Periodontal diseases are infections that affect the gums, alveolar bone, and periodontal ligament. They typically develop due to a buildup of dental plaque and bacteria along the gumline. Here’s how they develop:

• Initial Stage (Gingivitis): Gingivitis targets the gums, causing inflammation and bleeding.
• Progression: Without treatment, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, affecting deeper structures like the bone and ligaments.
• Factors Contributing to Development: Poor oral hygiene, smoking, genetic predisposition, and certain medical conditions can increase the risk of developing periodontal diseases.

Periodontal diseases manifest through various symptoms, indicating the need for prompt dental intervention:

• Bleeding or Swollen Gums: Gums may bleed during brushing or flossing, and they might appear swollen or tender.
• Bad Breath: Persistent bad breath, even after oral hygiene practices, can be a sign of periodontal disease.
• Painful Chewing: Discomfort or pain while chewing food is another common symptom.
• Sensitive Teeth: Increased tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli may occur.
• Loose Teeth: Advanced periodontal disease can lead to tooth mobility or loosening.
• Gum Recession: The gums may recede, exposing more of the tooth’s root surface.

When you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, there are three phases that Dr. Narine Cazazian at Bayside Family Dentistry in Bayside, New York will go through for treatment. These are as follows:

Step One: Etiological Phase

The etiological phase will consist of attempting to control the infection while restoring healthy microbiota that should be present in your mouth. The team at Bayside Family Dentistry will attempt to find out what’s causing the periodontal disease in the first place. You will learn what you need to do at home, including taking care of your health in general. If you smoke, you’ll be instructed to quit. Scaling and root planning will also happen during this phase. This is when the dentist will thoroughly deep clean your teeth and remove plaque. You might also be prescribed medication to take.

Step Two: Surgical Phase

If the etiological phase wasn’t effective, you will move into the surgical treatment. This will most likely happen if pockets of infection, plaque, and tarter are deep enough that they can’t be cleaned out. This will happen somewhere between 4 and 8 weeks following the start of the treatment.

Surgery involves leveling small bone defects or using regenerative surgery methods for deep bone defects. The end result of these surgeries is to get rid of space between the teeth and bone that can be broken or destroyed by periodontal disease. This makes it harder for bacteria, tarter, and plaque to fester.

Step Three: Maintenance Phase

Once you’ve gone through the etiological and surgical phases, you’ll enter maintenance, which is meant to prevent periodontal disease from returning. Bayside Family Dentistry will give you instructions on oral hygiene practices you should follow, such as brushing and flossing daily. Follow your dentist’s advice!

Early treatment is vital for several reasons:

• Prevention of Complications: Treating periodontal diseases early can prevent complications such as tooth loss and systemic health issues.
• Preservation of Oral Health: Timely intervention helps preserve gum and bone health, maintaining the stability of teeth.
• Enhanced Treatment Success: Addressing periodontal diseases in the early stages often leads to more straightforward and more successful treatment outcomes.

At Bayside Family Dentistry, we offer comprehensive treatment options tailored to each patient’s needs:

• Non-Surgical Treatments: Scaling and root planing, antibiotic therapy, and professional dental cleanings.
• Surgical Interventions: Pocket reduction surgery, bone grafting, guided tissue regeneration, and soft tissue grafts.
• Maintenance Therapy: Ongoing maintenance visits to monitor and maintain periodontal health post-treatment.

During the initial consultation at Bayside Family Dentistry, patients can expect:

• Comprehensive Examination: Evaluation of oral health, including a review of medical history and dental X-rays.
• Discussion of Treatment Options: Dr. Narine Cazazian will discuss recommended treatment options based on the diagnosis.
• Customized Treatment Plan: A personalized treatment plan tailored to address the patient’s specific needs and goals.

The duration of periodontal treatment varies depending on the severity of the disease and the chosen treatment approach:

• Non-Surgical Treatment: Typically completed in a few appointments over several weeks.
• Surgical Treatment: May require multiple visits, with healing and recovery time varying based on the procedure complexity and patient’s response.
• Maintenance Phase: Ongoing, long-term maintenance visits to ensure periodontal health.

Maintaining periodontal health requires a combination of proper oral hygiene practices and regular professional care:

• Effective Brushing and Flossing: Brush teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to remove plaque.
• Routine Dental Visits: Schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings to monitor oral health and detect any signs of periodontal disease early.
• Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Avoid smoking, eat a balanced diet, and manage systemic health conditions that may impact gum health.

Many dental insurance plans provide coverage for periodontal disease treatment, but coverage varies depending on the specific plan and the severity of the condition. Patients are encouraged to review their insurance benefits or consult with our team for assistance in navigating insurance coverage options.