Woman with pain from gum disease

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?

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

Early symptoms

  • Bad breath 
  • Gum tenderness 
  • Swollen gums 
  • Red gums 
  • Gums that bleed when you brush or floss 

Advanced symptoms

  • Tooth loss
  • Gum recession 
  • Loose teeth 
  • Jawbone deterioration 

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

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

Gum Disease Risk Factors

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:

  • Smoking or using tobacco products
  • Certain medical conditions like diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Advanced age 
  • Family history of gum disease
  • Dry mouth 
  • Poor nutrition 
  • Hormonal changes (such as those that occur during pregnancy)
Man with jaw pain

Experiencing Symptoms of Periodontal Disease? Let Us Treat Your Gums!

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. Request your consultation with us by filling out our online form or calling our office:

(718) 278-1123

"Great Experience Every Time."

1

E.Tupou

2021

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My first appointment with them today and I was more then happy! I've finally found my new dentist! Professional and caring from the Staff to the dentist herself! I highly recommend! The receptionists were awesome! ❤️

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1

Eric Luciano

2021

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As nerve wracking as one may think a visit to the dentist will be, I have to say I’ve had a great experience every time with this office. The staff is friendly, welcoming and pleasant. I worked with Cindy who is knowledgeable, thorough and walks me through the entire process with attention to all my questions. Always walk out of a visit on a good note. Highly recommend it.

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Treating Early-Stage Gum Disease

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. 

"I've visited both Dr Every and Dr Degel and have had great experiences with both, with extensive work being done- extraction, implants, bridge, veneers, Invisalign, crowns, root canals and the basic cavities. The assistants are very helpful, staff is competent and friendly, the dental hygienist does a great job and I've never had to wait." Michelle Linnen, 2017

What Treatment Options Are Available
For More Advanced Gum Disease?

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: 

Patient getting treatment for gum disease

Gum Disease FAQ 

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.

What causes gum disease?

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.

How can I prevent periodontal disease?

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 

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. 

Doctors Carmen Every-Degel and Clifford Degel

Astoria Dental Group

Our doctors are widely recognized for their contributions to the field of dentistry. They are members of various prestigious organizations, including: 

  • Academy of General Dentistry 
  • American Academy of Implant Dentistry 
  • International Congress of Oral Implantologists 
  • American Dental Association

If you are ready to transform your smile with Astoria Dental Group, request a consultation online or call us in Queens at (718) 278-1123.

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