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Periodontal (Gum) Treatment
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Periodontal disease can be treated and managed but not fully cured. Keep up on oral hygiene and visit the dentist frequently to maintain your smile.

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Periodontal Treatment in Troy, NY

At Evergreen Dental Care, we believe that the best way to solve dental issues is to prevent them from starting. Good oral hygiene and routine visits to the dentist are critical for avoiding gingivitis and periodontal disease.  

We are a judgment-free dentist's office, meaning, whatever the condition of a patient's smile, or the stage of their periodontal disease, we will see them.

Don't put off addressing gingivitis and periodontal disease with your local Troy and Brunswick dentist.

woman smiling while talking on phoneGingivitis

One of the most common medical issues in America, many people will have some degree of gingivitis in their lifetime. It is the first stage of periodontal disease and the only one that is reversible. For this reason, getting treatment for gingivitis and improving oral healthcare routines are essential for affected patients. 

What Causes Periodontal Disease?

When bacteria are allowed to multiply in the mouth, they release acid as a by-product. As a result, plaque turns into tartar, hardening and irritating the gums.

Tartar is too hard to remove with a toothbrush or floss, which is why we recommend patients stay on top of their twice-a-year cleanings. Once tartar forms by the gums, it will inflame and irritate them, and as the tartar builds under the gum line, it breaks the protective seal of the gums from around the teeth.

Advanced Stages of Periodontal Diseasenormal tooth compared to tooth and gums with periodontitis

If gingivitis is allowed to progress, the damage that periodontal disease causes become permanent, and the patient's options are limited. However, proper care and regular visits with the dentist can help control the symptoms and mitigate further damage that periodontal disease can cause.

Gingivitis advances toward periodontal disease as bacteria move deeper into the bone. 

If left unchecked, this problem can progress until jaw bone becomes exposed. Ultimately this can cause teeth to decay, loosen, and eventually fall out. It can cause bone loss in the jaw and compromise the patient's immune system if the area becomes further infected.

Periodontal disease makes other issues like cavities more common because the gums can no longer protect the teeth.
Though the damage caused by advanced stages of periodontal disease is not reversible and cannot be fully cured, your dentist can help control its progression and reduce the damage it does.

How to Avoid Periodontal Disease

Even if a patient's oral hygiene has not been up to standard, it's not too late to improve the regularity and quality of oral care to help mitigate periodontal disease. In addition, these good habits can help prevent these issues from ever forming in healthy patients. Here are some ways to help prevent periodontal disease or mitigate its advancement.

  • Avoid sugary and acidic foods that feed bacteria and damage enamel
  • Adopt an oral hygiene routine, brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once
  • Stop or cut back on smoking
  • Stay hydrated to help keep up oral health
  • Seek professional care from a dentist for preventive maintenance

Plan Your Next Appointment at Our Troy Dental Office

Whether you are experiencing early gingivitis or are trying to manage advanced stages of periodontal disease, Evergreen Dental Care provides expert knowledge and experience combined with a kind touch.

Contact us today to schedule a time to meet with Dr. Chi for an examination and consultation to see how we can help you smile again.

Warren L.

"My periodontist recommended Dr. Chi to me after my former dentist closed. Little did I know what the future held for me. I was a man who tended not to smile a lot, but that's all changed now. Dr. Chi gave me a smile that I'm proud to show off. During all his work, he made me realize that I was in very good hands. Everything was always explained to me. He was a kind man, never hurting me. Dr. Chi and his staff showed from the very beginning that they worked together, all with the same warm and caring attitude towards their patients. I don't worry at all when going to Dr. Chi's office. I truly lucked out!"

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Taking excellent care of our oral health is essential, especially as we age. A receding gumline can happen to anyone. Some factors that may play a role in receding a gumline:

  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Genetic predisposition toward thin gums
  • Brushing too hard or using stiff bristles or abrasive toothpaste
  • Misaligned teeth or a bite pattern causing wear or damage to gums
  • Diabetes increases the risk of gum loss
  • Gum loss becomes more common as we agewoman smiling in dental chair in troy

Whether or not a person develops a receding gumline, it's not something that develops overnight. A common cause of gumline recession is periodontal disease brought on by a bacterial infection.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is caused by tartar buildup along and under the gumline that interferes with the gum's ability to attach to the teeth. The bacteria causing the plaque will also interfere with the gum's health. As the problem worsens, the gums will steadily retreat, exposing more of the tooth root and eventually causing jawbone loss. 

Fortunately, not all hope is lost, and we can still help you protect your teeth and gums. Periodontal disease can be treated and managed with the expert help of a dentist.

Troy and Brunswick, NY Dentist

Are you worried about the health of your gums or teeth? Contact Hogeun Chi, DDS and his team at Evergreen Dental Care to schedule a time to receive a comprehensive oral examination, including a periodontal exam. Dr. Chi can work directly with you to create a treatment plan to help you achieve your ideal smile.

Gingivitis and periodontitis are both types of gum disease. However, gingivitis only affects the gum tissue, while periodontitis affects the gums and the supporting structures of your teeth.

Gingivitis vs. Periodontitis 

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums, often caused by plaque buildup along the gumline. You might notice:

  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Bleeding when you brush or floss

Fortunately, gingivitis is completely reversible with good oral hygiene and professional cleanings. Catch it early, and your gums can bounce right back.

Periodontitis, on the other hand, is more advanced. It happens when gingivitis goes untreated and the inflammation spreads below the gumline. This can lead to:

  • Gum recession
  • Bone loss
  • Tooth loss

Periodontitis requires more intensive treatment like deep cleanings (scaling and root planing), and in some cases, surgery to manage the damage.

How to Prevent Gum Disease in Troy, NY 

You can prevent gum disease by doing the following:

  • Brush twice a day.
  • Floss daily.
  • Keep up with your dental checkups. 

Call Our Dental Office in Troy, NY, Today

If you’re noticing any signs of gum trouble, we encourage you to call your dentist in Troy, NY. We welcome patients of all ages, so we can support you and your family in lifelong oral health.

Our team at Evergreen Dental Care is here to help you!

Meet Our Doctor:

Hogeun Chi DDS

Dr. Hogeun Chi was born in South Korea and moved to the US at the age of eleven. He grew up in Bethpage and Port Washington on Long Island.

He did his Undergraduate studies at SUNY Albany, before attending Post-Graduate studies at Columbia University for Human Nutrition. From there, he followed his passion into dentistry  and continued his studies at New York University College of Dentistry (NYUCD) where he graduated with a Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree. 

Dr. Chi is married to his wife, Lee, who is working alongside Dr. Chi as ...

Featured Blog Posts - Periodontal (Gum) Treatment

November 14, 2024

What Are the First Signs of Gingivitis?

Elderly man holding his ears with a pained expression.

Early gingivitis symptoms may be subtle and easy to dismiss, which is why six-month checkups are so important. If you do notice symptoms, they may include some or all of the following:

  • Bleeding gums, especially when brushing and flossing
  • Red or inflamed gums with mild to moderate recession
  • Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth, even with oral care

Remember, the first signs of gingivitis may not be noticeable, so never skip checkups and teeth cleanings with your Troy dentist.

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Is Deep Cleaning Safe for Patients with Osteoporosis?

Female patient happily smiling with her dentists | Deep cleaning in Troy NY

In rare cases, osteoporosis medications used for bone support can cause complications during medical and dental treatments. For this reason, sharing your osteoporosis diagnosis and medication list with your dentist is essential. When we know your health history, we can take all necessary precautions. However, the benefits of deep cleaning outweigh the negligible risks.

Osteoporosis means porous bones and deterioration, making periodontal treatment even more vital. With periodontitis, you can’t afford further bone loss due to this secondary diagnosis.

About Periodontal Disease Treatment in Troy, NY

Periodontal disease, sometimes called gum disease, is ...

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