Periodontal Evaluation in Brooklyn NY

Why Periodontal Evaluation Matters in Brooklyn NY

A periodontal evaluation at our Downtown Brooklyn office identifies problems before they become irreversible.

What Is Periodontal Disease and How Serious Is It?

When plaque goes untreated, the toxins inside it spread into the soft gum tissue around your teeth. Bacteria then settle into the gums and start to multiply, burrowing deeper and creating gum pockets. As infection grows, you may notice inflammation and irritation. As your body fights the bacteria, gums can recede, leading to tooth loss and even jaw issues. Without treatment, periodontal disease keeps getting worse and creates many health problems.

Signs You Need a Periodontal Evaluation

Never ignore these warning signs of periodontal disease. Instead, address them early to keep your mouth healthy:

• Loose teeth that move when you bite or chew
• A receding gum line that makes teeth look longer; often a sign of bone loss
• Bleeding gums while brushing, flossing, or eating with no obvious cause
• Constant bad breath that persists despite regular brushing and flossing

In addition, periodontal infections raise your risk of diabetes, heart disease, osteopenia, and osteoporosis.

The Best Way to Prevent Periodontal Disease

Routine dental checkups are the only reliable way to keep periodontal disease out of your mouth. Early stages of periodontal disease often have no symptoms, so a thorough exam is the only way to catch them. Dr. Trachtenberg can identify warning signs and create a treatment plan before any teeth are lost.

What Happens at a Periodontal Check-Up

Your evaluation includes a careful inspection of your teeth, tongue, lymph nodes, and gums for signs of disease and the plaque that causes it. Dr. Trachtenberg may also take X-rays to view detail beneath the gum line. Beyond peace of mind, a regular check-up helps prevent major dental emergencies later.

Treatment Options by Severity

Once Dr. Trachtenberg examines your tissues, he can identify the stage of periodontal disease. Treatment options then vary based on severity:

Mild Periodontal Disease

Often called gingivitis. Gum pockets reach about 4 mm. At this stage, Dr. Trachtenberg may perform scaling and root planing to clean the pockets of all debris.

Moderate Periodontal Disease

Pockets are 4 to 6 mm deep and require thorough cleaning. Dr. Trachtenberg often uses local anesthetic at this stage for your comfort.

Advanced Periodontal Disease

Pockets exceed 6 mm and bone loss or receding gums are likely. Dr. Trachtenberg deep cleans the pockets, and you may also need additional treatments to rebuild damaged tissue and reduce pocket depth. Without treatment, tooth loss is likely. If the jawbone is still strong, Dr. Trachtenberg can place a prosthetic tooth. If the jaw has worn down, however, you may need additional procedures such as bone grafts before proceeding with a prosthetic.

Periodontal Evaluation at Willoughby Dental

Your teeth play a daily role in your life and your overall health. Without routine exams, the risk of periodontal disease climbs quickly, raising the risk of tooth loss, cancer, and even heart attack. Willoughby Dental keeps you healthy by helping you fight off periodontal disease one check-up at a time.