HUDSON & Woodbury Periodontal Services

Periodontists complete an extensive, three-year residency after dental school concentrating on the soft tissue and bone surrounding teeth, periodontal (gum) disease, and dental implants. Further procedures a periodontist provides and descriptions, can be found on this page. No matter the condition, it is our goal to restore your mouth to its optimum health

What causes periodontal disease?

The cause of periodontal disease is bacterial plaque that is consistently forming on your teeth and your body’s response to this bacteria. Lack of dental care and improper homecare is a contributing factor for the disease to develop. There are other factors which can increase your susceptibility to periodontal disease such as smoking, genetic predisposition, diabetes, and pregnancy. Certain medications, hormonal fluctuations, clenching/grinding, and stress can also negatively influence periodontal disease.

Why do I need periodontal scaling and root planing?

Bacterial plaque and hardened deposit accumulations below the gumline cause destruction to the tissue and bone which leads to periodontal disease and pocketing. These pockets cannot be cleansed with normal homecare or even routine professional methods. The goal of this initial therapy is to coach you with your homecare, reduce inflammation, and remove deposits. Scaling and root planing requires multiple, 1-2 hour appointments with the hygienist to thoroughly debride below the gumline. Most times, local anesthetic is used for this procedure.

What is the difference between a regular cleaning/prophylaxis and a periodontal maintenance?

When a routine dental cleaning is performed, the clinician is removing plaque and debris on the tooth structure above the gumline. Patients with periodontal involvement, pocket depths of 4mm and greater, need periodontal maintenance following periodontal therapy to thoroughly clean those deeper pockets as well as the tooth structure above the gumline. Site specific scaling and root planing, where indicated, and polishing are part of the periodontal maintenance.

Why do i need to have my teeth cleaned every 3 months?

The bacteria in the mouth recolonizes in approximately 90 days starting the destruction process. In an effort to maintain healthy pockets and interrupt the formation of bacteria, a three month periodontal cleaning is the usual recommendation. This also gives us the opportunity to monitor your periodontal health.

Why is periodontal surgery necessary?

Following periodontal scaling and root planing, your pocket depths will be reevaluated to determine whether surgery is necessary. If surgery is not indicated, a regimen for your periodontal maintenance will be determined. Deep pockets that persist are best treated with pocket reduction surgery. The surgical procedure will be explained to you based on your individual needs. Reducing pocket depths and recontouring of the soft and hard tissues will enable better homecare and control the disease process for better long-term results. After surgery, regular periodontal maintenance with the dental hygienist will still be necessary to maintain the health of your mouth.

• Periodontal Disease
• Diabetes and Periodontitis
• Tissue Grafting / Gum Recession
• Crown Lengthening
• Frenectomy
• Tooth Exposure for Orthodontics
• Biopsy of Oral Lesion
• Tooth Extractions
• Bone Grafting
• Periodontal Regeneration
• Anesthesia