Saving Teeth
The role of a periodontist— a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal (gum) disease and in the placement and maintenance of dental implants— is saving teeth when possible. That’s our mission and our goal for all of our patients.
Periodontists are experienced in the treatment of all forms of periodontal disease, including gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), periodontitis (severe gum infection), and gingival recession (receding gums). Periodontitis is an advanced form of gingivitis that leads to inflammation and damaged bone and tissue. Dr. Horowitz divides treatment approaches into two categories: surgical and non-surgical.
Periodontal diseases can be classified into different types, ranging from slight to moderate to severe to aggressive (as classified by the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Periodontology). Treatment approaches are divided into two categories: surgical and non-surgical.
By choosing our practice, you will benefit from the latest procedures for treating periodontal disease. In addition, Dr. Horowitz can perform cosmetic periodontal procedures to help you achieve the smile you desire. Please call us at (914) 723-3366 to learn more about periodontal treatments in Scarsdale, New York, and schedule your appointment with our experienced periodontist, Dr. Robert Horowitz.
The role of a periodontist is saving teeth when possible. That’s our mission and our goal for all of our patients.
All of our patients have dental needs involving implants, bone grafts, and restorative work, as well as a large population with chronic periodontitis. Periodontitis is an advanced form of gingivitis that leads to inflammation and damaged bone and tissue. By choosing our practice, you will benefit from the latest procedures for treating periodontal disease and placing dental implants tailored to your needs. In addition, Dr. Horowitz can perform cosmetic periodontal procedures to help you achieve the smile you desire.
Periodontal diseases can be classified into different types, ranging from slight to moderate to severe to aggressive (as classified by the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Periodontology). Treatment approaches are divided into two categories: surgical and non-surgical.
Please call us at 914-723-3366 to learn more about periodontal treatments in Scarsdale, New York, and schedule your appointment with our experienced periodontist, Dr. Robert Horowitz.
Periodontal Treatments
Non-Surgical
The periodontic and implant dentistry practice of Robert Horowitz, DDS, follows the American Academy of Periodontology treatment guidelines guidelines stating that periodontal health should be achieved in the least invasive and most cost-effective manner. This often is accomplished through non-surgical periodontal treatment.
Non-surgical periodontal treatments are minimally invasive, producing effective results without requiring the use of scalpels or sutures. Additionally, any required recovery time for non-surgical treatments is minimal. The goal of these treatments is to reduce the number of harmful bacteria in your mouth and promote healing in your gum tissues. Our periodontist also uses the latest technologies and techniques, including water laser technology, to ensure that these treatments are high-quality and meet your needs.
Deep Cleaning: Scaling and Root Planing
We perform a thorough and meticulous cleaning that includes scaling to remove plaque and tartar deposits above and beneath the gum line. This procedure goes deeper than a regular cleaning, so you may be given an anesthetic to minimize discomfort. The cleaning usually takes two visits to complete, depending on the extent of the disease.
Laser Assisted Treatment
Another non-surgical gum treatment uses laser technology to stimulate wound healing after hard (bone) and soft (gum) tissue procedures to optimize the body’s regenerative response.
Surgical
Non-surgical periodontal treatment does have its limitations. When it does not achieve periodontal health, surgery may be indicated in order to restore periodontal health. Our overarching goal is to save your teeth.
The type of gum surgery you need depends on the severity of your gum disease and the specific damage it has done, or the type of cosmetic results you desire.
Periodontal Root Coverage
Sometimes referred to as a soft tissue graft, a small amount of tissue from the top of your mouth or another source is removed and sewed to the gum area, covering the roots and restoring the gum line to its original, healthy location. This procedure can also be performed for cosmetic reasons too. Once the healing process is complete, you can enjoy a beautifully aligned gum line!
Bone and Gum Grafting
Grafting is a procedure used to replace missing bone or gum tissue.
Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR)
GTR is a technique used to repair periodontal defects so that a tooth, or set of teeth, has more support and stability.
Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening reshapes your gums at the base of a tooth. It can be used to remove excess gum tissue and reshape your smile to provide a more aesthetically-appealing appearance. Most often, it may be required when your tooth needs a new crown or other restoration.
Extraction Environment Enhancement
Poorly positioned wisdom teeth may cause many problems, including growth of bacteria, which in turn could result in stiffness, swelling, pain and illness that could be signs of an infection. The erupting wisdom tooth may move other teeth and disrupt the natural or orthodontic alignment of teeth. Cysts or tumors can form around the impacted wisdom teeth. This can cause serious problems and result in the destruction of healthy teeth and the jaw bone. These problems can be resolved by removal of the offensive wisdom teeth, which should be extracted early to minimize the surgical risk involved with the procedure and to avoid problems.
Dr. Horowitz will evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and discuss any present or future complications by reviewing x-rays, a 3-D cone beam tomography and oral examination of the mouth. He will discuss with you the extraction procedure, treatment and your well-being before, during, and after the extraction.
Bone Regeneration
Extractions, periodontal disease, trauma, broken teeth and/or oral infections can lead to bone loss. Bone tissue must be replaced to enable ideal restoration with or without the use of dental implants.