Periodontal Treatments in NYC

We will consider your overall health, age, preferences, and your ability to control plaque. We will also consider your restorative and prosthetic demands, and the severity of periodontitis.

For slight to moderate chronic periodontitis

Treatments include:

1. Supra- and subgingival scaling and root planning (deep cleaning) will be performed to remove microbial plaque and calculus.
2. Instruction, reinforcement, and evaluation of our plaque control will be performed.
3. Antimicrobial agents or devices may be used as adjuncts. These include Arestin, Periochip, and other local delivery antibiotics.
4. Evaluation of the initial therapy's outcome will be performed and periodontal maintenance will be scheduled at appropriate intervals.

For moderate or advanced chronic periodontitis a variety of surgical treatments may be appropriate for its management.

Periodontal Surgery

1. Gingival augmentation therapy: areas of the mouth that have suffered from receding gums may be improved by gingival grafting. Briefly, your own gum tissue from elsewhere in the mouth (usually the roof of the mouth) can be surgically placed in an area where it is needed.
2. Regenerative therapy (Bone replacement grafts, Guided tissue regeneration, combined regenerative techniques): Areas that have lost bone rapidly may be replaced with bone graft material. This may help to regenerate the lost bone. Sometimes biological materials such as Emdogain can augment this procedure. Emdogain is the first, and only, substance approved for use in the regeneration of lost periodontal attachment. In some situations, collagen membranes are used to help regenerate lost periodontal bone.
3. Resective therapy - flaps with or without osseous surgery and Gingivectomy

Other Treatments

Treatment of residual risk factors should be considered; e.g., cessation of smoking, control of diabetes.

You may wish to visit the American Academy of Periodontology Web site at www.perio.org.

FAQ’s About Periodontal Procedures:

Will it Hurt?
During the procedure you will feel no discomfort. We will use a local anesthetic (novocaine) to numb the area. Following the procedure, the affected area may be tender or sore. Minor swelling may occur. We will prescribe a pain medication that may be taken while you are in the office so that by the time the novocaine wears off; the medication has already started working. Antibiotics and/or antibacterial rinses may also be prescribed. If you take your medications as directed and follow post-operative instructions, you will probably only experience minor discomfort. Following most procedures, you may resume your normal daily activities within a few hours provided you adhere to the post-operative instructions.

Will I be able to speak and eat normally?
You should be able to speak normally after the local anesthetic wears off. It is important to eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet after treatment. You may wish to chew on the side of the mouth that didn’t have surgery for a few days. Many patients find that softer foods are best in the first few days following a periodontal procedure. You should avoid smoking and minimize drinking alcoholic beverages and caffeinated beverages during this time. Following some types of periodontal treatment, the teeth may be more sensitive to hot and cold. This sensitivity will diminish during the first few weeks.

When will I need to return?
We would like you to return for a check-up in 7 to 14 days. At this time, it may be necessary to remove the dressing and stitches, and to cleanse the area. Additional appointments may be required to evaluate your healing and review proper oral hygiene procedures.

Other Questions?
You may wish to visit the American Academy of Periodontology Web site, www.perio.org. To access the Academy's Web site covering frequently asked questions about periodontitis and periodontal treatment, go to: http://www.perio.org/consumer/faq.htm

Periodontal Treatment Questions? Ask Dr. Dr. Kaufman A Question.
Meet our Periodontist - Dr. Kaufman and ask him a periodontal question.