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Gum Disease

The Silent Threat: Understanding and Preventing Gum Disease

Gum disease can seriously compromise your oral health if left untreated.
At Astoria Dental Group in Queens, NY, Drs. Clifford and Carmen Every-Degel can provide treatment to address or reverse gum disease.
Read on to learn more about why timely treatment of gum disease is so important, and why you should reach out to us today…

What Is Gum Disease?

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Gum disease (also called periodontal disease) is an infection caused by bacterial growth in the mouth. Gum disease is preventable and can be treated fairly simply with early attention from a dentist. Here is a look at how gum disease progresses:

Gingivitis

The most common symptom of gingivitis is swollen, red gums that may bleed when you’re brushing your teeth. You may also experience bad breath with gingivitis. Gingivitis can be reversed with plaque removal both above and below the gum line.

Periodontitis

When gingivitis is left untreated, it can develop into periodontitis. It causes deep pockets between the gums and teeth as the tissue begins to pull away. Meanwhile, the gums will begin to look visibly receded and feel irritated.

Advanced Periodontitis

Advanced periodontal disease can result in bone loss, cause your teeth to become loose, and cause further gum recession. At this point, gum disease requires more invasive treatment.

Symptoms of gum disease

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Detecting gum disease in its earliest stages is as simple as showing up for your regular dental visits. If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of gum disease, our Queens, NY, practice serving Long Island and all of NYC is here to help. Get in touch with a member of our staff to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

Routine Care Is Key

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Regular checkups and excellent at-home care are the two very best ways to avoid developing gum disease.

Gum Disease Risk Factors

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Even if you maintain proper oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly, several factors could increase your risk of gum disease. One of our dentists can help you determine if any risk factors are present by examining your mouth and reviewing your medical history.
Some risk factors associated with periodontal disease include:

Experiencing Symptoms of Periodontal Disease?

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Minimizing your chance of developing advanced gum disease can be as simple as practicing good dental hygiene and maintaining regular checkups with your dentist. If periodontal disease is ignored, it can become chronic and lead to serious health issues like heart disease. If detected early enough, our dentists can reverse gum disease.
Dr. Clifford Degel and Dr. Carmen Every-Degel are dentists who provide gentle and effective care to minimize the effect of periodontal disease on your smile. Our Queens, NY, practice serves Long Island and patients throughout NYC.

What Are The Dangers of Untreated Gum Disease?

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Gingivitis

Bacteria present in your gums can travel through your body and trigger inflammation in your heart, potentially increasing your risk for heart disease. Additionally, periodontal disease could increase your risk of developing a respiratory infection like pneumonia.

Root Canal Infection

When gum disease is left untreated, it can lead to oral health issues, including tooth decay. A root canal may be recommended if bacteria has spread into the pulp chamber of your tooth, causing infection. If a root canal cannot resolve the issue, the tooth must be removed.

Tooth Misalignment

Teeth that become loose or change position because of periodontal disease may lead to misalignment throughout your mouth. Active periodontal care is far simpler and more affordable than undergoing orthodontic treatments.

Tooth Loss

Tooth loss can occur when tissues become severely weakened due to advanced periodontal disease. Gum disease treatment is far more affordable than tooth replacement options such as dental implants, making early care crucial.

Dental Abscess

A dental abscess is a pocket of pus that forms inside your gums, jaw tissue, or the bones that hold your teeth in place. When periodontal disease is left untreated, it may lead to the formation of a dental abscess.

Treating Early-Stage Gum Disease

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Treating gum disease in its early stages could be as simple as scheduling a professional cleaning with your dentist and improving your regular oral health routine. To treat the initial stages of gum disease, our dentist may also recommend antibiotics to reduce the growth of bacteria.
Scaling and root planing is a nonsurgical deep cleaning procedure our dentist can perform to remove plaque from above and below your gum line. Planing involves smoothing out any rough spots on your tooth roots, and this process will make it more difficult for bacteria to accumulate in the future. This procedure can ultimately create a smooth surface for your gums to reattach to your teeth and halt the progress of the disease.

What Treatment Options Are Available For More Advanced Gum Disease?

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If you’re struggling with a more advanced form of periodontal disease, one of our dentists will probably recommend more involved solutions.
Treatment for advanced gum disease may include:

Gum grafting to replace diseased or receded tissue

Bone grafting to restore diseased or receded bone tissue in the jaw

Additionally, mini implants offer many of the same benefits that have earned traditional dental implants recognition as a superior restorative solution. Mini implant-supported dentures will not slip out of place, and do not require messy adhesives. With proper care, mini dental implants can provide a lifetime of support for your dental prosthetic. Most importantly, mini implants and traditional implants alike preserve the health of the jaw bone and can halt further atrophy.

Gum Disease FAQs

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Missing teeth is a common complaint among our patients. Luckily, our practice in Queens features several cutting-edge methods of filling gaps in a patient’s smile.

What are the stages of gum disease?

The three primary stages of gum disease are gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. While gingivitis can be reversed, more advanced stages are chronic. However, with a dentist’s help, they can be controlled.
Poor dental hygiene is one of the greatest risk factors for developing gum disease. Other risk factors that may lead to periodontal disease include genetics, age, or underlying disease like uncontrolled diabetes. Lifestyle choices such as smoking and vaping can also increase your risk. If you are pregnant, hormone fluctuations can cause gum disease and lead to some birth complications, so be sure and visit a dentist if you are expecting.
Seeing your dentist for regular checkups and maintaining good dental hygiene are the two very best ways to prevent gum disease. Otherwise, it’s a matter of making healthy choices. If you smoke, quit. If you like to eat sugary foods, explore ways of cutting back.

Cost of Treatment for Periodontal Disease

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At Astoria Dental Group, we believe the cost of treatment should not stand in the way of addressing your dental health concerns. Most treatments for periodontal disease are covered by dental insurance, and we accept most dental insurance plans. If you are uninsured, or have out-of-pocket expenses, we’re proud to offer financing through CareCredit®, Wells Fargo, and Lending Club. Contact a member of our staff to learn how we can help you manage the cost of treatment and achieve a healthy smile.

Meet Our Highly Trained Doctors

Our cosmetic dentists Drs. Clifford Degel and Carmen Every-Degel provide world-class dental care in a caring and friendly environment. Residents in Queens, Long Island, and throughout NYC trust them to create beautiful, healthy smiles.

Clifford Degel, DDS

With over 35 years of experience helping patients maintain, restore, and revitalize their smiles, Dr. Clifford Degel is considered a top dentist in Queens. Dr. Degel is known for exquisite cosmetic and restorative dentistry work at his state-of the-art, full service practice, Astoria Dental Group.

Carmen Every-Degel, DDS

Recognized as a top Invisalign® dentist, Dr. Every-Degel provides dramatic transformations with the discreet, convenient system, along with various cosmetic treatments such as smile makeovers and other procedures designed to deliver a brighter, more brilliant smile.

Our Astoria Patients Know

Experience the transformative impact of permanent full-arch dental implants as depicted in a carefully curated collection highlighting the incredible evolution from tentative smiles to confident, radiant grins of the present.
Veronica Delgado
5/5
February 25, 2024
Throughout my life, my dental journey has been difficult, painful, and has caused me a lot of anxiety. I am very happy to have found Astoria Dental Group – everyone has been so kind and have taken the time to explain everything to me thoroughly and make sure I am comfortable. Dr. Degel is absolutely wonderful. I know I’m putting my teeth in the right hands and I will soon have my dream smile!
Ahmed Allam
5/5
December 9, 2023
Astoria’s finest! The team here is exceptional – a warm and welcoming staff coupled with highly professional dentists, a husband-and-wife duo who each dedicate three days a week. Their flexibility in scheduling and acceptance of various insurances make it hassle-free. I’ve been a loyal client for years, personally attended to by Dr. Carmen. She’s not only super nice but also patiently listens, possesses extensive knowledge, and most importantly, operates with utmost integrity – you can trust them without a doubt.
James Venuti
5/5
September 15, 2023
Nice office, very fast and professional, great Doctors and the gentle hygienists are wonderful!
Shelly Valherzrosa
5/5
August 12, 2023
I’m in pain but I love how they doing me thank u so much the best dentist thank u
Michael Belasco
5/5
June 9, 2023
After much research for a “good” dentist in Manhattan, I found Astoria dental group, been a loyal patient for years their expertise & state of the art approach friendly, competent staff, I would highly recommend.
Jennifer Lee (JAMM)
5/5
May 6, 2022
Absolutely the best dentist/dental group I have ever been to. Little to no wait time, they fully explain your issues and possible treatment options, and every single person front and back have been incredibly fortunate. They are organized in the front and the dentists know their stuff. So thankful for her and the practice! I’ve had major work done, great work, no pain.
Frank Navas
5/5
March 4, 2022
Have been a long time patient. Dr Degel and staff are top notch and professional! He does AMAZING work the whole experience is very comfortable pain & stress free. They also will work with you on how to pay for services and help you improve your dental health which ultimately improves your overall health and well-being!! Thank Astoria Dental and Dr Degel & Staff!!
Jeff Fralick
5/5
March 1, 2022
Dr Degel and his staff did outstanding work for me. Very attentive and friendly. I would recommend Astoria Dental Group to anyone looking for quality dental work. I had my entire top replaced with new implants and I feel like a new person. 5 stars all around!

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