A periodontist is a dental specialist who treats gum disease, protects bone and soft tissue, and places dental implants. Good gum health matters because healthy gums keep your teeth stable, lower infection risk, and support overall health. This guide explains what a periodontist does, signs of gum disease, treatment options, and how to find care by Bellmore, NY.
What Is A Periodontist?
A periodontist in Bellmore, NY is a dentist with extra training in preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum and bone diseases. Unlike a general dentist, a periodontist focuses on advanced gum treatments, implant surgery, and soft-tissue procedures. Typical training includes dental school plus additional residency or specialty training in periodontics.
Periodontists treat moderate to severe gum disease, perform gum grafts and bone grafts, and place and restore dental implants. They also manage complex cases where gums and supporting bone affect long-term dental health.
Common Signs Of Gum Disease To Watch For
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste
- Gum recession or longer-looking teeth
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Red, tender, or swollen gums
See your general dentist for routine checks. If symptoms persist after basic care, or if you have loose teeth, deep pockets, or bone loss, consult a periodontist in Bellmore, NY for evaluation and advanced treatment.
Why Gum Health Matters For Overall Health
Good gum health reduces the risk of tooth loss and helps control inflammation in the body. Research links untreated gum disease to higher risks of heart disease, worse blood sugar control for people with diabetes, and complications in pregnancy. Keeping gums healthy is a simple step toward better overall health.
Prevention—regular cleanings, daily hygiene, and early treatment—offers the best long-term results for both oral and general health.
What Treatments A Periodontist In Bellmore, NY Can Provide
Periodontal care ranges from non-surgical to surgical options depending on disease severity.
Non-surgical care includes professional deep cleanings (scaling and root planing), targeted antibiotic therapy, laser treatment to reduce bacteria and inflammation, and ongoing periodontal maintenance.
Surgical care addresses deeper problems: flap surgery and pocket reduction to access infected areas, gum grafts to restore receded tissue, bone grafting to rebuild lost bone, and ridge augmentation to prepare sites for implants.
Dental Implants & Same-Day Solutions Offered By A Periodontist In Bellmore, NY
Periodontists place missing teeth with stable, long-lasting results. Implants can support single crowns, bridges, or full-arch restorations. “Full Smile in a Day” or same-day implant systems let patients leave with temporary teeth the same day as surgery when conditions allow.
Benefits include improved chewing, preservation of jawbone, and a natural look and feel that lasts longer than removable dentures.
Advanced Technology A Periodontist Uses For Better Outcomes
Modern periodontics depends on precise tools. 3D imaging and digital planning let a periodontist in Bellmore, NY plan implant placement with high accuracy, reducing surprises and improving results. Laser dentistry offers less bleeding and faster healing for many gum procedures. Digital restorative workflows ensure crowns and implant restorations fit precisely and look natural.
About Now Dental And Dr. Mitchell A. Kaufman — Periodontist & Implant Specialist In Bellmore, NY
Now Dental is a periodontal and implant-focused practice serving Bellmore for over 35 years. Dr. Mitchell A. Kaufman, DDS, is a board-certified periodontist and implant specialist with training from the University of Maryland and Columbia University and more than 25 years of clinical experience. The team emphasizes evidence-based care, patient comfort, and full-mouth health.
Now Dental offers advanced services such as same-day implant systems, 3D planning, laser treatments, and digital restorative workflows. The practice has placed over 15,000 implants and focuses on long-term, functional, and aesthetic outcomes.
How To Choose The Right Periodontist In Bellmore, NY
- Ask about specialist training and board certification.
- Ask how many implants they place each year and to see before/after cases.
- Confirm they use 3D imaging and digital planning for implants.
- Look for patient comfort measures and clear, written treatment plans.
- Ask about financing and insurance help.
Red flags: vague diagnoses, no imaging, pressure for unnecessary procedures, or lack of clear follow-up care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontal Care
- Will treatment be painful? Most procedures are done with local anesthesia; discomfort is usually manageable and brief.
- How long is recovery? Recovery varies by procedure—deep cleanings need days, surgical procedures can need a week or more for initial healing.
- Are implants successful? Implant success rates are high with proper planning and care; a periodontist in Bellmore, NY can explain your specific odds.
- Does insurance cover treatment? Many plans cover part of periodontal care; financing options can help with out-of-pocket costs.
- How do I maintain results? Daily brushing/flossing and regular maintenance visits are essential to protect outcomes.
Getting Care From A Periodontist In Bellmore, NY
To start, schedule a consultation with a periodontist in Bellmore, NY. Bring a list of current medications, recent X-rays if you have them, and a summary of dental history. Expect an exam, possible 3D imaging, and a clear treatment plan with options and costs. Early evaluation gives the best chance to save teeth, restore function, and protect overall health.
If you have signs of gum disease, persistent symptoms, or interest in implants, a specialist consultation is the next practical step toward a healthier, lasting smile.
