No one wants to consider they might be harboring a disease that they are completely unaware of. The harsh reality is many Americans are doing just that. In fact gum disease is so sneaky that generally speaking we aren’t even aware that some of the occurrences we notice in our mouths are a result of early gum disease.

But with a little effort on your part you can educate yourself on warning signs that are telling you to contact a Long Island Periodontist. Early signs are so easy to see that you can even teach your children to be ahead of the game of oral health too.

How to Recognize Gum Disease – What to Look for

When completing your daily oral care of brushing and flossing it’s important to observe your mouth for any unusual changes that may be your mouth telling you it’s in trouble. Things you want to look for include:

• Increased redness around the gum line and along the tooth root
• Tenderness to the touch
• Frequent bleeding when brushing, flossing or eating
• Persistent bad breath that won’t go away even with the most thorough routines
• A separation of the teeth or a change in the way your dentures fit in your mouth
• If it appears that your gums are “pulling” away from your teeth
• Loose or missing teeth

It’s that simple to stay ahead of gum disease. Watch daily for these signs, make notes if you need to and call your dental practitioner, or preferably a Periodontist right away.

Your First Appointment

It’s best to see a Periodontist when evaluating signs of gum disease since they are licensed in the early diagnosis and treatment of gum infections.  At your first appointment you will have a detailed oral exam, an oral x-ray and complete a patient history. Your practitioner will assess the extent of infection and help to devise a treatment plan that is the most effective for your situation.

Options to Reverse the Damage

If it is discovered that the bacteria have already resulted in damage to your gums and bone there are options available to help reverse that damage.

1.       Regenerative Gum Surgery: This surgery involves folding back the gum tissue at the infection site and cleaning out all the bacteria. He can then add a tissue stimulating protein that actually kick starts your body into growing new tissue and healing itself. If the infection has spread to the bone your practitioner can add a bone graft to help restore bone density to the jaw as well.

2.       Hyaluronic Acid: This is a regenerative gel that has shown restorative success in several studies. These studies found that Hyaluronic acid can increase blood supply, reduce inflammation and boost tissue regeneration.

By monitoring your mouth daily and setting an appointment to see a Periodontist as soon as you notice any early warning signs you’ll be equipped to defeat gum disease before it’s a problem. But you can be confident knowing there are options to help restore any damage that may be present if gum disease snuck up on you.

If you want to consult with a Long Island Periodontist to get your questions answered and evaluate your needs contact Dr. Scharf. He’s skilled in the early diagnosis and successful treatment of gum disease using non-evasive laser therapy, not a scalpel. Call today at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com. He’s skilled in advanced methods for implant dentistry and is available to answer all your questions today.

When it comes to your tooth replacement options there are many factors you want to consider.  In addition to choosing the best option for you it’s important to consider the overall health of your mouth and long term care that will follow.  Dental implants on Long Island have many benefits over dentures both short term and long term.

When you lose a tooth your jawbone will begin to shrink and deteriorate if it is left as it is. Implants help to prevent this from happening by filling the space where the tooth root used to be. The titanium replacement root serves as a natural replacement that protects your jawbone and preserves your healthy smile.

Why Choose Dental Implants

Preserving the jawbone is not the only benefit for choosing implants over dentures. One of the primary complaints from denture wearers is the inability to eat some of their favorite foods. The next common complaint is loose fitting dentures that move around when they talk or laugh, making them uneasy in social settings.

Since implants are inserted directly into the jawbone the bulkiness associated with dentures is completely eliminated. Your smile will look and feel just like your natural smile from day one! In fact implants are so close to natural teeth that no one will even notice unless you choose to tell them.

What to Expect with Implants

Implants can either be completed the same day as your tooth extractions or inserted at a later date.  If you are receiving same day implants your practitioner will insert the titanium implant right away and either stitch the gum closed for healing or place a temporary healing abutment. If implants are placed at a later date your practitioner will drill a hole where the implant needs to be placed and then follow the same steps.

Once healing of the implant has occurred you will come back in for a permanent abutment and tooth crown.  Any other recovery instructions will be discussed at this appointment as well as how to care for your implants, which by the way is the same as caring for your natural teeth!

If you would like to learn more about receiving dental implants on Long Island or have questions about your specific needs contact Dr. Scharf at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com. He’s skilled in advanced methods for implant dentistry and is available to answer all your questions today.

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.