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.

What are the stages of periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease progresses from gingivitis (reversible gum inflammation) through mild, moderate, and severe periodontitis, each involving increasing levels of bone and tissue loss around the teeth.

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 surgeon?

No referral is required in most cases. You can contact Rockland Dental Specialists directly to schedule an oral surgery consultation.

Does a tooth extraction remove the root?

Yes. A standard tooth extraction removes the entire tooth including the root. The root is not left behind in the jaw.

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

Wisdom teeth removal is the surgical extraction of the third molars. It is recommended when they are impacted, causing crowding, pain, infection, or damaging adjacent teeth.

What is IV sedation, and is it safe for dental procedures?

IV sedation delivers sedative medication through a vein, producing a deeply relaxed state during the procedure. It is safe when administered by trained oral surgeons and is commonly used for wisdom tooth removal and implant procedures.

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

An oral biopsy removes a small sample of abnormal tissue for laboratory analysis. Most oral growths are benign, but biopsy is the only definitive way to rule out cancer. Early evaluation is always recommended.

What should I expect during recovery from oral surgery?

Recovery varies by procedure. Most patients experience some swelling and discomfort for several days. Following post-operative instructions — including rest, soft foods, and prescribed medications — supports faster healing.

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

You should see an oral surgeon when a procedure requires advanced training, hospital privileges, IV sedation, or management of complex medical conditions. Impacted teeth, facial trauma, and atypical infections are examples.

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.

Are You a Candidate for Same-Day Dental Implants?

Losing a tooth can feel abrupt, but the path to replacing it doesn’t have to be. Same-day dental implants offer a faster, more streamlined solution for patients who once thought they’d have to wait months before leaving the office with a complete smile. If you’ve been wondering whether this option is right for you, understanding the candidacy criteria is a smart place to start.

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At Rockland Dental Specialists in New City, New York, our periodontists and implant specialists, led by board-certified Dr. Shalom Mintz and Dr. David Peto, provide dental implants for patients throughout Rockland County and beyond. With over 24 years of combined experience, our team evaluates every patient individually to determine which implant approach will deliver the most lasting, functional results.

What Are Same-Day Dental Implants?

Same-day dental implants, often called immediate implant placement, involve placing a titanium implant post into the jawbone at the same appointment as a tooth extraction or shortly after. In some cases, a temporary crown may also be placed the same day, giving patients a functional tooth while the implant integrates with the bone over the following months.

This differs from traditional implant timelines, where patients wait several months after an extraction before placement can occur. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, dental implants are designed to fuse with the bone and function like natural teeth, making proper candidate selection essential for long-term success. Not every patient qualifies for the same-day approach, which is why a thorough consultation is the critical first step.

Who May Be a Good Candidate?

Several factors determine whether same-day implant placement is a viable option for a given patient.

Adequate Bone Volume and Density

For an implant to be placed immediately, the jawbone must have enough volume and density to support and stabilize the post right away. Patients who have experienced significant bone loss due to long-standing tooth loss, untreated periodontal disease, or other conditions may require preparatory procedures before an implant can be placed. In some cases, socket preservation following an extraction helps protect the bone and maintain the site for future implant placement.

Good Overall Oral and General Health

Candidates for same-day implants should generally be in good oral and systemic health. Active gum disease, uncontrolled diabetes, or other conditions that impair healing may reduce the likelihood of successful osseointegration. Our team assesses each patient’s health history carefully before recommending any implant timeline.

A Tooth That Needs Extraction

Many same-day implant cases involve a tooth that is severely damaged, decayed beyond repair, or already scheduled for removal. When the extraction site is clean and the surrounding bone is healthy, immediate implant replacement may be possible at the same appointment, reducing the total number of surgical visits and shortening the overall treatment timeline.

Who May Not Qualify Right Away?

Not every patient will be a candidate for same-day placement, and that is not a setback. For those with insufficient bone volume, procedures like bone grafting or a sinus lift may be recommended to rebuild the foundation before implant surgery. Patients with active infections at or near the implant site may also need those issues resolved first.

Patients who have undergone radiation therapy to the jaw, are on certain medications that affect bone metabolism, or have habits like heavy smoking may also require a more individualized assessment. The goal is always to set the implant up for long-term success, not simply to move quickly.

Schedule Your Consultation at Rockland Dental Specialists

Determining whether you are a candidate for same-day dental implants begins with a comprehensive evaluation. At Rockland Dental Specialists, Dr. Shalom Mintz, Dr. David Peto, and our full team of periodontists and implant specialists take the time to review your bone structure, health history, and goals before recommending any treatment path. Our high-end New City office is designed for comfort, and we offer complimentary insurance verifications and custom payment plans to make your care as seamless as possible.

To find out whether same-day implants are right for you, contact our team today. We look forward to helping you take the next step toward a complete, confident smile.