Red, tender or swollen gums are indicators of gingivitis and the early stages of periodontal disease. If caught soon enough by your dentist, the disease is treatable and can usually be addressed with a thorough dental cleaning. Advanced gum disease, on the other hand, occurs when plaque and bacteria extend below the gum line, which can lead to bone destruction and tooth loss over time.
Fortunately, Dr. Blaustein and his staff at New York City’s Chelsea Dental Aesthetics offer the latest treatments in non-surgical periodontal therapy that can help eradicate infection and restore your gum’s health. Performed under local anesthesia, scaling and root planing are non-invasive therapies that can help prevent the need for surgical intervention later on.
Daily brushing and flossing along with a professional tooth cleaning every 6 months can usually thwart the beginning stages of gingivitis. If left untreated, more severe cases of gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which can lead to chronic inflammation within the gums and gingival tissues.
Early intervention is key, which is why it’s imperative that patients practice good oral hygiene and schedule regular dental check-ups. In the event that periodontal therapy is required, Dr. Blaustein will outline the basic steps and recovery process involved.
Scaling and root planing are in essence just a deep cleaning below the gum line and along the roots of your teeth. After the therapy, most patients won’t require any further treatment since the supportive tissues are able to reattach to the tooth surface. Dr. Blaustein’s state-of-the-art dental office has the latest ultrasonic tools and lasers for removing built up plaque and tartar, allowing for a much smoother recovery with less bleeding, swelling and general discomfort compared to other cleaning methods.
After the scaling and root planing procedures, Dr. Blaustein administers local antibiotics and confirms that all tartar and bacterial toxins have been removed through physical inspection and radiographic images. In addition, Dr. Blaustein may prescribe an antibacterial mouth wash to help maintain the health of your gums.
Patients are asked to return for a follow-up appointment, which is usually scheduled four weeks after the scaling and root planing. During this visit, Dr. Blaustein will evaluate the success of the treatment and discuss how patients can maintain healthy gums for years to come.
It’s estimated that between 65 and 80 percent of American adults suffer from some form of gum disease, the majority of which can be treated with non-surgical therapies. Here at Chelsea Dental Aesthetics, we’re pleased to offer affordable non-surgical periodontal therapy in NYC along with other general and cosmetic dentistry services. Please call our Midtown office at 212.243.6081 to learn more or to schedule your consultation today.
