Is crown lengthening painful?

During the procedure you should feel no pain at all. Local anesthesia ensures the surgical site is completely numb, and sedation is available if needed. After the procedure, you may experience some tenderness in the treated gums, bone, and teeth. Over-the-counter pain medication is typically sufficient to manage any post-operative discomfort.

Who performs crown lengthening?

Crown lengthening is performed by a periodontist. At Rockland Dental Specialists, Dr. Shalom Mintz, our board-certified periodontist and implantologist, performs crown lengthening for both cosmetic and restorative indications.

How long does crown lengthening recovery take?

The gums and bone require at least four to six weeks to heal fully before any further dental work can take place. Some cases may require a longer healing period depending on the extent of tissue removed.

What is a gummy smile and can crown lengthening fix it?

A gummy smile occurs when excess gum tissue is visible above the upper front teeth when smiling. Crown lengthening exposes the full anatomical crown of the teeth, creating a more balanced and proportionate smile.

Can crown lengthening be done on a single tooth?

Yes. When performed for restorative reasons it is typically done on a single tooth. Cosmetic crown lengthening often addresses multiple front teeth at once to create a balanced result.

When is crown lengthening necessary before a dental crown?

Crown lengthening is needed when decay or a fracture extends below the gumline, leaving insufficient tooth structure for a crown to grip securely. Removing gum and bone tissue creates the access needed to place a well-fitting, durable restoration.

What are the different types of dental implants?

Dental implants can replace a single tooth, support a multi-tooth bridge, or anchor a full-arch restoration using as few as four to six implants. They can also stabilize removable dentures and partials.

Why should I choose a periodontist for dental implants instead of a general dentist?

Periodontists complete three additional years of specialized training in bone, gum tissue, and implant placement. At Rockland Dental Specialists, Dr. Shalom Mintz and Dr. David Peto are board-certified periodontists and implantologists.

What happens during the dental implant procedure?

The process begins with 3D imaging and a consultation, followed by surgical implant placement into the jawbone under local anesthesia. After several months of osseointegration, a crown is attached to complete the restoration.

Do I need a bone graft before getting a dental implant?

Not every patient requires a bone graft. It is needed when there is insufficient jawbone volume to securely anchor the implant. Our team evaluates bone density using cone beam CT imaging during your consultation.

What is osseointegration, and why does it matter?

Osseointegration is the process by which the jawbone fuses to the titanium implant, creating a stable permanent anchor. This biological bond gives implants their strength and distinguishes them from bridges or dentures.

Can dental implants fail, and what causes failure?

Dental implants have a high success rate, but failure can occur due to insufficient bone, uncontrolled gum disease, smoking, or poor oral hygiene. Early intervention by a periodontist can often prevent full failure.

How do I care for a dental implant once it is placed?

Care for an implant like a natural tooth: brush twice daily, floss around the crown, and maintain regular periodontal cleanings. Monitoring for peri-implantitis is essential for long-term implant health.

Are dental implants in New City covered by insurance?

Coverage varies by plan. Some plans provide partial coverage, particularly for teeth lost due to injury or medical conditions. Rockland Dental Specialists offers complimentary insurance verifications and custom payment plans.

What are the signs of periodontal disease?

Common signs include red, swollen, or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, receding gums, loose teeth, and deep pockets between the teeth and gums. In smokers, visible signs may be minimal even when disease is present.

Can periodontal disease be reversed?

Early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) can be fully reversed with professional cleaning and improved home care. More advanced periodontal disease cannot be reversed, but it can be controlled and stabilized through periodontal treatment and ongoing maintenance.

Will a gum infection go away on its own?

No. Periodontal infections do not resolve without treatment. Without intervention, the infection progresses, destroying the bone and tissue that support the teeth, and can contribute to systemic health conditions.

How is periodontal disease connected to overall health?

Periodontal disease is associated with increased risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes complications, and has been linked to Alzheimer's disease. The bacteria and inflammation from untreated gum disease can enter the bloodstream and affect the rest of the body.

Can a periodontist place dental implants?

Yes. Periodontists are among the most qualified providers for dental implant placement because of their specialized training in the bone and gum tissue that support implants. At Rockland Dental Specialists, Dr. Shalom Mintz and Dr. David Peto are board-certified periodontists and implantologists.

Do I need a referral to see an oral surgery provider?

A referral is not always required. Many patients arrive after a recommendation from their general dentist, but you are welcome to contact our office directly if you have been told you need a complex extraction, wisdom tooth removal, or evaluation of an unusual growth in your mouth. Our team will review your situation and coordinate with your referring dentist as appropriate.

Does a tooth extraction remove the root?

Yes. A complete tooth extraction removes both the visible portion of the tooth and the root structure beneath the gum line. In surgical extractions, where a tooth is broken, impacted, or has curved roots, our team may need to section the tooth or carefully remove a small amount of surrounding bone to safely retrieve the entire root. Leaving root fragments behind can cause infection, so complete removal is always the goal.

What is wisdom teeth removal, and when is it necessary?

Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to develop, typically emerging in the late teens or early twenties. Many people do not have enough room in their jaw for these teeth to erupt properly, leading to impaction. Impacted wisdom teeth may cause pain, infection, pressure against neighboring teeth, or damage to adjacent roots. Removal is recommended when wisdom teeth are impacted, symptomatic, or at risk of causing problems down the line.

What is nitrous oxide sedation, and is it safe?

Nitrous oxide is a mild sedative inhaled through a small mask placed over the nose. It produces a relaxed, comfortable state without putting you to sleep. It is commonly offered for extractions, wisdom tooth removal, and other oral surgery procedures. Effects wear off quickly after the mask is removed, and most patients are able to resume light activity shortly after their appointment.

What is an oral biopsy, and should I be concerned?

An oral biopsy is a procedure to evaluate an unusual growth, sore, or lesion in the mouth that has not resolved on its own. A small tissue sample is removed and analyzed by a pathologist. Most oral growths are benign. The biopsy is both a diagnostic tool and a treatment, since the growth is typically fully removed during the procedure. Early evaluation is always the safer approach.

What should I expect during recovery from oral surgery?

Most patients experience some degree of swelling and mild discomfort for the first few days following surgery. Your provider will give specific post-operative instructions, which typically cover diet, activity restrictions, and managing discomfort. Attending follow-up appointments and following your aftercare plan carefully are the most important steps for healing well and avoiding complications. Most patients return to normal activity within a few days, though more involved procedures may require a longer recovery window.

When should I see an oral surgery provider instead of my general dentist?

Your general dentist will usually refer you to a specialist when the need arises. Common indicators for oral surgery evaluation include impacted wisdom teeth, complex extractions, unusual growths or lesions, the need for bone grafting prior to implants, and cases involving patients with complex medical histories. The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons notes that oral surgery providers have additional training for managing complex surgical cases and anesthesia in outpatient settings.

LANAP stands for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure. It is an FDA-cleared laser treatment for periodontal disease that uses a specific wavelength of laser energy to target diseased tissue while leaving healthy tissue intact.

How is LANAP different from traditional gum surgery?

Traditional gum surgery requires cutting the gums with a scalpel and suturing them back. LANAP uses laser energy instead, with no cutting, no sutures, and significantly less post-operative pain and recovery time.

Can LANAP treat advanced periodontal disease?

Yes. LANAP is specifically designed for moderate to advanced periodontal disease. It can address deep pockets and bone loss that have not responded adequately to scaling and root planing alone.

Who is a good candidate for LANAP?

Most adults with chronic periodontal disease are candidates for LANAP. It is particularly beneficial for patients who are medically compromised, on blood thinners, or who have anxiety about traditional surgery.

What should I expect during a LANAP procedure?

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. The laser fiber is inserted into the periodontal pocket to remove diseased tissue and bacteria. Most patients return to normal activity within a day or two.

Can LANAP regenerate lost bone?

Yes. LANAP is one of the few periodontal treatments with clinical evidence supporting bone regeneration around treated teeth, not just stabilization of existing bone.

How does LANAP compare to osseous surgery for treating gum disease?

Both treat periodontal disease but through different approaches. LANAP is minimally invasive with faster recovery. Osseous surgery involves cutting and reshaping bone. The right choice depends on disease severity, anatomy, and patient health.

How do I know if I need LANAP or scaling and root planing?

A periodontal evaluation including X-rays and pocket depth measurements determines the extent of disease. Scaling and root planing is the first-line treatment. LANAP is typically recommended when disease is moderate to advanced or has not fully responded to non-surgical care.

Blog - Page 4 of 17 - Rockland Dental Specialists

Pile of dentist tools lying at green tissue ready to be used close-up

What is Periodontal Surgery?

Dental ProceduresBy Shalom Mintz October 16, 2025

When gum disease progresses beyond what regular cleanings and non-surgical treatments can address, periodontal surgery becomes a critical intervention to restore your oral health. Advanced periodontal disease affects nearly half of adults over 30 in the United States, making surgical solutions an essential option for preserving teeth and supporting structures that might otherwise be lost…

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Handsome middle age man with a happy face standing and smiling with a confident smile showing teeth

Is Internal Bleaching Needed After Root Canal Therapy?

Dental ProceduresBy Shalom Mintz October 1, 2025

After completing root canal therapy, many patients notice their treated tooth has become darker or discolored compared to their surrounding teeth. This color change can be concerning and may affect your confidence in your smile, leading to questions about whether additional treatment is necessary. While not every tooth requires internal bleaching after root canal therapy, this procedure can…

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Portrait of happy patient in dental chair. Modern dentistry with the use of new technologies

What is LANAP? What Patients Should Know Before Periodontal Surgery

Dental TreatmentBy Shalom Mintz September 3, 2025

Facing the prospect of periodontal surgery can feel overwhelming, especially when traditional methods involve cutting, stitching, and lengthy recovery periods that disrupt your daily routine. The Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) represents a groundbreaking advancement in periodontal treatment that eliminates many concerns patients have about gum surgery while delivering superior clinical outcomes through precision laser…

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Dental care, dental implant, 3d rendering

How Advanced Imaging Improves Periodontal and Implant Treatment Outcomes

Dental TreatmentBy Shalom Mintz September 3, 2025

The difference between a successful implant or periodontal treatment and one that requires additional procedures often comes down to precision in diagnosis and treatment planning. Advanced imaging technology has revolutionized how periodontists and implant specialists approach complex cases, transforming what was once guesswork into predictable, precise treatment protocols that deliver superior outcomes for patients. At…

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Dental Implants - A Modern Solution for Missing Teeth

What You Should Know About Modern Bone Grafting Materials and Techniques

Dental ProceduresBy Shalom Mintz September 3, 2025

Modern bone grafting materials like autografts, allografts, xenografts, and synthetics help rebuild jawbone for dental implants. Learn when grafting is needed, common techniques, and what to expect from recovery.

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Smiling dentist with face mask talking to Black woman during dental procedure at dental clinic.

How Long Does Crown Lengthening Take to Heal? Expectations and Timeline

Dental ProceduresBy Shalom Mintz September 3, 2025

Crown lengthening recovery involves multiple phases of healing, each with specific milestones and care requirements. Understanding what to expect during your recovery helps you plan accordingly and ensures you follow proper post-operative care to achieve optimal results. At Rockland Dental Specialists, our periodontists and implant specialists perform crown lengthening procedures with precision and care. Dr.…

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Toothache, oral pain and dental sensitivity for a woman brushing her teeth in the morning. African American female suffering with a painful, hurting or inflammation in her mouth in the bathroom

What are the Stages of Periodontal Disease?

Dental TreatmentBy Shalom Mintz September 3, 2025

Periodontal disease doesn’t develop overnight—it progresses through distinct stages that range from mild inflammation to severe tissue and bone loss. Understanding these stages helps you recognize early warning signs and seek appropriate treatment before the condition advances to irreversible damage. At Rockland Dental Specialists, our periodontists and implant specialists provide comprehensive care for patients dealing…

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Old man with toothache. Elderly senior man has toothache. Unhappy man face in tooth pain sitting on sofa at home, feel sick unwell. Sad aged man hand holding his chin. Adult suffering toothache

Receding Gums Treatment in New City, NY

Dental TreatmentBy Shalom Mintz September 3, 2025

If you notice your teeth have become sensitive to hot and cold foods, during dental cleanings, or while brushing your teeth, you may have receding gums, which expose the root of the tooth. Over time, untreated receding gums can lead to more serious health issues like gum disease and tooth decay. Therefore, it’s important to…

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3d render of lower jaw with tooth extraction

Everything You Need to Know About Ridge Preservation After an Extraction

Dental TreatmentBy rockland August 26, 2025

Tooth extraction creates an immediate healing challenge that extends far beyond the visible socket. Without proper intervention, the bone and tissue that once supported your tooth begins to collapse and shrink, potentially compromising your ability to receive dental implants or maintain proper facial support. Ridge preservation offers a proactive solution that maintains the natural contours…

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Laser treatment being performed on teeth in a dental procedure

What Are the Benefits of LANAP for Treating Advanced Periodontal Disease?

Dental TreatmentBy rockland August 25, 2025

Advanced periodontal disease threatens not only your oral health but your overall well-being, potentially leading to tooth loss, bone deterioration, and systemic health complications. Traditional treatment methods often require invasive surgical procedures with lengthy recovery times and significant discomfort. LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) revolutionizes periodontal treatment by using precise laser technology to eliminate diseased…

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