Preventive Dentistry and Periodontal Therapy

Most people associate dentistry with care of the teeth, but did you know that care of the gums, and the underlying bone, is also very important for good health? Gums maintain the position and stability of the teeth. Like the teeth, gums are susceptible to problems, which are labeled as gum disease (periodontal disease). About 80% of American adults, and many children, have some level of gum disease. Sometimes, the symptoms are easy to recognize: bleeding, sensitive, red, or swollen gum tissue. However, in other cases, there are no symptoms and the problem is diagnosed in the course of a thorough dental examination.

If left untreated, gum disease may lead to other problems of soft tissue and the underlying supportive bone. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss for American adults, as well. Recent studies link the condition with increased risk for heart attack, stroke, diabetes complications, low birth weight, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and other serious health concerns.

Your regular checkups and cleanings allow our team to take a proactive approach to your oral health. At your checkups, Dr. Miller will assess your existing dental work, search for new or potential tooth damage, and inspect your soft tissues for oral cancer and gum disease. During cleanings, our hygienist removes built up plaque, tartar, and decaying food particles from teeth. She'll also record information about your gums so that we can analyze your gum health over time.

If you are diagnosed with gum disease – whether mild gingivitis or invasive periodontitis – Dr. Miller and our hygienist will provide prompt, comfortable therapy to reverse damage and restore optimal periodontal health.

• Checkups & Cleanings
• Nutritional Guidance
• Guidance for Home Care
• Currettage (root cleaning)
• Dental Sealants

We also offer:

Non-surgical gum treatment
Fiber therapy is a new non-surgical procedure, which can treat some gum infections and help to save natural teeth. It is specifically designed to treat localized problematic areas of the gum. Fiber therapy is recommended if your dentist has found a periodontal pocket--an area where the gum has separated from the tooth. Bacteria that form in this pocket are not easily removed and can cause infection.

As a non-surgical adjunct, we use one of the leading periodontal fiber therapies, Actisite. The tiny fiber, about as thick as dental floss, is gently placed into the infected space between the gum and tooth, then secured with a dental adhesive to keep it in place for about 10 days. The fiber releases an antibiotic into the pocket to kill bacteria and relieve infection. If the antibiotic successfully treats the gum infection, the patient will experience a reduction in the depth of the pocket and the area will be easier to keep healthy.

Reserve Your Appointment Today
As a general, cosmetic, and sedation dentist, Dr. Robert Miller offers comprehensive dental care, backed by state-of-the-art technology. Our Forest Hills, NY dental office serves patients from Manhattan, Brooklyn, and surrounding areas. We cater to the anxious, stressed, and fearful patient, providing a comfortable atmosphere and understanding approach to dentistry. If you've avoided dental visits, Dr. Miller wants to talk with you about his approach and philosophy. Sedation dentistry could change your smile - and your life. Call today to reserve your consultation with Dr. Miller.