Periodontal Care and Family Dentistry - Rockland, Westchester, and Orange County, New York

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an extremely common dental problem that affects more than 80 percent of patients over the age of 35; however, it can occur at any age. If not treated, gum disease can eventually lead to tooth loss. As part of our commitment to providing high-quality family dentistry services at our Rockland, Westchester, and Orange County, New York locations, we offer a full program of gum disease prevention and treatment options.

• Periodontal (Gum) Disease
• Warning Signs of Gum Disease
• Treatments for Gum Disease
• Meet Our Periodontists

Periodontal (Gum) Disease

Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that support the teeth that is caused by a build-up of bacteria. This infection starts in the sulcus, the shallow v-shaped crevice between the tooth and gums, where it begins to damage the gum tissues that are attached to the tooth. As these supporting tissues break down, the sulcus develops into a pocket instead of a crevice. In general, a more severe infection means a deeper pocket.

Gum disease develops into two successive stages: gingivitis and periodontitis. The beginning stage, known as gingivitis, only affects the gums, but if not treated, may lead to more destruction. This advanced form of gum disease, known as periodontitis, may affect not only the gums, but also the teeth and jawbone as well, leading to tooth loss.

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Warning Signs of Gum Disease

At our family dentistry practice serving Westchester County and surrounding communities, we check for signs of gum disease at every exam. There are several signs to look for that can alert you to possible gum disease, including:

• Gums that are swollen, tender, red, or prone to bleeding easily
• Gums that have receded (pulled away from the teeth)
• A persistent bad taste in the mouth or bad breath
• Loose or separating teeth
• Any change in the way the teeth fit together when biting

It is important to note that you may still have gum disease even if no warning signs are present. This is the reason why regular examinations by a dentist and proper dental care are so important. In addition, smoking, certain medications, crooked teeth, defective dental work, and pregnancy can all increase your risk of developing gum disease. Regular dental examinations are an important part of keeping your teeth and gums healthy. We encourage you to schedule an appointment at our family dentistry offices in Rockland, Westchester, or Orange County, New York for a thorough examination.

Treatments for Gum Disease

In the early stages of gum disease, we often prescribe Peridex, an oral rinse that reduces gum inflammation and bleeding, and we provide instruction on proper brushing and flossing. For more advanced infections, scaling and root planing are often needed. Scaling removes plaque and tartar below the gumline, and planing smoothes the root surfaces to help the gum tissue reattach firmly. We may also apply ARESTIN®, a local antibiotic that kills bacteria, to help reduce the infection. Several follow-up visits may also be required to ensure that the infection has been thoroughly treated.

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Meet Our Periodontists

At County Dental, we have two experienced periodontists on staff: Dr. Amir Ahmadi and Dr. Donald Toporoff.

Dr. Amir Ahmadi

Dr. Amir Ahmadi brings his expertise in periodontics and implant dentistry to the offices of County Dental. He is a board certified periodontist - the highest level of achievement which can be obtained by members of his profession. He is also an assistant professor at New York University’s prestigious department of periodontics and implant dentistry, and is a graduate of the University of California and New York University.

Dr. Ahmadi emphasizes an individualized approach to patient care, and gentle and compassionate treatment is his goal. Dr. Ahmadi brings to his practice a philosophy of patient empowerment.

Services offered by Dr. Ahmadi include diagnosis of, consultation about, and treatment of periodontal (gum) disease, replacement of teeth and denture stabilization with implant dentistry, extractions, bone grafting, crown lengthening, oral medicine, surgeries for orthodontic reasons, aesthetic and functional gum grafting, frenectomy, and non-surgical therapies.

Dr. Ahmadi is here at County Dental to our patients achieve and maintain ideal health, aesthetics, and function of mouth.

“It has been a real pleasure practicing at county dental. The State-of-the-art facilities, and equipment, provide for a great environment to practice in. As a periodontist I enjoy the ability to treatment plan cases with primary care dentists that include dental implants, GTR, GBR, and aesthetic dentistry. The team approach to patient care at county dental not only provides for the best exchange of ideas and a learning environment, but also excellent care. We enjoy being on the cutting edge of modern dentistry, while maintaining an evidence based approach.”

Dr. Amir Ahmadi
Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology

Dr. Donald Toporoff

“It is with great pride that so many of the hundreds of patients that I have had the pleasure of treating at County Dental are retaining their teeth in health and comfort. I can only contribute this success to the teamwork, concern for patients, and ideal work environment that County Dental provides."

Donald Toporoff, DMD
University of Pennsylvania DMD
University of Connecticut - Periodontology

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Contact Our Family Dentistry Practice to Schedule an Appointment

It is important to treat the infection that causes gum disease before it progresses to an advanced stage at which the risk of tooth loss greatly increases. If you are concerned about gum disease or have any of the common warning signs, schedule an examination at our family dentistry practice in Westchester County, Rockland County, Orange County, or another New York location near you.