As a multi-specialty dental office, we have a periodontist on our team. Periodontics is a dental specialty treating conditions affecting the structures supporting your teeth. These structures include your gums, jawbone, and periodontal ligaments.
This guide explains more about periodontics and why you may need to see a periodontist. We briefly outline the periodontal treatments offered at Clock Tower Dental.
What Is a Periodontist?
A periodontist is a dental specialist who has first graduated as a general dentist. After graduation, they have completed several more years of additional training to become licensed to practice periodontics.
Periodontists have advanced training and skills in treating periodontitis (gum disease). They are skilled in providing gum and bone grafting and planning and placing dental implants, including the latest computer-guided dental implant surgery.
A periodontist can provide other more cosmetically-oriented treatments, such as treating a gummy smile where you have an excess of gum tissue covering your teeth.
When Would I Need to See a Periodontist?
You may not need to see a periodontist routinely, but many people will have some degree of gum disease during their lifetime. In this case, we recommend seeing Dr Richard Nejat, our periodontist, to receive the best and most advanced treatments available.
Dr. Nejat is extremely well qualified. He is a board-certified dental surgeon and a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology.
Periodontists are trained and skilled in providing laser dentistry. Our dental office is equipped with one of the most advanced dental lasers available, a Millenium Periolase MVP-7 Dental laser.
Laser dentistry is beneficial when treating gum disease, providing a gentler and more efficient way to eradicate or control the bacteria causing this condition.
What Types of Treatments Are Performed by a Periodontist?
Our periodontist can perform a wide range of treatments that include the following:
- Diagnosis and treatment for periodontal disease
- Scaling and root planing (deep dental cleaning)
- Bone grafting
- Gum grafting
- Pinhole surgery
- LANAP
- Sinus lift
Diagnosis and Treatment for Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is very common and can be mild, moderate, or more severe. Our periodontist can complete a gum evaluation, assessing if you have this disease and, if so, the degree of infection and inflammation in your gums.
Scaling and Root Planing
A deep dental cleaning or scaling and root planing is frequently used to treat periodontal disease. It is designed to remove the bacteria causing infection and inflammation in your gums, helping to restore gum health.
Bone Grafting
Advanced periodontal disease (periodontitis) can cause jawbone loss. The bone loss can result in tooth loss and change the overall dimensions of your facial structure. Bone grafting is an advanced procedure to restore missing bone and is often recommended in preparation for dental implants.
Gum Grafting
You can lose gum tissue due to advanced periodontitis. Some people have naturally thinner gums. Restoring missing gum tissue can improve overall aesthetics and help protect your dental health.
Pinhole Surgery
Pinhole surgery is an advanced technique to treat receding gums and may be used as an alternative to gum grafting.
LANAP
LANAP, a laser-assisted new attachment procedure, is a laser treatment for mild, moderate, and more severe periodontal disease. It helps remove the bacterial infection causing this disease and creates a healthier environment for your gums to reattach around your teeth.
Sinus Lift
A sinus lift or sinus augmentation is another form of bone grafting. It increases the bone nearest your sinus cavities, usually in preparation for dental implant treatment.
How Do I Know If I Need to See a Periodontist?
If you have regular dental exams, we will closely monitor your gum health and recommend seeing Dr. Nejat for more advanced care if necessary. We also recommend seeing him if you require bone or gum grafting treatments.
If you aren’t a Clock Tower Dental patient concerned about your gum health, you can always schedule a consultation with Dr. Nejat.
Why Choose Dr. Nejat if You Need a Periodontist in Long Island?
Regarded as among the most experienced and skilled periodontists, Dr. Nejat uses the most advanced laser technology, LANAP®, minimally invasive laser treatment for moderate to severe periodontal disease (gum disease). As a board-certified periodontist, Dr. Nejat is certified by the American Board of Periodontology.
With years of experience, expertise in periodontic care, and up-to-date technologies and techniques, Dr. Nejat can perform thorough assessments of gum health, scaling and root planning, as well as handle the most complex and challenging dental implant cases. If you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease, such as redness, swelling, or bleeding gums, don’t wait to get treated. Gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, can often be reversed with proper care. Please contact Clock Tower Dental to schedule your consultation with our periodontist, Dr. Nejat.