Periodontal (Gum) Disease

(This is how most teeth are lost)

By far, most adult teeth that are lost are lost to gum disease. But here's the thing about that:

No one needs to have gum disease. If you want to prevent it, or if you want to get rid of it, we can definitely make that happen with you.

We'll give you the basics right here. If you are interested in knowing lots of detail about gum disease, what it is, what happens and all of that, click on our Library page on Gum Disease. Or just read on for now and come back to that link later.

For now, here's how we keep you away from periodontal (gum) disease, and if you have it, what we do about it.

• It's starts with thorough careful diagnosis and explanations. If you don't know you have a problem you can't treat it.

• We help you become really knowledgeable about the nasty bacterial biofilm called plaque. Periodontal disease (let's just call it perio, ok?) is a bacterial infectious disease (in other words, it's an infection). Control the biofilm and you control the disease. You win.

• We use advanced ultrasonic scaling. We make very limited use of those sharp little scalers that many dentists and hygienists use to scrape your teeth and gums. People usually hate those. We prefer more humane methods in 99% of situations to create clean teeth and root surfaces.

• We are Premier Certified in the amazing Perio Protect method of non-surgical treatment of gingivitis and perio. Perio Protect uses an FDA approved delivery method to deliver specific medications to your gum tissues that makes it possible for you to have lifetime control of your periodontal health. Check out the Perio Protect web site and look us up at www.perioprotect.com. Then come back here.

• As I said, you do not have to lose teeth because of gum disease. Our patients get healthy mouths and they stay that way.

• We can help you if you have perio or want to prevent it. Call, send e-mail or use the Contact Us or Request an Appointment links. We're here for you.

Dr. Steven Ross is a general, restorative and cosmetic dentist, with special interests in TMJ, migraine headaches, snoring and sleep apnea, conservative periodontal care and invisible orthodontics, serving patients in the Wappingers Falls, Poughkeepsie, Fishkill, Newburgh, Dutchess County and surrounding areas with care and concern. To schedule a visit call our Wappingers Falls dental office today or click on Request an Appointment here on the web site.

click here to go back