Periodontal Therapy in Locust Valley

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Periodontal disease is an oral disease that can cause serious damage to the teeth and gums when not treated with periodontal therapy. Only the first stage of periodontal disease, called gingivitis, is reversible and can be managed with regular dental appointments.  Although the more advanced stages of periodontitis may require additional treatments to prevent further progression, the world class dental care provided by Locust Valley Dentists can help set you on a path toward improved oral health.

What Causes Periodontal Disease?

In many cases, periodontal disease stems from poor brushing and flossing habits or not seeing a dentist for professional cleanings on a regular basis. Professional cleanings, as well as patient education, are vital to good oral health, as a dentist can physically remove hardened plaque build-up that brushing alone can’t in addition to informing you on how to best take care of your oral health from home.

In addition, smoking, consuming sugary foods, and even genetic factors can play a role in increasing someone’s likelihood of developing periodontal disease beyond simply the daily brushing routine.

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Stage One: Gingivitis

In the first stage of periodontitis, gums may be swollen, red, or bleed when brushing or flossing. Treatment can include dedicating yourself to a better brushing and flossing routine and using mouthwash regularly as well as getting regular dental care.

Stage Two: Slight Periodontal Disease

After stage two, there is no reversing periodontal disease. In mild periodontal disease, pockets around affected teeth are between two and five millimeters deep, and the bacteria begin to break down the bone tissue leading to more aggressive dental issues. Treatment begins with a procedure called scaling and root planing, and regular periodontal care and cleanings will be needed to manage the disease going forward.

Stage Three: Moderate Periodontal Disease

As bacteria continue to destroy the bone and penetrate deeper into the jaw, symptoms like bad breath and bleeding will worsen, and the periodontal pocket increases to six or seven millimeters. Treatment includes scaling and planing and regular dental checkups and possibly periodontal surgery.

Stage Four: Advanced Periodontal Disease

The reason periodontal disease is so dangerous is that bacterial infections of the tooth and jaw can lead to severe symptoms. In advanced periodontal disease, tooth decay can lead to loosening of teeth, extreme sensitivity to cold, and pain while chewing. Treatment may involve emergency dental treatment, dental surgery, or laser techniques as well as regular cleanings.

Meet Your Dentist

While working at several of the top cosmetic dental practices in Manhattan, Dr. Adrianne Koster developed her unique approach to dental fillings, cosmetic dentistry, and quality dental care. Using modern composite fillings, she can create smiles that are both beautiful and healthy in Locust Valley, NY.

She has been named a “Top New York Dentist” each year since 2016 because of her:

 

  • Attention to detail and skill
  • Warm, caring, and attentive approach to patient care
  • Emphasis on comfort and satisfaction 
  • Continued study of the latest dental technology
  • Passion for changing lives
meet your dental fillings dentist at locust valley dentists new york

What is Periodontal Therapy?

Because periodontal disease is not reversible, patients need regular care to prevent the disease from worsening and causing damage to the jaw, mouth, and immune system. Periodontal therapy is any method used by dentists to clean, help protect, or repair after the disease has been diagnosed.

 

What Does Periodontal Treatment Involve?

Every periodontal patient is unique and may benefit from different procedures depending on the stage of the disease and the needs of the patient. Possible procedures used during periodontal treatment are:

Scaling & Planing

Often the first step after diagnosing periodontal disease, scaling, and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure that rids the periodontal pocket of built-up plaque and tartar. It can be performed with traditional scaling tools or ultrasound technology.

Gum Grafting

If too much healthy gum tissue has been lost, a gum graft can be made from healthy tissue elsewhere in the mouth.

Laser Treatment

Advancements in dental laser technology has resulted in new techniques for cleaning diseased gum tissue in periodontal patients. Laser tools have numerous benefits over conventional methods, including increased comfort, faster healing, and less gum shrinkage.

 

Dental Implants

When teeth need to be replaced as part of periodontal therapy, we offer several solutions for dental implants and crowns. Today’s dental implants are strong, safe, and indistinguishable from your real teeth.

Periodontal Treatment FAQs

Can I drink coffee after periodontal surgery?

You should avoid hot drinks including coffee for at least 24 hours after periodontal surgery.

Can periodontitis cause death?

Extremely advance periodontitis can lead to blood poisoning and death, although this is rare.

Can you fix periodontal disease?

Treatments for periodontal disease include scaling and root planing, as well as regular periodontal cleanings.

What does periodontal treatment involve?

Treatment for periodontal disease includes a special cleaning known as scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar. This allows the gum tissue to heal.

Can I brush my teeth after gum surgery?

Following gum surgery, Dr. Koster will instruct you on specifically how long to avoid brushing the affected area, usually around two days or more.

What does periodontal disease look like?

Periodontal disease symptoms often include inflammation and redness in the gums and, eventually, receding gums.

What is the best mouthwash to use for periodontal disease?

Patients with periodontal disease can look for mouthwashes that are intended to improve gum health and contain lower percentages of alcohol to avoid irritating sensitive areas of the mouth.

Can periodontal disease be stopped?

In many cases, yes, periodontitis can be effectively stopped with regular dental care if caught early enough.

Periodontal Treatment in Locust Valley, NY

If you’ve been diagnosed with periodontal disease, know that there are treatment options available and the sooner you get help treating this damaging disease, the better. Don’t wait to start treatments, because periodontitis isn’t waiting for you.

At Locust Valley Dentists, we create a welcoming and comfortable environment for your periodontal therapy and regular dental checkups. Our goal is to give our patients excellent dental health in a gentle and friendly way. Schedule your first appointment with us by calling 516-268-0044 or by contacting us online today.

Is Locust Valley Dentists right for you?

At Locust Valley Dentists, you always come first. We begin every appointment by listening to you. You’re encouraged to share any concerns about how your smile looks or feels.

We’ll answer your questions and review the treatment options available to you, including dental fillings.

We’ll talk about:

  • Common causes of tooth decay
  • Dangers of mercury fillings
  • Which toothbrush and floss to use
  • Proper brushing and flossing techniques
  • Why Dr. Koster’s uses a rubber dam during fillings
  • Which foods to eat to reduce your risk of cavities
  • How to maintain a healthy and beautiful smile for years to come

If you’re nervous about visiting the dentist, don’t worry.
At Locust Valley Dentists, we are known for being gentle, warm, and friendly. This will be the most relaxing and comfortable dental experience of your life! To decrease anxiety during treatment we offer our patients:

Eyewear

Headphones

Soothing music

Blankets

Aromatherapy

Location

  • Convenient office hours to fit the busiest schedules

Philosophy

  • There’s never any stress or judgment here

Office

  • Our modern, calm, and relaxing office is one of a kind

Education

  • Learn how our modern fillings improve your health and appearance

No Insurance? No problem.

Even if you don’t have dental insurance, you can still get the healthy and beautiful smile you’ve always dreamed about! At Locust Valley Dentists, we offer a variety of financing options. We’re here to answer all of your questions.

Insurance & Financing

For your filling, our office is able to work with many PPO insurance providers.

Our friendly front office team will help you file your claim and maximize your insurance benefits. If you don’t see your provider listed or if you have questions about payment options, contact our office to learn more.

dental fillings with no insurance at locust valley dentists new york

" Dr. Koster is a great dentist who is patient, attentive, and gentle.  She took the time to explain every treatment option available and made sure that all of my questions and concerns were addressed. The staff is very friendly and always willing to work around my schedule.  I would definitely recommend Dr. Koster for your dental care. "

- Jeniza K.

I love this office! Dr Koster knows what she’s doing and has great staff that are friendly and professional! What I appreciate the most is her attention to detail, looking out for my best interest and letting me know what’s happening with my health so I can take better care of myself. This Doctor is truly someone who cares about her patients!!! "

- Renee S.

Dr. Adrianne Koster is Amazing! She is caring, gentle, extremely personable, and provides exceptional dentistry. The staff is very professional and nice. Thank you! I love my new smile. "

- Maria G.

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