AT SENECA RIDGE DENTAL OUR HIGHLY TRAINED HYGIENISTS TAKE GREAT PRIDE IN ENSURING THAT WE IMPROVE THE CONDITION OF YOUR ORAL HEALTH.

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This starts with a thorough diagnosis and evaluation of your periodontal (gum) health, radiographs to visualize the hard tissues of the oral cavity, and clinical examination of the teeth, gums, and soft tissues. Depending on the status of your gum health, Dr. Cappuccio and the hygienists will make recommendations aimed at maintaining a healthy periodontium, or improving/treating present periodontal disease.  

NEARLY HALF OF AMERICANS AGED 30 OR OLDER HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH GUM DISEASE.

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 64.7 million American adults have the advanced form of periodontal disease called periodontitis.

MEN ARE DIAGNOSED WITH PERIODONTAL DISEASE MORE OFTEN THAN WOMEN.

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Instances of periodontal disease are much more prevalent in men than in women– 56% vs 34%. People who smoke are in even greater danger of developing the disease with 64.2% of smokers being diagnosed.

IF YOU’RE OVER AGE 35, YOU COULD LOSE MORE TEETH TO GUM DISEASE THAN TO CAVITIES.

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While tooth decay is another top reason why people lose their teeth, adults aged 35 and older lose more teeth to gum disease than to cavities and decay.

PERIODONTAL DISEASE IS THE LEADING CAUSE OF TOOTH LOSS IN ADULTS.

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If left untreated, periodontitis will ultimately result in tooth loss. This can happen if you’re in your 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond. Some teenagers and people in their 20s can even lose their teeth to gum disease.

30 PERCENT OF PEOPLE EXPERIENCE GUM DISEASE DUE TO GENETICS.

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These people are also six times more likely to get periodontitis than those who don’t have a genetic link to the condition.

PREGNANT WOMEN WITH GUM DISEASE MAY GIVE BIRTH PREMATURELY.

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​Studies show that mothers with unhealthy gums are more likely to give birth to premature babies or babies with low birth weight compared to mothers who don’t have gum disease.

PERIODONTAL DISEASE CAN LEAD TO SERIOUS HEALTH COMPLICATIONS.

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Studies have shown that gum disease can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious illnesses. Scientists believe that inflammation may be the link between periodontal disease and other health conditions.

WHAT IS PERIODONTAL DISEASE?

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Periodontal disease is a chronic and progressive disease that is caused by bacterial bioproducts that destroy the healthy attachment of the gums to the teeth.  

At first, the presence of bacteria in the periodontal sulcus (gap between your gums and your tooth) causes inflammation of the gums which can make them red, swollen, and enlarged.  Dental professionals will commonly call this early stage of gum disease “gingivitis.” If you have swollen gums that bleed frequently when you brush or floss, you probably have gingivitis.  Gingivitis progresses to periodontitis when the bacterial byproducts start to destroy the healthy attachment apparatus within the periodontal sulcus. This leads to a deepening of the sulcus, creating pockets that are extremely difficult for patients to clean thoroughly without professional help.  Pockets around teeth caused by bacterial destruction of the gingiva and alveolus (jaw bone surrounding teeth) can lead to pain, halitosis (bad breath), bleeding of the gums, mobile teeth, and eventually tooth loss. While it is difficult to regenerate bone that has been destroyed due to periodontal disease, professional cleanings, scaling and root planing, and local antibiotic treatments can serve to stop the progression of the disease, and re-establish a healthy attachment apparatus around your teeth.

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HOW SENECA RIDGE DENTAL IN WESTERN NEW YORK CAN IM PROVE YOUR PERIODONTAL HEALTH

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DENTAL PROCEDURE

Doctor Cappuccio and the team at Seneca Ridge are committed to helping you achieve the greatest oral health possible.  Initially, and annually, the periodontal sulci/pockets are measured at 6 points around each tooth in order to diagnose the presence of periodontal disease.  Bitewing radiographs are used to visualize the relationship of the teeth within the jawbone and to compare the bone height to normal levels and to screen for calculus deposits on teeth below the gingival height.  A visual inspection of the gums also aids in the diagnosis of your gum health. Using these three modalities, Dr. Cappuccio is able to recommend a course of treatment.

In the absence of any periodontal disease, a prophylaxis or cleaning is recommended with recare scheduled six months later. Scaling and root planing (or a deep cleaning) is recommended when there are periodontal pockets present (probing depth of 4 mm or greater). Sometimes a deep cleaning can be performed in a few spots in the mouth if the gum disease is localized, or in many areas if it is more generalized.  Scaling and root planing in conjunction with local antibiotic treatments (Arrestin), and antibiotic mouth rinses used at home (Chlorhexidine), often stop the progression of periodontal disease completely. Following scaling and root planing, patients are placed on periodontal maintenance schedules, with visits often three or four months apart.

COSTS/INSURANCE

Frequently preventive services such as cleanings, radiographs, and periodic exams are covered completely by major insurance companies. If you require more than two hygiene appointments per year, you may not be covered through insurance for all of your visits. We encourage you to ask us about any concerns you have regarding financial obligations.
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If you require gum treatment ,via scaling and root planing, we will help get you coverage by submitting the necessary information to your insurance company.  Depending on your plan there are frequently out of pocket costs or copayments associated with gum treatment. Local antibiotic therapy is not covered by dental insurance companies, but some medical insurance plans provide the antibiotic to our dental office.  

THE NUPRO FREEDOM SYSTEM ​| DENTAL TECHNOLOGY WE USE TO IMPROVE THE CONDITION OF YOUR ORAL HEALTH.

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We are pleased to offer our patients the gold standard in infection control.

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BOOK A DENTAL APPOINTMENT TODAY!

The first step toward achieving a beautiful, healthy smile is to schedule an appointment. To schedule an appointment, please complete and submit the request form below. Our scheduling coordinator will contact you soon to confirm your appointment.

​Please note this form is for requesting an appointment. If you need to cancel or reschedule an existing appointment, or if you require immediate attention, please contact our practice directly.