Gum Health – Periodontics

Gum Disease NYC: Preserving Oral Health with Soul Dental

At Soul Dental, we’re dedicated to providing comprehensive dental care that goes beyond the basics. Our team of specialists is equipped to handle nearly any dental concern, including gum recession and gum disease. Soul Dental’s periodontist, Dr. Maxim Podolsky, is here to help New Yorkers maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Why Choose Soul Dental to Care for Your Teeth and Gums?

We strive to be more than just a dental office. Instead, we see ourselves as your partner in achieving optimal oral health. Our team of skilled specialists carefully listens to all of your concerns and offers clear explanations. Our approach to care is tailored to respect your unique needs and goals. This commitment to crafting personalized treatment makes Soul Dental an excellent choice for your gum health. From regular preventive periodontal care to innovative approaches like the pinhole surgical technique for treating gum recession, we offer a spectrum of gum care services.

What is Gum Disease?

Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is an infection of the tissue supporting your teeth. While gum disease is common, it can cause serious health problems when left unaddressed. Here are some of the reasons why it is essential to address periodontal disease quickly:

• Periodontal disease is a leading cause of tooth loss. Treating it can prevent tooth loss and avoid the need for further dental procedures.
• Gum disease, left untreated, also leads to bone loss and subsequent changes in facial structure.
• Treating gum disease can reduce pain and discomfort, improving your quality of life.
• The oral hygiene benefit of treating gum disease is last but not least! Reducing or eliminating bad breath improves patients’ social lives and confidence.

By seeking treatment for gum disease promptly, you can prevent tooth loss and the need for more invasive dental procedures in the future.

How Many Stages of Periodontal Disease Are There?

There are typically two stages: gingivitis and periodontitis. The early stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis. It is indicated by inflammation of the gums and can usually be reversed with professional treatment and correct oral care. Left untreated, however, gingivitis can become periodontitis, a deeper infection which may damage the bone and supporting structures around the teeth. 

Can Gum Disease Be Reversed?

Yes! Gum disease is reversible, particularly in the early gingivitis stage. Doing so requires practicing good oral hygiene habits such as regular brushing, flossing, and using an antiseptic mouthwash. Additionally, visiting professionals like Soul Dental in NYC for regular checkups and cleanings is essential for early detection and treatment of gum disease. By addressing it promptly and following a thorough treatment plan, gum disease can be stopped and reversed, restoring both your oral and overall health.

Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease

Detecting gum disease early is crucial for successful treatment. Here are some common signs and symptoms to be aware of:

• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing
• Receding gums (loss of gum around a tooth)
• Persistent bad breath
• Loose teeth
• New spacing between teeth
• Discomfort or tenderness

If you are experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, get in to see us as soon as possible. We can provide a thorough evaluation and develop a customized treatment plan to address your specific needs.

Causes of Gum Disease

The primary cause of gum disease is the buildup of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on the teeth. Regular brushing and flossing removes plaque, but if it’s allowed to stay on your teeth, plaque hardens into tartar, which irritates the gums and causes gum disease. Some factors which may contribute to the development of periodontal disease include:

• Poor oral hygiene habits
• Smoking or tobacco use
• Hormonal changes, such as those during pregnancy
• Diabetes
• Certain medications
• Genetics

By addressing these causes and partnering with a trusted dental professional who understands your unique needs, you can take proactive steps toward enjoying a lifetime of optimal oral health.

Preventing Gum Disease

The most powerful tool for maintaining healthy gums is prevention. You can minimize your risk of developing gum disease by following these steps:

• Follow a consistent hygiene routine: Floss daily and brush your teeth at least twice a day to remove plaque, which will prevent tartar buildup.
• Visit your dentist regularly: Regular dental checkups and professional cleanings are essential for early detection and intervention.
• Quit smoking: Smoking significantly increases the risk of gum disease and other oral health problems.
• Eat a balanced diet: A nutritious diet supports gum health and your overall immune system.
• Manage chronic conditions: If you have diabetes or another chronic condition, work closely with your healthcare team to manage your overall health, including your gum health.

Our team at Soul Dental will be happy to discuss your options with you around lifestyle changes or healthy habits to increase your gum health. If there are several changes for you to make, know that you don’t have to do everything all at once. We can advise you on some of the “biggest levers” you can pull to get the most out of your effort. 

Treatment for Gum Disease

At Soul Dental, we offer effective treatment options to address gum disease and restore your oral health. The specific treatment plan will depend on the severity of your condition but may include:

• Scaling and root planing (SRP): This deep cleaning procedure removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline, allowing the gums to heal.
• Antibiotic therapy: In some cases, we may prescribe antibiotics to eliminate any remaining bacteria and promote gum healing.
• Periodontal maintenance: After treatment, regular periodontal maintenance visits will be scheduled to monitor your gum health and prevent the recurrence of gum disease.

Our team will work with you to understand your unique situation and devise a customized plan to get you the best results possible.

Tackling Gum Recession with Pinhole Surgery at Soul Dental

Like gum disease, gum recession is a soft tissue condition that can have greater dental implications. Recession can be a result of a number of factors, including: 

• Misaligned or crowding teeth
• Genetic luck of the draw
• Poor oral hygiene
• Aggressive tooth brushing
• Lip or tongue piercings
• Tobacco use
• Gum disease
• Hormonal changes

If you’re experiencing gum recession, don’t panic! We can help. It is important to address, because leaving it untreated can cause some problems in the long-term, such as:

• Tooth sensitivity
• Dental decay
• Tooth instability
• Tooth loss 

But the good news is that it’s easier than ever to treat gum recession at Soul Dental, thanks to Dr. Maxim Podolsky and an innovative, minimally invasive procedure. Distinguished as one of the best periodontists in New York City, Dr. Podolsky is one of the very few dentists worldwide trained in the groundbreaking pinhole surgical technique (PST).

Unlike traditional periodontal surgery, the pinhole surgical technique doesn’t require invasive stitches or cutting. The procedure is straightforward: Dr. Podolsky makes a minuscule hole in the gum tissue—virtually invisible when you talk, laugh, or smile. Through this pinhole, he then repositions the gum tissue to better protect your teeth, skillfully repairing gum recession.

Recovery from pinhole surgery is quick, with minimal discomfort, allowing you to return to business as usual almost immediately. Choosing Soul Dental for your periodontal care means you get access to the latest, most effective treatments. Don’t let gum recession impact your oral health—schedule an appointment with one of the world’s top periodontists instead!

Soul Dental’s Approach to Gum Health

At Soul Dental, we believe in providing a modern and elevated experience for our patients. Our team of specialists is committed to supporting your periodontal health through prevention and treatment alongside sound patient education and personalized care. Every patient is unique, and we take the time to listen and address your concerns and goals. When you choose Soul Dental for your gum health needs, you can expect:

• Highly skilled specialists: The Soul Dental team includes experienced periodontists and dental hygienists who specialize in treating gum disease.
• Advanced technology: We utilize the latest dental advancements and technology to provide correct diagnoses and effective treatment.
• Personalized care: We work to tailor our treatment plans to meet your unique health needs.
• Comprehensive services: In addition to gum disease treatment, we offer a wide range of dental services to meet all of your oral health needs.
• Comfortable environment: Our modern and relaxing office setting is designed to make your dental experience as pleasant as possible.

If you are concerned about gum disease or want to learn more about maintaining optimal gum health, we invite you to schedule an appointment with Soul Dental. Our team of specialists endeavors to provide the highest possible standard of care so you can have a healthy, confident smile. Contact us today to experience the Soul Dental difference.