A man with toothache, periodontal disease in wisdom teeth, painful area highlighted in red

Is There a Link Between Periodontal Disease and Arthritis?

Dental Disease

Medically reviewed by Dr. Shalom Mintz Research increasingly suggests a connection between periodontal disease and arthritis, particularly rheumatoid arthritis. Both conditions involve chronic inflammation that can affect multiple body systems. Bacteria from gum infections may trigger systemic inflammatory responses, potentially worsening arthritis symptoms or contributing to joint inflammation in susceptible individuals. If you’re experiencing gum…

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dentist and patient discussion about planned teeth treatment in dental clinic office

How Often Should You Get Follow-Ups After Periodontal Surgery?

Dental Treatment

Medically reviewed by Dr. Shalom Mintz Recovery from periodontal surgery requires careful monitoring to ensure your gums heal properly and your treatment achieves lasting results. The frequency of follow-up appointments varies based on the type of surgery you received, your healing progress, and your individual risk factors for gum disease recurrence. Typically, we see patients…

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What Are the Long-Term Benefits of Investing in Dental Implants?

Dental Implants

Medically reviewed by Dr. Shalom Mintz Missing teeth create challenges that extend far beyond appearance, affecting your ability to eat comfortably, speak clearly, and maintain confidence in social situations. Dental implants offer a permanent solution that addresses these concerns while providing benefits that traditional tooth replacement options cannot match. Understanding the long-term advantages of implants…

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Female patient pointing her finger to her teeth, explaining her problem to a dentist wearing surgical mask in a dental clinic

Is Periodontal Surgery Painful?

Dental Procedures

Medically reviewed by Dr. Shalom Mintz One of the most common concerns patients express when facing periodontal surgery is whether the procedure will be painful. This anxiety is completely understandable, as the thought of any surgical procedure can feel intimidating. The reality is that modern periodontal surgery techniques, combined with effective anesthesia and pain management…

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

What is Periodontal Surgery?

Dental Procedures

Medically reviewed by Dr. Shalom Mintz 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…

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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 Procedures

Medically reviewed by Dr. Shalom Mintz 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…

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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 Treatment

Medically reviewed by Dr. Shalom Mintz 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…

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Dental care, dental implant, 3d rendering

How Advanced Imaging Improves Periodontal and Implant Treatment Outcomes

Dental Treatment

Medically reviewed by Dr. Shalom Mintz 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…

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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 Procedures

Medically reviewed by Dr. Shalom Mintz 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…

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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 Treatment

Medically reviewed by Dr. Shalom Mintz 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…

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3d render of lower jaw with tooth extraction

Everything You Need to Know About Ridge Preservation After an Extraction

Dental Treatment

Medically reviewed by Dr. Shalom Mintz 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…

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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 Treatment

Medically reviewed by Dr. Shalom Mintz 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…

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Stages of depulpation - the dentist cleans the dental canal and cauterizes the dental nerve

Top Questions to Ask Your Periodontist Before a Procedure

Dental Procedures

Medically reviewed by Dr. Shalom Mintz The decision to pursue dental implants represents a significant step toward restoring both function and confidence in your smile, yet many patients enter the consultation process uncertain about what information they need to make informed choices. Understanding the implant procedure, recovery expectations, and long-term outcomes can dramatically reduce anxiety…

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Woman showing inflamed gum on grey background, closeup

Signs You May Need a Gum Disease Screening

Dental Treatment

Medically reviewed by Dr. Shalom Mintz The subtle warning signals of gum disease often go unnoticed until significant damage has occurred, leaving many patients with advanced conditions that could have been addressed earlier. Periodontal disease affects nearly half of all Americans over 30, yet many remain unaware of the warning signs until the condition has…

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heart

How Periodontal Health Impacts Heart Health: What You Need to Know

Dental Treatment

Medically reviewed by Dr. Shalom Mintz The connection between your mouth and heart is more significant than you might realize. Research increasingly shows that periodontal disease—a chronic bacterial infection affecting the gums and bone supporting your teeth—may contribute to heart disease, the leading cause of death in America. When oral bacteria enter your bloodstream through…

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jaw pain

3 Benefits of Myofunctional Therapy

Dental Treatment

Medically reviewed by Dr. Shalom Mintz Struggling with persistent jaw pain, difficulty swallowing, or recurring tension headaches? These seemingly unrelated symptoms may stem from orofacial muscle dysfunction—a condition affecting the complex network of muscles in your face, mouth, and neck. Myofunctional therapy offers a non-invasive, exercise-based approach to retrain these vital muscles, potentially alleviating symptoms…

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Crooked Teeth

Can Crooked Teeth Cause Gum Problems?

Dental Disease

Medically reviewed by Dr. Shalom Mintz Crooked teeth affect more than just appearance – they can also harm your oral health. Misaligned teeth often lead to gum issues, such as inflammation and an increased risk of gum disease. Proper alignment helps maintain healthy gums and prevents complications. At Rockland Dental Specialists, we explain how misalignment…

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Missing Teeth

The Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth: More Than Just Aesthetics

Dental Treatment

Medically reviewed by Dr. Shalom Mintz Missing teeth affect more than just appearance; they influence overall health and well-being. Many people focus on specific aesthetic concerns, but tooth loss also causes functional and psychological challenges. However, replacing missing teeth helps maintain oral health and improves quality of life. At Rockland Dental Specialists, we emphasize that…

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Bad Breath

How a Periodontist Can Help Treat Bad Breath

Dental Treatment

Medically reviewed by Dr. Shalom Mintz Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be an embarrassing and persistent issue that many individuals face. Understanding the underlying causes of this condition and seeking professional help from a periodontist can significantly improve oral health and overall well-being. At Rockland Dental Specialists, we prioritize your oral health and…

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dental implant

Dental Implants and Diabetes: Managing Oral Health for Better Treatment Outcomes

Dental Implants

Medically reviewed by Dr. Shalom Mintz For most adults, replacing lost or missing teeth will result in dental implant surgery. Dental implants not only look natural, but they also better support the chewing function than the traditional teeth replacement option of dentures. Diabetes, especially when left unregulated, can result in slower healing, increased risk of…

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Dental Laser

What to Expect During Laser Gum Surgery

Dental Treatment

Medically reviewed by Dr. Shalom Mintz Laser gum surgery is a minimally invasive procedure designed to address various periodontal issues, including gum disease and excessive gum tissue. As advancements in dental technology continue to evolve, laser treatments have emerged as a preferred option for many patients seeking effective solutions with reduced discomfort and faster recovery…

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The Importance of Early Intervention: Recognizing Signs of Feeding Difficulties in Infants

Dental Treatment

Medically reviewed by Dr. Shalom Mintz When a newborn struggles to latch, feeds for unusually long stretches, or seems uncomfortable after every meal, it can leave parents feeling helpless and uncertain. Feeding is one of the most fundamental activities of early infancy, and when it doesn’t go smoothly, the effects ripple across nutrition, growth, sleep,…

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Common Feeding Challenges in Toddlers

Dental Treatment

Medically reviewed by Dr. Shalom Mintz Watching your toddler push away food, gag at new textures, or melt down at nearly every meal can leave parents feeling helpless and unsure of what to do next. While some degree of pickiness is a normal part of toddler development, persistent difficulty with eating, whether related to behavior,…

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Gum Disease in Seniors: Special Considerations and Treatment Options

Dental Disease

Medically reviewed by Dr. Shalom Mintz Gum disease, also called periodontitis, significantly impacts seniors, affecting their oral health and overall well-being. Our bodies undergo numerous changes as we age, and our oral health is no exception. Gum disease, particularly prevalent among seniors, presents unique challenges and requires specialized care. We can help you understand how…

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Root Canals Explained

Dental Procedures

Medically reviewed by Dr. Shalom Mintz If you have a cracked tooth or deep tooth decay, you may get a root canal to treat the issue. During this treatment, a dentist removes the infected pulp or center of the tooth, cleans and disinfects the inside, and fills it to seal the area and prevent future…

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What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

Dental Disease

Medically reviewed by Dr. Shalom Mintz With 10 to 30% of Americans suffering from sleep apnea, you may know someone with this sleep disorder, or you may even experience symptoms and not recognize them, leaving the issue untreated. Sleep apnea is a condition that stops your breathing while you sleep, causing disruptive sleep cycles that…

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Early Signs of Oral Cancer

Dental Disease

Medically reviewed by Dr. Shalom Mintz Medically Reviewed by Dr. Shalom Mintz, DDS on July 28, 2026 The early signs of oral cancer include mouth sores or ulcers that do not heal within two weeks, red or white patches inside the mouth, unexplained bleeding, a lump or thickened area in the cheek or tongue, persistent…

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Digital visits to dentist

Five Benefits of Digital Dentures

Dental Implants, Dental ProceduresLeave a comment

Medically reviewed by Dr. Shalom Mintz Dental technology has transformed how patients receive care, and dentures are no exception. CAD/CAM design software and intraoral scanning have made digital dentures more accurate and predictable than ever, and adoption has accelerated significantly in recent years. A 2023 prospective study published in the National Library of Medicine found…

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When to Consider Pulling a Tooth

Dental HygieneLeave a comment

Medically reviewed by Dr. Shalom Mintz In general, dentists want people to keep their natural teeth as long as possible.  We provide education, preventive measures, and treatments to maintain healthy teeth in the mouth.  Yet, we still extract teeth every single day.   There are some cases in which pulling a tooth is better than keeping it.  At Rockland…

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Is There a Link Between Oral Hygiene and Alzheimer’s?

Dental HygieneLeave a comment

Medically reviewed by Dr. Shalom Mintz Alzheimer’s is a frightening disease.  It destroys a person’s cognitive function, from an initial memory loss to a complete inability to care for oneself.  Patients with Alzheimer’s disease can live for many years in various stages of the disease process.  The toll it takes on both patients and caretakers is extreme.  For this…

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Can You Reverse Periodontitis?

Dental HygieneLeave a comment

Medically reviewed by Dr. Shalom Mintz What a great question!  Unfortunately, it is not one with a simple answer.  In order to answer it appropriately, we’ll break the question up into some important aspects.  First, can you reverse periodontitis?  Next, before you try to reverse periodontitis, can you stop periodontitis?  And finally, is it possible to reverse periodontitis, repairing the damage it caused?  We will answer each…

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