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Woodstock General and Implant Dentistry on May 22, 2017

Keeping Your Gums Healthy

Periodontal (or Gum) Disease is an infection caused by the bacteria in plaque. These bacteria cause the irritation that leads to inflamed, red, and tender gums.   The early stage of periodontal disease is called gingivitis and is reversible through brushing, flossing, and good oral hygiene.

Left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, the stage of gum disease where tooth loss is imminent. Through education, regular dental check-ups, and the promotion of good oral hygiene, Woodstock General & Implant Dentistry helps our patients from the Hudson Valley, Ulster County, Dutchess County, and surrounding communities prevent and treat gum disease and subsequent tooth loss.

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The Effects of Periodontitis

Gum disease doesn’t just affect your mouth. This oral infection puts you at greater risk for other illnesses and conditions that include:

  • Heart Disease & Stroke
  • Osteoporosis
  • Diabetes Mellitus
  • Pre-Term/Low Birth Weight Babies
  • Respiratory Disease

Prevention & Treatment

The best way to prevent and treat periodontal disease in its earliest stages is to have your teeth and gums professionally cleaned at Woodstock General & Implant Dentistry.

During your cleaning, the plaque deposits will be removed, along with the bacteria responsible for gingivitis. In addition to professional cleanings twice a year, a daily brushing and flossing regimen will help to keep plaque from building up on your teeth and gums.

For patients with gingivitis that has progressed to periodontitis, a professional cleaning at Woodstock General & Implant Dentistry is recommended to remove the build-up of plaque. It is also important to address and treat any underlying conditions or illnesses that may have contributed to the progression of gum disease.

Severe plaque build-up causes the gums to recede, compromising the support of the teeth. During your treatment, we will clean the pockets of the gums and determine if teeth need to be extracted to prevent further damage.

The LANAP PerioLase® Procedure

This FDA approved LASER treatment for periodontitis enables us to avoid gum surgery in most cases.

Our practice is a PerioLase® Certified Office which enables us to treat gum disease with this state-of-the-art technology and protocol. As one of the first PerioLase® offices in the area and have been using this treatment for the over 5 years with great success.

The LANAP protocol is a patient friendly, minimally invasive treatment for gum disease that requires no cutting or suturing. Our dentists are highly trained in and have substantial experience utilizing the PerioLase® MVP-7 to perform this FDA cleared laser gum disease treatment.