Perio Protect Gum Disease Treatment in Massapequa, NY

Yes! Perio Protect has been approved by the FDA and is backed by scientific research to fight gum disease and whiten teeth.

The Perio Protect system uses antibacterial peroxide gel. The bacteria that cause gum disease are killed when they come into contact with this gel. The effectiveness of the treatment is bolstered by the design of the trays which hold the gel directly against the gum line where bacteria thrive.

Each tube of gel will last about 2-3 weeks depending on how often you use it. By the time you finish your first tube of gel, you’ll likely start seeing whiter teeth and healthier gums.

Recent research does indicate a link between gum disease and heart disease. In addition, people with gum disease see a higher rate of diabetic complications, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, pregnancy complications, and some cancers.

Gum disease is when plaque and calculus start to build up around the margins and in between the teeth. Gum tissue begins to get inflamed and separates itself from the margins of the teeth. This allows plaque and tartar to accumulate on the root surfaces of the teeth. Only a dental professional with specific tools can remove this type of plaque and tartar. Should this problem be ignored, a patient can run the risk of infection, tooth mobility, and even in more severe conditions, tooth loss!

Gingivitis can be the start of periodontal disease if not treated properly. When plaque and tartar are left on the surfaces of the teeth above the gum line, it can create inflamed, sometimes red gums that can be sensitive to touch and in some cases even bleed.

Usually, it is recommended to visit your doctor and hygienist every 3-4 months. Periodontal disease is episodic in nature, and patients with gum disease tend to have a more frequent buildup of calculus than a patient with healthy gums. If a patient neglects to visit as prescribed, they are more susceptible to having a flare up again.

In the presence of periodontal disease, your doctor may choose to use an antibiotic called Arestin. Arestin is a non-systemic minocycline based antibiotic which is delivered directly into the infected area and treats the infection for 21 days.

Specific medical conditions or surgeries will determine the need for pre-medication, or antibiotics before your dental reservation. Artificial joints, stents, and specific medical conditions are some of the contributing factors. Your dentist will consult your medical specialist and determine whether or not your specific condition requires antibiotics, or “pre-medication.”

YES! Periodontal disease is episodic in nature. It cannot be reversed, but it can be maintained. With proper home care and regular treatment from your hygienist every 3-4 months, we may be able to prevent a flare-up. My teeth are loose, do my gums have something to do with this? Absolutely! In the presence of moderate to severe periodontal disease, it is common for teeth to become mobile.

There are different ways to rejuvenate the gums after the process of recession has occurred. Surgical procedures such as gum rejuvenation have excellent results in as little as 24 hours.

The idea of periodontal surgery can be scary and may cause patients to neglect or put off returning for their hygiene therapy reservations. This can be detrimental to a patient’s overall oral health. Not only are our team of hygienists at Greater Long Island Dental non-surgical periodontal therapists, but they are also licensed to administer nitrous oxide and a local anesthetic to ensure the comfort of our patients.