Protect Your Gums and the Foundation of Your Smile
Healthy gums support your teeth, dental restorations and long-term oral function. At Pure Dentistry Arts, Dr. Jonathan Rodney provides periodontal care in Brooklyn, New York, to diagnose and treat gum inflammation, periodontal infection and damage affecting the tissues around the teeth.
Bleeding, swollen or receding gums should not be ignored. Call 347-223-5850 or contact Pure Dentistry Arts to schedule a periodontal evaluation.
Periodontics Services We Offer
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection and inflammatory condition affecting the gums and supporting structures around the teeth. It commonly begins when bacterial plaque collects along and beneath the gumline.
Gingivitis is the earliest form of gum disease. It can cause red, swollen or bleeding gums without damaging the supporting bone. Gingivitis can often be reversed with professional treatment and consistent home care.
Periodontitis is a more advanced form of the disease. As the gums separate from the teeth, periodontal pockets can develop and collect bacteria. Without appropriate treatment, periodontitis may lead to gum recession, bone loss, loose teeth and eventual tooth loss.
Signs You May Need Periodontal Care
Gum disease can progress without causing significant pain, which makes regular dental examinations important. Contact Pure Dentistry Arts if you notice:
- Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing
- Red, swollen or tender gum tissue
- Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste
- Gums pulling away from the teeth
- Teeth that appear longer because of recession
- Pus around the gums or teeth
- Changes in the way your teeth meet
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Sensitivity near exposed tooth roots
- Changes in the fit of a partial denture
These symptoms do not always indicate advanced periodontitis, but they should be evaluated so the cause and appropriate treatment can be determined.
Why Gum Health Matters
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 42% of adults age 30 and older have periodontitis. Because the condition may advance with few noticeable symptoms, some patients do not recognize the problem until significant tissue or bone damage has occurred.
Periodontal disease has also been associated with health conditions including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. However, an association does not establish that gum disease directly causes these conditions. Maintaining periodontal health remains an important part of caring for your mouth and preserving your natural teeth.
How Gum Disease Is Evaluated
A periodontal evaluation examines the gums, teeth, supporting bone and other factors that may influence disease progression.
Dr. Rodney may:
- Review your dental and medical history
- Ask about tobacco use, diabetes and other risk factors
- Check for bleeding, inflammation and gum recession
- Measure the depth of the spaces around each tooth
- Evaluate tooth mobility and bite relationships
- Use digital X-rays to assess supporting bone
- Examine plaque and tartar accumulation
- Review your brushing and flossing routine
The findings help determine whether you have gingivitis or periodontitis and whether nonsurgical treatment, surgical care or ongoing periodontal maintenance is appropriate.
Personalized Periodontal Treatment
The appropriate treatment depends on the type and severity of the disease, the depth of the periodontal pockets and the condition of the supporting bone.
Your treatment plan may include:
- Professional removal of plaque and tartar
- Scaling and root planing to clean below the gumline
- Antimicrobial or antibiotic therapy when clinically appropriate
- Laser periodontal treatment
- Gum surgery for areas that cannot be managed predictably with nonsurgical care
- Flap surgery to improve access to deeper periodontal pockets
- Guided tissue regeneration in appropriate areas of bone or attachment loss
- Gingivectomy or gum reshaping
- Ongoing periodontal maintenance
Early gum inflammation may respond to professional cleaning and improved daily care. More advanced periodontitis generally requires continued management to control infection and slow further damage.
What to Expect From Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing, sometimes called a deep cleaning, removes plaque and hardened tartar from above and below the gumline. The root surfaces are carefully cleaned to reduce bacterial accumulation and support healing of the surrounding gum tissue.
Local anesthesia is used when appropriate for patient comfort. Treatment may require one or more visits, and an individual section of the mouth may take approximately one to two hours depending on the extent of the disease.
Temporary tenderness, sensitivity or minor bleeding may occur after treatment. Our team will provide home-care instructions and schedule a follow-up evaluation to assess how the gums respond.
Experienced Periodontal Care in Brooklyn, New York
Dr. Jonathan Rodney has completed more than 1,500 periodontal cases and more than 30 hours of continuing education focused on periodontal care. He personally provides nonsurgical periodontal treatment, laser treatment, gum surgery and gingivectomy procedures at Pure Dentistry Arts.
Digital X-rays, periodontal measurements and laser technology may be incorporated into treatment based on the needs of the case. This experience also helps Dr. Rodney coordinate gum care with dental implants, restorative treatment and full-mouth reconstruction.
Maintaining Your Results After Gum Disease Treatment
Periodontitis requires ongoing management. After active treatment, Dr. Rodney may recommend periodontal maintenance visits at intervals based on your disease history and risk factors.
Long-term periodontal care may include:
- Professional cleaning above and below the gumline
- Measurement of periodontal pockets
- Monitoring gum recession and tooth mobility
- Evaluation of dental implants and restorations
- Personalized brushing and flossing recommendations
- Management of tobacco use and other modifiable risk factors
Consistent home care and professional maintenance can help control bacterial buildup and identify changes before they become more extensive.
Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontics
What is the cost of periodontal treatment?
The cost depends on the severity of the disease, the areas being treated and whether nonsurgical or surgical care is required. After your evaluation, our team will explain the recommended treatment and associated costs. We accept major credit cards and offer CareCredit™ financing options.
What happens during a periodontal visit?
Dr. Rodney will examine your gums, measure the spaces around your teeth and use digital X-rays when needed to evaluate supporting bone. The findings are used to determine the type and severity of gum disease and the appropriate treatment.
Can gingivitis be reversed?
Gingivitis can often be reversed with professional treatment and consistent brushing and flossing because it has not yet caused permanent bone loss. Periodontitis cannot be reversed in the same way, but it can be managed and its progression may be slowed.
What alternatives are available before periodontal surgery?
Nonsurgical options may include scaling and root planing, antimicrobial therapy, laser treatment and improved home care. These approaches may be effective for certain early or moderate cases. Surgery may be recommended when deeper areas cannot be managed predictably with nonsurgical care alone.
Is scaling and root planing painful?
Local anesthesia is used when appropriate to keep the treated area comfortable. Temporary tenderness, bleeding or sensitivity may occur afterward and generally improves as the gums heal.
How long does a deep cleaning take?
The time depends on the number of areas being treated and the extent of plaque and tartar buildup. An individual section of the mouth may take approximately one to two hours, and treatment may be divided across multiple appointments.
How often will I need periodontal maintenance?
The recommended interval depends on your disease history, treatment response, oral hygiene and risk factors. Periodontal maintenance is often scheduled more frequently than routine preventive cleaning.
Can gum disease affect dental implants?
Inflammation and infection can affect the tissues and bone supporting dental implants. Patients with a history of periodontal disease need consistent home care and professional monitoring to help protect their implants.
Schedule a Periodontal Evaluation
Bleeding, swelling and gum recession can be early signs of a condition that may progress without prompt care. Dr. Jonathan Rodney can evaluate your gum health and explain the appropriate treatment options.
Call 347-223-5850 or request an appointment online to learn more about periodontal treatment in Brooklyn, New York.
