Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease is incredibly common and can have a devastating effect on more than just oral health. Periodontal disease is the primary cause of adult tooth loss, which affects up to 50% of the USA adults. Dr. Svetlana Yampolsky understands the role that gum health plays in overall health and wellness and offers comprehensive periodontal disease treatment to men and women in Midtown West, NoMad, Kips Bay, Murray Hill, and throughout New York City. Don’t delay seeking care for painful, swollen, or bleeding gums. we treat complex periodontal cases with non-surgical laser protocols, customized to each individual patient's needs. Book your visit today by calling the office or using the easy online scheduling tool.
Healthy Gums
and Teeth For
Life
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is an infection of the tissues supporting and surrounding the teeth (your gums and jaw bone.)It is an infection caused by a number of different bacteria (polymicrobial). It is a chronic, contagious, inflammatory, polymicrobial disease with systemic and genetic expression.
The bacteria are transmitted from one individual to another in saliva, through an intimate contact, food or drinks (contagious disease).
Infection of the gums triggers our natural immune response as a protective reaction against invading bacteria, which results in swollen, red and often bleeding and tender gums (inflammation or inflammatory response). The more bacteria grows in the mouth the more they penetrate into the body through broken capillaries (small blood vessels) in bleeding gums, spreading to all tissues and organs. The local inflammation in our gums soon becomes the generalized inflammation throughout our entire body (systemic inflammation). Some people who are genetically predisposed to increase and more pronounced immune response, develop more severe chronic systemic inflammation and, as a result, experience more damage to their own tissues (genetic predisposition and expression). As long as bacteria are present in the individual’s gums the problem remains and the process escalates. The chronic inflammation can lead to developing systemic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular problems (heart attacks and strokes), infertility and other systemic complications. The link between periodontal infection and chronic health condition is called the oral-systemic connection
Gum disease is caused by the accumulation of harmful bacteria that forms a sticky plaque layer on the surfaces of the teeth and roots. When plaque is not removed from your teeth promptly, it begins to damage the surrounding tissues. Initially, the multiple bacteria found in the plaque will inflame the gingiva (gums). Eventually, this ongoing inflammation will cause the gums to swell and bleed. This is a result of bacteria-excreting endotoxins
Once in the bloodstream, the bacteria are free to travel to other areas of the body, causing chronic inflammation that may interfere with a with your overall health
Our mouth is a welcoming harbor for the largest community of different bacteria found in the human body. There are over 800 species of pathogens - harmful bacteria that create health problems - present in our oral cavity at any given time.
Of those, 11 species have been identified as the most aggressive and destructive for our body.
If you notice any of the following symptoms of gum disease, you should schedule a dental exam with Dr. Yampolsky
A periodontal exam can get to the bottom of these symptoms. If gum disease is present, Dr. Yampolsky advises you on the best treatment plan.
We incorporate a thorough gum and periodontal evaluation into each visit. This includes:
Periodontal disease treatment aims to eliminate the causes of the disease and stop its evolution. The number and types of treatment will vary, depending on the extent of the gum disease.
One of the essential elements in the successful treatment of periodontal disease is the use of a low-energy, soft tissue laser. Because of its low power, the energy penetrates the infected gums only a few cell layers deep, killing the bacteria embedded in those tissue cells. It is also safe to use our specialized laser around the titanium dental implants, as this laser does not heat the metal and, therefore, does not affect the bonding formed between the implant and the surrounding bone.
While the emitted amount of energy does not cause damage to the human tissue, it is lethal to bacteria and other microorganisms. Besides eradicating pathogens causing periodontal disease, the laser vaporizes toxic debris and bacterial byproducts trapped deep in gum pockets (infected gums detached from adjacent teeth) and between teeth. The laser also generates an electromagnetic field, which stimulates healthy gum tissue regeneration, reduces gum pockets and provides rapid healing. The procedure is painless and the results are evident the very next day.
