Gum Disease & Gingivitis

Gum Disease & Gingivitis Treatment in SoHo

While some are more prone to gum disease and infection, it is preventable and reversible for many. Even at the later stages, continuing treatment can restore the health of your mouth and gums and stave off more serious complications. Some of the more serious consequences of gum disease, such as gum recession and bone loss are permanent, so it’s important to see a dentist at the first signs of infection. Once gum tissue is gone, it can only be restored through grafting.

Our periodontal dentist in Lower Manhattan offers a suite of services for gingivitis and gum disease treatment. You don’t have to continue to suffer from swollen gums, bleeding, pain, and bad breath. Experience symptom relief in your very first visit to Greene Street Dental.

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Stages of Gum Disease

Thankfully, there is one major benefit to your gums being so sensitive: fast intervention. Your gums show the signs of infection early on, though you may not know how to interpret them. Being more familiar with the signs of gingivitis can help you get to a dentist faster, treat the problem earlier, and prevent gum disease from progressing to more advanced stages.

Stage One: Gingivitis
At this early stage, bacteria has begun to accumulate at the gum line, resulting in pain and inflammation. This bacteria is shielded by the tartar that has formed from other dead bacteria. Dental cleanings remove the tartar that allows this kind of environment to develop.

  • Gingivitis symptoms often include:
  • Red or reddish-purple gums that bleed when you brush or floss
  • Swollen, shiny gums that are tender to the touch
  • Sores in the mouth
  • Bad breath that doesn’t go away with brushing

Visit us right away if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms. We can conduct a thorough dental cleaning and prescribe medications or rinses that will help to thoroughly clear your mouth of infection.

    Stages Two and Three: Mild to Moderate Periodontitis
    As tartar continues to collect, bacteria populations grow. The tartar forms a physical obstacle that forces the gums away from the teeth. Inflammation from bacterial enzymes also contributes to gum recession. The result? Periodontal pockets. Inside these pockets, even more bacteria and decaying food particles can collect.

    Mild progresses to moderate when the bacteria have begun to erode and destroy the tissues and ligaments that support your teeth. You may experience loose teeth and more severe pain.

    Stage Four: Severe Periodontitis
    The final stage of gum disease is indicated by substantial bone and tissue loss. At stage four, you may experience abscesses, tooth loss, and severe halitosis. Treatment interventions for this level of gum disease will likely be more invasive.

    Gum Therapy for Periodontitis

    There are several possible treatment interventions for patients with gum disease. One of the primary treatments is called scaling and root planing (SRP), which is essentially a deep dental cleaning that involves scraping away tartar below the gum line. Other treatments include:

    • Gum grafting. Unfortunately, once gums recede, they don’t grow back. Without your gums, it can be difficult to get fitted for dentures or other restorative dentistry options. Gum grafting helps the gums to regrow and provide a stable foundation for tooth replacements. Gum grafting can also help to stabilize and protect your remaining natural teeth.
    • Periodontal pocket reduction. Getting rid of periodontal pockets is important to stopping infection in its tracks. This form of therapy reduces the number of bacteria in and around your gums and helps gum tissue reform to the tooth.
    • Crown Lengthening. After severe tooth decay, sometimes there’s not enough tooth left to attach a dental crown. Lengthening the crown through a gingivectomy can give your dentist more tooth space to work with. It can also even out the appearance of your gums.
    • Laser treatment. We can perform soft tissue surgery with diode lasers, so patients experience less pain and bleeding and a faster recovery. Laser therapy also helps to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria.

    We may offer one or a combination of these treatments to maximize your outcome and ensure a timely recovery.

    Your All-in-One Dental Office for Gum Care and Maintenance

    Whichever stage of gum disease you’re battling, our dentists and dental hygienists are ready to team up with you and fight for symptom improvement. Living with sore, sensitive gums can have huge, long-term effects on your self-image and your day-to-day life. We have the means to help and a willingness to set you on a better path toward great oral health. Let’s work together to create a treatment plan that works for you.

    Check out our other periodontics services

    Dental Deep Cleaning (SRP)

    Get Gum Disease and Gingivitis Treatment at Our NYC Office

    Don’t wait to get treatment. Modern technology allows us to offer near-painless, fast, and effective treatment, so you have nothing to fear from seeking help. Visit our periodontal dentist by scheduling online or calling (212) 226-5777 to book your appointment.