Gentle Dental

Periodontics | Periodontal Disease Specialists

Periodontal disease, more widely known as gum disease, ranks as the single most common disease in the United States, affecting approximately 80 percent of American adults to some degree.

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Learn about Periodontics

Fortunately, regular periodontal screenings and appropriate oral hygiene regimens can help control it, which is why at Bayside dentistry we encourage our patients to schedule regular periodontal oral examinations. Since periodontal disease often manifests no symptoms in its earliest stages, it is important even if you are not experiencing discomfort or signs of infection to seek routine periodontal care by an experienced periodontal professional.

Fortunately, gum disease is preventable with good periodontal care and ongoing preventive dental care. People with advanced gum disease will frequently need the care of a periodontist.

“Periodontal disease affects 80% of American adults. Regular screenings and oral hygiene regimens can help to control it.”

What is Periodontics?

Periodontics is a field of dentistry covering the care of your periodontal tissues, which are the supporting structures around your teeth. Periodontal tissues include your gingiva or gums, the ligaments anchoring your teeth to the jawbone, and the jawbone itself, which is called alveolar bone.Without healthy periodontal tissues, your risk of suffering from tooth loss is substantially higher. Unfortunately, a common condition called periodontal disease or, more often, gum disease is a major cause of tooth loss worldwide. It’s estimated to affect some 80% of American adults to some degree during their lifetime. Fortunately, gum disease is preventable with good periodontal care and ongoing preventive dental care. People with advanced gum disease will frequently need the care of a periodontist.

What Is a Periodontist?

A periodontist is a specialist dentist who has received extensive training in diagnosing and the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease. Periodontists also specialize in placing dental implants. They can provide expert care if your oral tissues become inflamed and infected. Periodontists first must qualify as general dentists before spending an additional three years in further education. Periodontists provide a range of nonsurgical and surgical procedures. They use the latest techniques and equipment when treating periodontal problems.

Who Should See a Periodontist?

Generally, most gum problems can be managed by a family dentist. If you have more severe gum disease, a condition called periodontitis, then you may need to see a periodontist. You might also want to see a periodontist if your medical history is complicated and could affect treatment.Thanks to extensive clinical research, we now know there is a complex relationship between advanced periodontal disease and chronic diseases that include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and dementia. Receiving the best dental care for periodontal disease can help manage this disease more effectively and may reduce the risk of developing medical problems or existing medical issues from worsening.

Here at Gentle Dental, we take the problem of gum disease very seriously and monitor every patient carefully for signs of this disease. Your gum health is assessed at every checkup so we can detect the very first signs of gum disease and can offer appropriate treatment.

What Are the Signs of Periodontal Gum Disease?

Notify your dentist right away if you have any of the following warning signs of gum disease:

  • Bleeding gums
  • Swollen, red, or tender gums
  • Constant bad breath
  • Pus between teeth
  • Receding gums
  • Loose teeth
  • Pain while chewing
  • A noticeable change in tooth position when biting
  • A noticeable change in the fit of partial dental appliances

What Are the Causes of Gum Disease?

Periodontal disease is caused by plaque and, over time, tartar. Tartar is plaque in its hardened, mineralized form, and can occur both above and below the gumline. While plaque can often be removed through routine brushing and flossing, tartar can only be removed through a thorough cleaning by a dental professional. When left untreated, the buildup of tartar can result in periodontitis, a disease that adversely affects the bones, gums, and other supporting oral tissues.

Furthermore, research has found that gum disease can contribute to other serious health problems including heart disease, stroke, respiratory problems, diabetes, pneumonia, and increased health risks during pregnancy. Through regular periodontal screening, patients stand an excellent chance of halting the progress of the disease and preserving their natural teeth.

What Are Periodontal Treatments We Provide?

Although periodontists are specialists in gum disease treatment, they also have extensive training in providing other periodontal related treatments. These procedures include:

What Is Gum Surgery?

People with advanced periodontal disease can develop a gum abscess or periodontal abscess, where the infection builds up in the space between the gums and teeth. Severe gum infections may require emergency dental surgery from a periodontist or general dentist.

What is Gum Contouring?

Gum contouring is a procedure to remove excess gum tissue, creating a more cosmetically pleasing appearance. Sometimes gum contouring can also help to improve periodontal health. Gum contouring is often carried out using advanced laser dentistry.

What is Crown Lengthening?

Crown lengthening is an advanced procedure that exposes more of the tooth structure. It may be used in preparation for veneers or crowns placement. Sometimes it’s necessary to expose more of a tooth that is damaged near the gum line. By exposing more of the tooth, the dentist can restore the tooth with a dental crown.

What is Bone Graft Surgery?

Bone graft surgery is another advanced treatment that is often needed in preparation for dental implant surgery. It is a technique to build up and restore bone in areas where it is deficient, creating enough support for successful dental implant placement. Also, restoring missing bone can create a more cosmetically pleasing appearance, supporting the gums and facial muscles.

What is Laser Gum Surgery?

Laser gum surgery is frequently useful when treating advanced periodontal disease because it is a very precise and gentle treatment. The laser energy is highly effective in eliminating the bacteria causing the gum infection, giving gum tissues a greater chance of healing, and fighting the infection effectively.


Our periodontists here at Gentle Dental can discuss all the gum disease treatment options suitable for your situation and will explain the possible pros and cons of each periodontal treatment and the difference in costs. For more information about the best rated periodontists in Queens, contact Gentle Dental at (718) 461-0100.

Patient REVIEWS

  • Barbara Lightsy “Comfortable” ★★★★★

    It was time for a cleaning and all went well. The dental tech knew what she was doing and made sure that I was comfortable with all that she was doing. I don’t like going to the dentist but I don’t mind going to Gentle Dental , on Francis Lewis Blvd, because of the care that I get there.


  • Lisa Lilienthal “excellent customer service” ★★★★★

    Friendly staff excellent customer service and very clean facility!!!! I was very impressed. Excellent treatments I my dentist he’s the BEST professional knows his stuff and gentle. Thank you everyone including the Gentle Dental staff it’s a great place.


  • rosenellie bayron “best place ever!” ★★★★★

    Honestly the best place ever! Clean, friendly, knowledgeable. From the desk, to the assistants, dentist. From start to finish they are one point. I cannot say one bad thing about them. The renovation looks fantastic. Thank you team Gentle Dental.


  • Jeanelle Andrews “pleased with my first visit” ★★★★★

    I have now found my new general dentist office. I am overly pleased with my first visit for service at their office. The office itself is nicely renovated which screams cleanliness and organization. Every staff encounter was pleasant; they’re all so kind and respectful! I’ve already began recommending family members to check them out.

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