A periodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease and other conditions affecting the supporting structures of the teeth. At Mint Dental Care PLLC, our periodontists are experts in providing comprehensive periodontal care to maintain and restore your gum health. Here’s what a periodontist typically does:

• • Gum Disease Treatment: Periodontists treat various stages of gum disease, from gingivitis to advanced periodontitis, using both non-surgical and surgical methods.
  • Gum Grafts: They perform gum grafts to address gum recession, protect tooth roots, and improve the appearance of your smile.
  • Dental Implants: Periodontists are also skilled at placing dental implants, which replace missing teeth and restore function and aesthetics.
  • Preventive Care: They work closely with patients to develop personalized maintenance plans that include regular dental checkups and professional cleanings to prevent the recurrence of gum disease.

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, often starts subtly, making it crucial to recognize the early signs. At Mint Dental Care PLLC, we encourage regular dental checkups to detect gum disease before it progresses. Here are some common symptoms:

• Bleeding Gums: If your gums bleed easily when brushing or flossing, it could be an early sign of gum disease.
• Red or Swollen Gums: Inflammation is a key indicator of gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease.
• Persistent Bad Breath: Chronic bad breath can be caused by bacteria in the mouth associated with gum disease.
• Receding Gums: If your gums are pulling away from your teeth, exposing more of your tooth or its root, you may have gum disease.
• Loose Teeth: In advanced stages, gum disease can cause teeth to loosen or shift in your mouth.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to visit our Plattsburgh dental clinic for a thorough examination and appropriate gum disease treatment.

Periodontists are specialists in treating a variety of conditions related to the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. At Mint Dental Care PLLC, our Plattsburgh periodontists commonly treat the following conditions:

1. Gingivitis: This is the mildest form of gum disease, characterized by red, swollen gums that bleed easily. Early treatment can prevent it from progressing to more severe forms of periodontal disease.
2. Periodontitis: An advanced form of gum disease, periodontitis involves inflammation and infection that can destroy the bone supporting your teeth. Periodontal treatment may include scaling and root planing, surgical procedures, and regular maintenance to manage the condition.
3. Gum Recession: Receding gums expose the roots of your teeth, leading to sensitivity and increased risk of decay. Our periodontists perform gum grafts to cover exposed roots and restore your gum line.

Each condition requires specialized periodontic care to prevent further damage and maintain oral health.

Periodontal disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults, but with timely and effective periodontic care, tooth loss can often be prevented. At Mint Dental Care PLLC, our periodontists are dedicated to saving your teeth through comprehensive gum disease treatment. Here’s what you need to know:

• Early Detection: The earlier periodontal disease is detected and treated, the better the chances of preserving your teeth. Regular dental checkups are crucial for catching gum disease in its early stages.
• Effective Treatment: Depending on the severity of your condition, our periodontists may recommend non-surgical treatments like scaling and root planing or surgical interventions such as gum grafts or flap surgery.
• Maintenance: Ongoing maintenance, including regular cleanings and good oral hygiene practices, is essential to prevent the recurrence of periodontal disease and protect your teeth.

While advanced periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss if left untreated, proactive periodontal treatment can help you maintain a healthy, strong smile.

Gum pockets, or periodontal pockets, are spaces that form between the teeth and gums due to gum disease. While professional periodontal treatment is the most effective way to reduce gum pockets, there are natural methods you can use to support your gum health. At Mint Dental Care PLLC, we recommend the following:

• Improved Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and floss daily to remove plaque and food particles that contribute to gum disease.
• Antimicrobial Mouthwash: Use an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce bacteria in the mouth, which can help in managing gum pockets.
• Healthy Diet: A diet rich in vitamins C and D, along with a balanced intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can support gum health and reduce inflammation.
• Oil Pulling: Swishing a tablespoon of coconut oil or sesame oil in your mouth for 15-20 minutes daily is believed by some to reduce bacteria and improve gum health.

While these natural methods can support gum health, they should complement—not replace—professional periodontic care.

Even if you have advanced periodontal disease, saving your teeth’s not necessarily too late. At Mint Dental Care PLLC, our Plattsburgh periodontists specialize in periodontal treatments designed to manage even severe cases of gum disease. Here’s what you can do:

• Seek Immediate Care: The sooner you seek treatment, the better your chances of saving your teeth. Our periodontists can assess your condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.
• Advanced Treatments: In cases of severe periodontitis, surgical procedures such as gingival flap surgery, bone grafting, or gum grafts may be necessary to restore gum health and stabilize the teeth.
• Maintenance and Follow-Up: Consistent follow-up care, including regular dental checkups and professional cleanings, is essential to managing periodontal disease and preventing further damage.

While periodontal disease is serious, our dental specialists in Plattsburgh are here to provide the expert care you need to protect your teeth and improve your oral health.

Gum tissue that has receded due to periodontitis does not naturally grow back. However, effective periodontal treatments available at Mint Dental Care PLLC can help restore your gum line and protect your teeth. Here’s how:

• Gum Grafts: One of the most common treatments for receding gums is a gum graft, where tissue is taken from another area of your mouth or a donor source and attached to the affected area. This helps cover exposed roots and restores the gum line.
• Flap Surgery: In more advanced cases, flap surgery may be performed to clean the roots of your teeth and reattach the gums snugly around them, reducing pocket depth and preventing further recession.
• Maintenance: Preventing further gum recession is key. Regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene are essential to maintaining the results of any periodontal treatment.

While your gums won’t regenerate on their own, professional periodontic care can effectively restore the appearance and health of your gums.

The decision to pull teeth due to periodontal disease depends on the severity of the condition and the prognosis of the affected teeth. At Mint Dental Care PLLC, our periodontists prioritize saving your natural teeth whenever possible. Here’s what to consider:

• Severity of Disease: If periodontal disease has severely damaged the bone and gums supporting a tooth, extraction might be the best option to prevent further complications.
• Alternative Treatments: Before deciding on extraction, our periodontists will explore other periodontal treatments, such as scaling and root planing, gum grafts, or surgical interventions, to save the tooth.
• Long-Term Health: If a tooth cannot be saved, extraction might be necessary to protect the health of the surrounding teeth and gums.

Our Plattsburgh dental specialists will work with you to determine the best course of action, ensuring that your oral health is preserved in the most effective way possible.

If you have periodontal disease, there are certain habits and practices you should avoid to prevent further damage to your gums and teeth. At Mint Dental Care PLLC, we recommend the following:

• Avoid Smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for periodontal disease. It impairs blood flow to the gums, hinders healing, and exacerbates gum recession.
• Don’t Skip Dental Checkups: Regular checkups are crucial for monitoring the progression of periodontal disease and ensuring that your periodontal treatment is working.
• Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods: Foods that are hard to chew or stick to your teeth can exacerbate gum damage and make it harder to keep your mouth clean.
• Don’t Ignore Symptoms: If you notice symptoms like bleeding gums, bad breath, or loose teeth, seek professional periodontic care immediately.

Following these guidelines, along with professional treatment, can help you manage periodontal disease effectively and maintain a healthy smile.

The longevity of your teeth with periodontitis largely depends on the severity of the disease and the quality of care you receive. At Mint Dental Care PLLC, our periodontists focus on providing effective periodontic care to prolong the life of your teeth. Here’s what you should know:

• Early Treatment: If periodontitis is caught and treated early, many patients can keep their teeth for life with proper care and regular maintenance.
• Advanced Disease: In more severe cases, where significant bone loss and gum recession have occurred, the prognosis for individual teeth may be poorer, but timely treatment can still preserve many teeth.
• Ongoing Care: Consistent follow-up, including professional cleanings, periodontal maintenance, and good home care, is critical to preventing further damage and extending the life of your teeth.

While periodontitis is a serious condition, our dental professionals in Plattsburgh are committed to helping you maintain your teeth for as long as possible through comprehensive periodontal treatment and care.