Gum Disease Treatment in Midtown Manhattan

Signs of gum disease and who needs treatment

Gum disease has two main stages. Gingivitis affects only the gums and can usually be reversed with professional cleaning and good daily care. Periodontitis is the more advanced stage: the infection damages the bone and fibers that anchor the teeth, and pockets form between the gums and teeth where bacteria collect. That damage cannot be fully undone, but treatment can slow or stop it.

Book an exam if you notice:

• red, swollen or tender gums
• bleeding when you brush or floss
• receding gums, where more of the tooth shows than before
• bad breath or a bad taste that keeps coming back
• pus between the gums and teeth
• teeth that feel loose, have moved, or meet differently when you bite

Some people are more likely to develop gum disease, including those who smoke or use other tobacco, people with diabetes or a family history of gum disease, and people going through hormonal changes such as pregnancy. Medicines that cause a dry mouth can also raise the risk.

Treatment is for anyone diagnosed with gingivitis or periodontitis. It also matters before restorative or cosmetic work such as implants, crowns, veneers or Invisalign, because that work depends on healthy gums.

What gum disease treatment involves

Gum disease is driven by bacteria in plaque and tartar that collect along and below the gum line. Treatment removes that buildup, helps the gums heal and keeps the bacteria under control over time. Depending on the stage, it may include:

• Professional cleaning for gingivitis, together with better brushing and cleaning between the teeth at home (see teeth cleaning)
• Scaling and root planing, often called deep cleaning, which cleans out the pockets under the gum line and smooths the root surfaces so the gums can heal
• Medication in some cases, such as an antibiotic or an antibacterial rinse, to help control infection
• Periodontal maintenance, meaning cleanings at shorter intervals than usual to keep the pockets from becoming infected again
• Surgical treatment for advanced cases, such as gum surgery or gum and bone grafting, when deep pockets or bone loss remain after deep cleaning

Dr. Avner is a general dentist who has completed advanced courses in periodontics. He will tell you which of these options suit your case.

Benefits and what to expect

Treating gum disease can reduce bleeding, swelling and bad breath, help the gums tighten around the teeth and slow or stop further bone loss. Healthy gums and bone are what hold your natural teeth in place, and they matter for any future implant or crown.

Researchers have found links between gum disease and other conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. The connection is still being studied, but in people with diabetes, gum inflammation and blood sugar control appear to affect each other.

After a deep cleaning, your gums may be sore and your teeth sensitive to cold for a while. Over-the-counter pain relievers and a soft toothbrush usually help. As the swelling goes down, the gums often sit a little lower, so teeth can look slightly longer and small gaps between them may become more visible. This is a normal part of healing.

Results vary. They depend on how advanced the disease is, how well you clean at home, and risk factors such as smoking and diabetes. Periodontitis is a long-term condition: it can be controlled, but it needs ongoing care to keep it from coming back.

How gum disease treatment works, step by step

1. Gum exam and X-rays. Dr. Avner measures the pockets between your gums and teeth with a thin probe, checks for bleeding, recession and loose teeth, and takes X-rays to see the bone.
2. Diagnosis and plan. We explain the stage of the disease, what is contributing to it and the treatment we recommend, along with its cost.
3. Cleaning or deep cleaning. Gingivitis is usually treated with a professional cleaning. For periodontitis, scaling and root planing is done under local anesthesia, often one section of the mouth at a time.
4. Home care coaching. We show you the brushing and between-the-teeth cleaning methods that work for your gums, such as floss, small interdental brushes or a water flosser.
5. Medication if needed. In some cases, an antibiotic or antibacterial rinse is added to help control the infection.
6. Re-evaluation. After your gums have had several weeks to heal, we measure the pockets again to see how they responded.
7. Maintenance or further care. If your gums have responded, you move on to regular maintenance visits. If deep pockets remain, we discuss further options, which may include surgical treatment.