Beginning as young as 2 parents begin teaching their children how to properly brush their teeth twice a day and maintain a healthy smile. Moms are more and more aware of limiting sugars and teaching young children to brush after meals. In spite of all this millions of adults continue to need treatment for periodontitis on Long Island.

Periodontitis, or gum disease, is a direct result of plaque build along the gum line that has led to pockets in the gums. These pockets have become home to millions of bacteria that continue to multiply. Chronic periodontitis is gum disease that has gone untreated and is often associated with an interaction between plaque biofilms and your body’s immune system.

Biofilms are multilayered ecosystems that bond to the surface of your teeth and literally serve as a protector for bacteria that lead to gum disease making it difficult for most antibiotics to successfully treat the disease.

In the early stages of gum disease these biofilms are more easily torn down with the use of systemic antibiotics. However once the biofilm has formed a resistance the only fail safe solution is to break up the biofilm using mechanical means such as root planning or scaling prior to administering antibiotics.

But not all antibiotics have proven effective in the treatment of periodontal disease even with root scaling and planning. Some of the more effective include Azythromycin, Clindamycin and Tetracycline.

An Effective Approach for Treating Chronic Gum Disease

Traditionally gum disease could only be treated through the use of a scalpel and involved multiple “deep cleaning” sessions to rid the mouth of the underlying bacteria. These sessions were uncomfortable to say the least and dreaded by anyone facing a treatment.

But thankfully periodontal treatments have advanced over the years and now non-evasive laser therapy is available to more effectively, and in fewer sessions rid your mouth of harmful bacteria. The lasers have also been noted to stimulate the soft tissue for regeneration in some cases, making the therapy a double bonus.

During your treatment your Periodontist will likely develop a daily oral hygiene routine and diet recommendation to create an optimal healing environment. Staying away from harmful products like smoking, alcohol, sugary and acidic foods is also important during the healing phase.

After you have completed your treatment sessions your Periodontist will assist you in developing a few lifestyle changes to reduce the risks of a repeated infection. This will include continuing to limit harmful products eliminated during the treatment process as well as altering other dietary and oral hygiene habits where needed.

If you are faced with having to treat periodontal disease on Long Island you can rest assured knowing there are options for non-surgical treatments available. To find out more you can contact Dr. Scharf at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.  He treats gum disease with a laser rather than a scalpel.

Finding out you have gum disease can lead to a variety of feelings including frustration, embarrassment or maybe even fear. A lot of this is a result of not truly understanding what gum disease is or how it’s treated. The good news is by visiting a Long Island Periodontist who specializes in the treatment of gum disease you may be pleasantly surprised at your options.

As the dental industry continues to improve steady progress is made in treatment options for varying degrees of periodontitis. From the early stages right up to advanced gum disease your dental practitioner can offer multiple scenarios to restore the health of your mouth.

Options for Treating Gum Disease

The most desirable approach for patients and many practitioners as well is a non-surgical approach. For the longest time advanced stages of gum disease required surgical treatment but with technological advances that’s no longer the case. The three most common non-surgical procedures include:

• Professional Cleaning: this approach is effective for mild periodontitis where the bacteria are just beginning to populate at the gum line. You may need to have a repeated cleaning at set intervals to ensure all bacteria have been removed.
• Root Planning and Scaling: This method is more involved than a standard cleaning and is typically completed with your Periodontist under anesthesia. During root planning and scaling all plaque and bacteria are removed from both the tooth and gum surface.
• Laser Therapy: This approach effectively destroys living bacteria as well as stimulates healing of the soft tissue.

While many cases can be successfully treated with the options listed above there are still some circumstances that may require a surgical approach to fully treat not only the disease but the resulting damage caused by the lingering bacteria. Those surgical procedures include:

• Pocket Reduction: This surgery does exactly what it says, reduces the size of the pockets that have formed along the gum line. The deeper the pocket the easier it is for bacteria to multiply. By reducing the size of the gum pockets bacteria are unable to buildup and cause complications.
• Gum Grafts: This surgery involves taking healthy tissue from one area of the mouth and grafting it into areas of thin gums ore where the gums have recessed.
• Bone Grafts: Similar to a gum graft this procedure may be necessary if the infection has result in damage to the jawbone. A bone graft can help repair the damaged bone and restore the stability of the jaw.

If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease you can take a deep breath and rest easy knowing there are options out there. To discuss what options are right for you visit Dr. Scharf, a Long Island Periodontist in Suffolk County who is skilled in the early diagnosis and treatment of gum disease.  Call today at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

As cosmetic dentistry continues to grow in popularity more and more Americans are doing their research to learn more. But for some of us learning the cost is as far as we can go because our budgets just can reach that high.

Dental implants on Long Island can be costly but they don’t have to be out of your reach.  With a little diligence on your part you’ll find there are options available to help you foot the bill for that naturally beautiful smile.

Dental Implants for the Limited Budget

The most common options available today include:

• Discount dental plans: Many offices offer discount plans to new patients or even existing patients that are interested in extensive work.  For many you can receive discounts from 20% to 30% off the normal costs just by asking your dental practitioner what’s available through them.
• Dental schools: This is a teaching school where students are learning the specialized skills of modern dentistry. Contact your local dental school to see if they offer any program for dental implants. You may need to wait a little longer than a private practice but the saved costs can make it well worth your wait.
• Financial assistance: Most dental offices offer payment plans for patience in need and your implant dentist is likely no different. Typically there are two options available including an interest free payment plan or outside financing.
• Dental tourism: This option puts a unique twist of visiting abroad! More and more American’s are seeking dental procedures overseas at nearly half the cost of the United States. Countries such as Asia, South America and Europe are a few of the hot spots highly sought after for implant dentistry.

If your smile is in need of a make-over don’t let money keep you from giving it a try. Do a little homework, talk with your dental practitioner and consider alternatives like dental tourism to help fit cosmetic dentistry into your budget.

If you want to consult with a local Suffolk County Periodontist about getting dental implants on Long Island contact Dr. Scharf. He’s skilled in modern advancements for both implant dentistry and periodontal disease. Call today at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

Much has been said about how weight loss can improve gum health.  Here we will examine how periodontal disease on Long Island is linked to an increased likelihood of weight loss in older adults. This may lead to an increased risk of illness and death.

Researchers from the University of Pittsburghexamined the association between periodontal disease and weight loss over a 2-year period in 1053 randomly selected participants who were at least 65 years of age. The researchers defined the severity of periodontal disease in terms of pocket depth and attachment loss, the extent of bleeding on probing, and gingival inflammation.

Overall, weight loss of at least 5 percent occurred in 140 (13.4 percent) members of the study population. Oral health variables showed a significant association with weight loss, with the weight losers having worse oral health status than weight-stable participants. After adjusting for other factors, the researchers found that seniors with periodontal disease were 53 percent more likely to have experienced weight loss than those with healthy gums and teeth.

Prevention of Gum Disease

Signs of Gum Disease.  When gums recede it can cause the roots of teeth to become exposed, making them sensitive to hot, cold, sweet or salty substances.  Dry mouth, the decreased flow of salvia can be as the result of using alcohol based mouth washes.  In the short term, these products kill bacteria and freshen breath.  In the long term they cause dry mouth, which can accelerate bacterial growth.

Bacterial infections caused by poor dental hygiene can not only lead to persistent bad breath but signal the onset of periodontal disease.  A top gum disease symptom, it can lead to more serious health problems.   Swollen Gums, a common symptom on gingivitis are caused by inflammation of the gums.  It is an early warning symptom of periodontal disease and can lead to bleeding gums.  A more serious symptom, bleeding gums is a precursor of periodontal disease and can actually cause more serious problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes or stroke.

Fortunately, advanced techniques in the treatment of periodontal disease have the potential of eliminating gum disease entirely.  By regularly visiting the dentist for cleanings twice a year, avoiding excessively sugary and salty foods, you can go into your senior years with a youthful and healthy smile.  A healthy smile that direct correlates with a healthy body.  Live better.  Take care of your teeth and yourself by regular visits to the dentist!

Patients suffering from periodontal disease on Long Island can contact Dr. Scharf to learn more on the treatment and prevention of gum disease. Using modern advancements in dentistry he can offer a non-invasive laser therapy for any stage of oral disease. Call today at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

It’s no secret what it takes to keep your teeth and gums in optimum health. Proper brushing, flossing and regular dental check-ups have always been the top recommendations for keeping your mouth healthy. But new research suggests that adding Probiotics can give your mouth that extra edge on preventing gum disease on Long Island.

Researchers looked at 42 participants with moderate gingivitis and periodontitis found that L. reuteri actually helped fight gingivitis. Other studies have looked at varies strains of lactic acid bacteria and the benefits on teeth and gums and isolated 7 strains that are helpful.

Probiotics and Your Oral Health

Following several studies researchers had this to say, “ The new isolated strains were resistant to oral conditions, have great ability to form aggregates and have high antagonistic activity against oral pathogens, ability to aggregate and to adhere to oral tissues or high tolerance to oral environmental stress factors were isolated and characterized.”

Probiotics are available over the counter and offer a wide spectrum of health benefits when taken daily.  They offer benefits from regulating the digestive tract, enhancing the immune system and now protect your oral health.

Practical Steps to a Healthy Mouth

But just adding Probiotics to your diet won’t be all you need to keep your mouth healthy. To be sure your teeth and gums stay at their best you should:

• Brush and floss daily using proper technique to thoroughly remove all food particles
• Use a daily rinse to help wash away loose particles after brushing or flossing
• Avoid excessive use of alcohol and tobacco use
• Eat a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables daily
• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid sugars and acidic drinks and snacks
• See your dentist twice a year for a professional cleaning and detailed oral screening
• Visit a Periodontist to have a detailed evaluation of your gums
• Start taking a daily Probiotic

Keeping a healthy smile isn’t complicated and out of reach. By following a few recommendations and making a few changes to your diet you’ll be smiling your best smile in no time!

Patients dealing with gum disease on Long Island can find answers and an effective treatment without using a painful scalpel. To learn more contact Dr. Scharf today at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

Being diagnosed with cancer is an emotional time for anyone. Thinking ahead to the future frequently involves worries of successful therapy, finding emotional strength to push forward and remaining positive through it all. Rarely will the mind worry about oral care in regards to their cancer treatment. Ask any Long Island Periodontist and this could be a mistake.

Dr. Thomas Moffett, who sits on the board of the Cancer Recovery Foundation says, “The digestive process starts with the mouth. Good oral health allows for good nutrition and your capability to keep eating healthy while going through cancer therapy can have a direct effect on how well the therapy works. People don’t realize how critical this can become.”

Protecting Your Oral Health for the Cancer Patient

It’s important to stay on top of your oral health prior to starting as well as during cancer treatment. The Best way to ensure your oral health is to:

• See your dentist before beginning any therapy to treat any infections and remove any bad teeth
• Brushing and flossing through the pain of ulcers and sores from your treatment
• Discuss the use of medications to stimulate saliva during your recovery

The first step in having a healthy mouth and successful therapy session is to schedule a detailed evaluation with your dentist to look for signs of infection and tooth decay. Infections can spread rapidly during chemotherapy and radiation since your immune system doesn’t function properly. One possible side effect from radiation therapy is osteoradionecrosis, a condition where the bone dies. If this occurs extractions are not possible since the bone will not heal.

Another side effect of cancer treatments is dry mouth. Since saliva is a vital tool in naturally washing away bacteria from teeth and gums having a dry mouth opens the door for bacteria growth. You doctor can prescribe medications to stimulate saliva and protect your oral health.

During your therapy it’s important to maintain regular checkups to stay ahead of any infections. Your dental practitioner can help you determine the best frequency for your exams and any treatments that may be necessary during your therapy.

If you are looking for a Long Island Periodontist for your detailed evaluation that offers the expertise of modern advancements and non-evasive treatment contact Dr. Scharf at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

Each year the Academy of Periodontology holds the annual meetings for continued education as Periodontists across the globe strive to be the best they can in modern practices. With so many areas to cover off this year’s leaders chose to emphasize the use of dental implants be it on Long Island or the other side of the country.

The motivation behind this focused course stems from long-term evidence on the benefits from combining clinical efficiency with technological advances. The ongoing advancements in technology include improved designs and surface technology, prefabricated abutments, digital impressions and CAD technology.

From Beginning to Success!

When implant dentistry first found its ground not everyone was a candidate to receive them.  Some patients found they didn’t have enough bone density to secure implants and had to settle for traditional dentures no matter how cumbersome they were.

But it wasn’t long before dental practitioners started seeking ways to offer implants to a more of their patients. With the discovery of bone grafts and sinus lifts patients previously turned away due to significant bone loss were able to be considered for dental implants.

Through research and study Periodontists soon met the next major milestone of improving success rates by minimizing the risks for implant failure. Improved implant designs such as mini implants, prefabricated abutments and improved digital scans all work together to improve success rates.

Implant Dentistry Today

Modern implantology offers a variety of implant procedures to help improve success rates for everyone. From implants in a day to the all on four there are a variety of options that can meet your needs. Traditional implant dentistry doesn’t have to follow the same routine for every patient!

If you would like to learn more about dental implants on Long Island contact Dr. Scharf. He’s a licensed Periodontist specializing in modern implant dentistry and can help you determine of implants are right for you. Call today at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

According to one Seattle dentist your lattes are doing just that! She reports that soon after noticing an increase in the number of cavities in her patients their conversations led her to believe it was their morning Lattes causing the decline in oral health.

It has long been recognized that poor oral health increases your risks for gum disease, hence supporting the possibility that your delicious morning pick me up could send you straight to a Long Island Periodontist.

Hackett explains that the common bacteria that leads to tooth decay is streptococcus, which metabolizes carbs and sugars into acids that in turn eat away at the tooth’s surface until a cavity forms. Your latte is full of both carbs and sugars!

How Are Your Teeth Holding Up to Your Lattes?

Whether you’re sipping on lattes every morning or enjoying regular sodas and juices the outcome is the same. All these drinks contain carbs and sugars that metabolize into acids and lead to tooth decay. Over time that decay can impact your gums and overall oral health.

So what can you do to protect your teeth and gums from infection and decay?

1. Brush and Floss. Daily brushing and flossing is your primary defense against oral infection when done properly. It’s a good idea to have your dental practitioner observe your technique so they can instruct you on any necessary changes for effectively removing food particles and plaque.
2. Add A Little Oral Rinse. While mouthwash alone doesn’t have much hope in fighting gum disease or tooth decay it offers added benefits when combined with regular brushing and flossing.
3. Regular dental exams. Regular exams help you stay ahead of infection and gum inflammation. Be sure to keep your scheduled cleanings and exams for a healthy mouth.
4. Eat a healthy diet. There’s no harm with indulging in sweets from time to time but stick to fresh fruits and vegetables as your primary snack time delight. Be sure to drink plenty of water each day as well.
5. Avoid excessive alcohol or tobacco use. Drinking and smoking have long been recognized as factors in tooth decay and gum disease.  Smoking should be stopped entirely and alcohol limited to the occasional drink with friends.
6. Reduce Inflammation: Gum disease stems from chronic inflammation so any measure you can take to reduce it is beneficial to your overall oral health.

So go ahead and keep enjoying those lattes and other morning pick me ups. Just remember to step up to your oral hygiene responsibilities and be sure to visit your dentist every six months for optimum oral health.

If you need to see a Long Island Periodontist Dr. Scharf is skilled in the early detection and treatment of gum disease. Using state of the art technology he uses laser therapy, not a scalpel to treat gum disease in any stage. To learn more call (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

If you have started to notice some changes in your mouth like red or swollen gums you may ask yourself if you have been doing everything you can to keep your mouth healthy. From tooth decay to gum disease there are so many things that can compromise your oral health including diabetes.

Research has proven that individuals with diabetes are at a much higher risk for developing gum disease when compared to non-diabetic patients. Why the risk increases remains unclear but the results are clear enough that visiting your Long Island Periodontist is a smart plan for preventing periodontitis.

Being at higher risk for gum disease is only half the challenge for diabetic patients. If gum disease develops studies have shown that controlling blood sugar becomes difficult and is a great concern for practitioners all around.

Managing Gum Disease for Diabetic Patients

Dental practitioners agree that successfully treating and preventing the progression of gum disease depends in large part on the patient’s cooperation and ability to follow through with instructions. Without this commitment no level of care in the dental office can be successful.

The reason is your Periodontist will destroy and remove bacteria that are living deep in pockets of your gums. But new bacteria are forever present in the mouth and can quickly find their way into these pockets and repopulate all over again.

The patient needs to be diligent in their oral hygiene during the treatment and healing process. This is typically done through thorough brushing and flossing twice a day however sometimes adding an antibiotic may be necessary.

Observing for Early Warning Signs

The need for a Periodontist doesn’t have to surprise you! By observing your mouth daily you can begin to recognize early warning signs that tell you it’s time to go. Signs to watch for include:

• Red or swollen gums
• Frequently bleeding while brushing or eating
• Persistent bad breath
• Loose or missing teeth
• Changes in the way your teeth or dentures fit in your mouth

If any signs of gum disease show up it’s crucial to set an appointment with your Periodontist right away. The longer you wait the higher chance the infection in your gums will lead to complications with your diabetes.

If you need to see a Long Island Periodontist who offers non-evasive laser therapy as a treatment option contact Dr. Scharf. He’s skilled in the early detection and treatment of gum disease and can help you take the lead in your oral health.  Call today at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

In February 2011 Journal of Periodontology published a study that looked at concerns of Ear, Nose and Throat specialists in regards to performing CT scans prior to having a sinus. What they found was that the majority of ENT specialists felt receiving a scan was critical when receiving dental implants on Long Island.

While the type of radiograph is not yet decided better than 50% of ENT specialists agree a pre-surgery scan is in the best interest of the patient. Specialists state that detailed scans can help identify potential problem areas such as prior sinus surgery, severe sinus inflammation, nasal/sinus obstruction and oral-antral fistulation.

What Is A Sinus Lift?

A sinus lift is a delicate surgery that involves grafting bone material into the upper jaw in an effort to increase the density of the bone. This is done in preparation for implant surgery and is necessary for patients with narrow jawbones who otherwise would not be able to sustain implants.

To make room for the bone the sinus membrane has to be moved upward. This is done by making a cut in the gums and carving an oval “window” into the bone to gain access to the sinus membrane. It is then gently pushed up and out of the way. Bone graft material is added and the opening stitched closed.

Collecting Grafting Material?

The bone used can be collected from you or a cadaver. If your own bone is being used your Periodontist will try and collect bone shavings from your own jaw. Sometimes however it is necessary to collect the bone from another location including your hip or tibia.

Follow-up Care

Once the sinus lift is complete it will take roughly four to nine months before the graft will be completely hard and ready to secure an implant.  Your Periodontist will provide you with detailed instructions on proper care to ensure optimal healing time.

Some Periodontists like to use a growth hormone that is collected from protein rich plasma in your blood. This is mixed with the bone grafting material prior to placing it in the upper jaw. It is believed that this growth hormone helps speed up healing times and can be beneficial in healthy bone development.

How CT Scans Help

Having a CT scan prior to a sinus lift can help your surgeon identify potential complications before they become a problem. It can serve as a map that will direct the best treatment approach and potential healing times.

If you want to learn more about how a sinus lift is used in relation to receiving dental implants on Long Island contact Dr. Scharf. He’s a licensed Periodontist with years of implant dentistry under his belt. Call today at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.