Gum Disease Treatments

Book your next appointment

Gum disease typically begins without you ever knowing you have it. Over time, the condition progresses and can slowly destroy your gums and teeth. Unfortunately, by that time, patients may be too afraid or embarrassed to seek the dental care they so desperately need.

At Babylon Dental Care, we want to help you maintain happy and healthy gums. Understanding how to spot the signs of gum disease is half the battle. Since knowledge is power, we have put together this guide to help you understand how to spot and treat gum disease. With our help, we can keep your mouth strong and healthy. Call us at (631) 983-6665 to schedule an appointment to discuss your options with us.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is also known as periodontitis. Periodontitis can be a serious medical condition that impacts the gums and damages soft tissue. Gum disease is an infection or inflammation of the soft tissues surrounding your teeth. While your teeth have roots that extend into your jawbone holding them in place, the gums also help keep your teeth in their proper position.

Over time, gum disease can progress and make gums more sensitive and inflamed. If not treated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss. It may also destroy the bones that support your teeth.

What Causes Gum Disease?

The mouth is full of bacteria, some good and some harmful. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits help keep these harmful bacteria in check. Harmful bacteria, along with mucus, and stray food particles, can form a colorless, sticky plaque on teeth. When plaque is not properly removed with good oral hygiene techniques, it can harden and form tartar. Plaque and tartar build-up can cause infections and inflammation in the gums surrounding teeth.

In patients with periodontitis, the inner layer of soft tissue begins to pull away from teeth, creating small pockets. These pockets fill with debris like food particles and become even more inflamed or infected. As the pockets deepen, more gum tissue is destroyed. Eventually, the condition can worsen and can expose the teeth and even underlying bone to infections.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

The initial stages of gum disease can be minor and difficult to spot, which is why regular dental visits are crucial to heading off the spread of serious gum disease. As the disease progresses, symptoms become more noticeable and more severe. Some of the most common signs of gum disease include:

  • Swollen or puffy gum tissue
  • Gums that are red, not a healthy pink
  • Gums that feel sensitive or tender
  • Bleeding while brushing or flossing your teeth
  • Bad breath
  • Bad taste in the mouth
  • Loose teeth
  • Pain when chewing
  • A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite down
  • Gums that pull away from your teeth or teeth that look “longer”

Gum Disease – More Than Just a Mouth Problem

Gum disease can wreak havoc on your oral health. Yet, most people don’t realize that gum disease can also result in serious consequences for your overall health. In addition to tooth and bone loss, periodontitis can also lead to an increased risk of developing severe medical conditions. It is thought that the harmful bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and lead to health problems, such as stroke and heart disease. The American Academy of Periodontology reports that studies have linked periodontitis to health conditions and complications such as:

  • Diabetes
  • Heart and cardiovascular disease
  • Respiratory disease
  • Certain types of cancer including pancreatic and blood cancers
  • Stroke
  • Digestive disorders
  • Premature birth
  • Alzheimer’s and cognitive conditions

Gum Disease Prevention

The best treatment for gum disease is prevention. Be sure to brush and floss your teeth twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste containing fluoride. You may also want to add an antibacterial mouthwash to your daily routine to help flush out food particles and kill bacteria. Be mindful that no matter how thoroughly you clean your teeth, you need regular dental visits to remove hard-to-reach tartar build-up.

Curbing bad habits like smoking can also help improve the health of your gums. Smoking is extremely bad for your oral health. It can also impact your immune system, making infections in the gums harder to treat.

If you are going through hormonal changes such as pregnancy, puberty, or menopause, take extra care of your teeth and gums. Hormonal changes can make gums more sensitive and prone to disease. Some medications can also trigger oral health problems because they cause “dry mouth.” A decrease in saliva production can harm the health of teeth and gums. If you are on medication and suffering from a dry mouth, talk to your dentist about your options.

Treatments for Gum Disease

The treatments for gum disease will depend on the stage of the condition. At Babylon Dental Care, the following procedures may be necessary for reducing tartar build-up and treating gum disease at its source.

  • Full Mouth Debridement. When teeth are covered in heavy tartar deposits causing gum issues, this technique helps to remove the build-up.
  • Deep Therapeutic Scaling and Root Planing. If tartar deposits and infection have destroyed bone structure, this technique can help promote healthy teeth and gums. A dentist will remove plaque and tartar above and below the gum line, cleaning down into the gum pocket.
  • Irrigation. When plaque and tartar deposits are removed, irrigating the gum line can help flush the particles and bacteria away. Antibacterial medicaments can also help disinfect the gum line.
  • Localized Antibiotic Therapy. In some cases, a patient may need antibiotics to help fight disease-producing bacteria. Localized antibiotic treatments target the areas damaged by gum disease.

Schedule an Appointment with Babylon Dental Care Today

Dealing with gum disease can be frightening, which is why so many people choose to ignore it. Unfortunately, ignoring gum disease won’t make the condition go away. At Babylon Dental Care, we understand how the thought of treating gum disease may be anxiety-inducing. That is why we offer sensitive and compassionate care to all our patients. We want you to receive quality care in a comforting environment.

Don’t wait to get the treatment you need. Contact our office today by calling (631) 983-6665 and schedule an appointment.

Testimonials

babylon

“This is quite possibly the most impressive Dental office I’ve ever seen. All the staff goes above and beyond to make you feel welcome. The office is so gorgeous through out. I loved my hygienist, she was very knowledgeable and very thorough and informative about being proactive with your hygiene habits. Dr Hsu was amazing. I highly recommend him. Very professional and explains everything he’s doing and that you’re comfortable during the visit. I’m really glad I found this office and my new Dentist.”

Angel W

babylon

“I went there during covid as my dentist was shut down by the pandemic. They really do everything they can to make you feel good about your experience. Melanie who cleans my teeth as well is wonderful and does a great job everything by the time I leave I don't want to go. Excellent place for dental work. They go above and beyond.”

Connor L

babylon

“At Babylon Dental Care, “care” is given from arrival to check out. I was anxious; it had been a few years since my last filling. From the moment I walked into the exam room, Karen comforted me. She explained the process, answered my questions and talked with me to keep me calm. Dr. Wrann was excellent! I did not have any pain before, during or after the procedure. So happy! Thank you to a truly great team!”

Kristina F

babylon

“Had the zoom whitening treatment and all I can say is wow!!”

Beth L

babylon

“I cannot adequately express my appreciation for this practice. Best dental practice ever! Everyone is so kind, caring and respectful. I don't dread going to the dentist anymore. I've had a lot of work done and am extremely pleased. They are very gentle and strive to keep you pain free. Very professional from reception on up. I highly recommend Babylon Dental. Would give them 10 stars if I could!”

Debra B

babylon

“I've never had such an amazing experience at a dentist. They are so kind, so caring, so friendly, and really make you feel appreciated and not just like a patient number. I am blown away by the care I received here, and will be recommending them to everyone I know!”

Jessica C

babylon

“Babylon Dental Care is an amazing practice! I had an issue with my teeth and they took me immediately. Their friendly and compassionate staff walked me through each step and in a matter of a week I had that tooth extracted and my flipper ready for every day use! You can’t even tell I have it in! The office is spotless and they even have Netflix! How cool is that! You’re welcomed as soon as you walk in and they made me feel so comfortable. Dr. Golo and Dr. Knakal took such good care of me and I would recommend them to anyone! The office is so convenient and literally across the street from my home so it doesn’t get better than that! Thank you Babylon Dental!”

Joseph S

babylon

“I recently moved approximately 300 miles away, I continue to make the trip back to Babylon Dental Care. My hygienist Paige could not be kinder, friendlier or professional. I have been having issues with bone loss in my jaws and now it's time for implants. Dr. Knakal has been outstanding. I know I am in the best hands. Everyone I have dealt with at BDC from the receptionists to the checkout personnel are awesome! I will be continuing to make the trip for all my dental care.”

Pete R

babylon

“Very professional staff and the hygienist Melody is amazing. The dentist are very thorough and they explained every little bit of details of your procedure. They make you feel so relaxed and welcoming. I would recommend Babylon Dental Care to anyone.”

Verona B

babylon

“Professional and courteous staff, every time I come here I’m more than satisfied. Dr Wrann & Dr Knakal are exceptionally good. I would highly recommend Babylon Dental!”

Nick S

babylon

“I've been coming here for about a year and a half. I have always had Francesca and she's great. She's always professional, friendly and honest with me. They have a pretty good system with the walkie-talkies too which makes the process more or less pretty smooth. I also really appreciate that they are transparent up front with cost, not many places are like that in my experiences.”

Scott A

babylon

“I have been using Babylon Dental Care for almost 10 years. Dr. Brown, Jen, Melody and Michelle are incredible. They are always concerned with the patients well being and health making it a different experience. They treat you like family, not a patient. I use them for dentistry and their silent night therapy. Thank you for taking care of my family. Great job team!”

Chuck M

babylon

“Amazing experience getting my teeth cleaned at Babylon Dental Care. Melody is fantastic and provided a top-notch painless service. Highly recommend.”

Ron S

babylon

“First time here, never felt so comfortable at the dentist. Super clean and friendly staff. Corrin and Dr. Brown are absolutely wonderful! Very thorough and knowledgeable.”

Cara P

babylon

“I would highly recommend Babylon Dental Care. The Drs and Staff are all very friendly and professional. They take the extra time to explain the procedures which are truly done gently and with care. I saw Dr. Knakal and Dr. Diamond. The lobby is comfortable and the dental work areas are immaculate. Also, I have never had to wait very long before being seen!”

Regina B

babylon

“First visit and everyone was so nice and made the transition to a new dentist seamless! Corinn did a great cleaning and explained everything as she was doing it!”

Kayleigh P

babylon

“Everyone in the Patchogue office are wonderful! Kind, caring, and attentive. I have always hated dentists but I am never anxious to come there. I can honestly say I have NEVER felt this at ease. Thank you all for making this a wonderful experience for me. I won’t ever hesitate to go to the dentist again!”

Susan G

babylon

“From the moment I walked in it was a great experience. The facility is modern and clean. I was treated extremely well. And I really don't like going to the dentist but I'm actually looking forward to my next visit. Everyone I met was great! Thank you for making me feel comfortable.”

Tom M

babylon

“Dr. David and the entire staff at Babylon Dental Care are amazing! Every single person who works there is so kind compassionate. I’m a very nervous patient and Dr. David and his assistant Amber made me feel so at ease. I highly recommend Babylon Dental Care especially if you’re an anxious patient!”

Elisabeth D

babylon

“Love this office and all staff! From the front desk, to the hygienist, the dentists and the lovely ladies that check you out, it’s a top notch experience. I trust them 100%!”

Marian P

babylon

“This was my first time at this Dental office. I went in for a cleaning and dental exam. The office is Clean and modern. I felt comfortable and welcomed right from the start. My hygienist 'Melody' was great! I feel that she was very thorough, talked me through everything she was doing and made recommendations for improving my routine at home. My dental exam with Dr. Diamond was just as pleasant. I liked that she also took her time and I didn't feel rushed. All-in-all it was a good experience. The entire team at the clinic displayed a high level of professionalism and made me feel comfortable throughout my visit.”

Brenda S

babylon

“I had my teeth cleaned by Melody and she did an incredible job. She is gentle, and caring. My teeth look and feel amazing! I normally hate going to the dentist but now look forward to my cleanings with Melody and this location! Everyone is this office is so kind and sweet from the moment you walk in.”

Gillian W

babylon

“Really love this office, they are so kind and non judge mental, I have dealt with so many judge mental dental offices and I have felt totally at ease here. Truly grateful to find them. Dr David is so gentle and for the first time ever I don’t have an anxiety attack coming in to the dentist. The ladies in the front are a pleasure as well, Beth is a breathe of fresh air.”

Angela P

babylon

“Absolutely incredible team. From the very moment you walk in you're greeted with kindness and people who want to help you. When I was asked how everything was I literally told them I was speechless. Having had terrible experiences as a kid with dentistry I wasn't sure if the nice things I've heard and read would live up to my expectation. I'm so glad they met them, and even went above and beyond what I had imagined. They offered me several options (a comfort menu) for things I could ask for to help make the time go by easier and with less anxiety.. all for free! If you have been holding off due to how long it's been and how anxious you might be then take this as your sign to look into coming here. I really truly am so glad I overcame my fear and made my appointment, they are just *that* good”

Brian K