periodontics

Periodontics in Central Harlem

Teeth get all the attention, but gums are vital to maintaining oral health. Making sure that your gums stay healthy and, by extension, that your teeth stay healthy, is the goal of periodontics. Morningside Dental Care’s New York City gum health experts monitor the soft tissues in your mouth to ensure they offer the support and protection your teeth need. We can catch signs of periodontal disease early and treat the condition with less invasive options than other offices. At our practice, your gums finally get the attention they deserve.

Gum Disease, Gingivitis, Periodontitis – What’s the Difference?

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. It’s caused by the bacteria in plaque, a sticky film that forms on your teeth. If left untreated, periodontal disease can cause tooth loss and other serious health problems. Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease, while periodontitis is the more advanced stage, where the disease has spread into more of the gum tissue and even into the bone.

Symptoms of gum disease include:

Redness or swelling
Bleeding
Receding gums
Loose teeth
Bone loss

Certain habits put you at increased risk of gingivitis and periodontitis such as smoking and poor oral hygiene habits. However, some contributing factors are out of your control, like your medication or immune system. Whatever the case, we never judge you for having problems with your gums. We just want to get you well.

Multiple Options for Treating Gingivitis and Periodontitis

Our upper Manhattan office offers a variety of treatment options for gum disease, depending on the severity of your condition. We start with non-surgical treatments like oral rinses, deep dental cleanings, and advice on at-home care. For more advanced cases, we can perform laser gum therapy, allowing you to receive intensive treatment with less hassle or pain. Our periodontics dentist will work with you to determine the best treatment plan for your specific needs.

Supporting Gum Health Naturally

While professional treatment is necessary for gum disease, our holistic periodontal dentist can also recommend some natural remedies to help boost the health of your gums. That includes tips on topical treatments as well as dietary suggestions like incorporating foods rich in vitamin C and D. Talk to our team if you’re interested in combining our in-office gum disease treatment with at-home holistic treatments.

Check out other Periodontics Dentistry Services

LANAP® Laser Gum Therapy

The Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure uses gentle laser light to remove tissue affected by gum disease. LANAP is more targeted than traditional gum surgery and promotes healing.

LANAP® Laser Gum Therapy

The Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure uses gentle laser light to remove tissue affected by gum disease. LANAP is more targeted than traditional gum surgery and promotes healing.

Dental Deep Cleaning (SRP)

Scaling and root planing treatment cleans below the gumline to remove hard-to-reach plaque and tartar. We then smooth out the grooves in your teeth roots to prevent bacteria from building up there again.

Dental Deep Cleaning (SRP)

Preventative Gum Care

Not thinking about gum health is a big contributing factor to gum disease. We push back on that by educating and empowering patients to be mindful and take control of their oral health. We recommend the best toothbrushes, demonstrate how to floss properly, and remind you of your appointments, treating gum disease by stopping it before it starts.

Gum Disease Treatment and Prevention in Morningside Heights

Most people don’t think about periodontics until they have a problem with their gums, but Morningside Dental Care considers periodontics at each cleaning and checkup. Contact us online or at 212-864-7224 to schedule a cleaning or to assess your gum health. With our safe and effective treatments, we can transform painful, swollen gums into healthy, supportive tissue for a beautiful smile.