Article written: July 17, 2026
Gum disease is a common but serious condition that affects the gums, bone, and other structures supporting your teeth. Without appropriate treatment, periodontal disease may lead to gum recession, bone loss, loose teeth, and eventual tooth loss.
Finding the right dentist for gum disease treatment is therefore an important decision. While a general dentist may identify the early signs of periodontal disease, patients with moderate, advanced, or recurring gum problems may benefit from seeing a periodontist who has advanced training in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the gums and supporting bone.
At Your Gum Specialist in Forest Hills, Queens, patients receive specialized periodontal care tailored to the severity of their condition, risk factors, oral health, and long-term treatment goals.
This guide explains how to find a qualified gum disease dentist near you, what credentials to consider, which treatments may be recommended, and what questions to ask before beginning care.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an inflammatory condition affecting the tissues that surround and support the teeth. It commonly begins when bacterial plaque accumulates along the gumline and is not removed effectively through brushing, flossing, and professional dental care.
Over time, plaque may harden into tartar, which cannot be removed through normal brushing. Bacteria and inflammation may then spread below the gumline, causing periodontal pockets to form around the teeth.
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research explains that periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that hold the teeth in place and may eventually affect the bone surrounding the teeth.
Common Signs of Gum Disease
Gum disease does not always cause significant pain during its early stages. This makes it important to recognize less obvious warning signs and seek an evaluation before the condition becomes more advanced.
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding while brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- Gums pulling away from the teeth
- Teeth that appear longer because of gum recession
- New spaces developing between teeth
- Pus around the teeth or gums
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Changes in the way the teeth fit together
- Discomfort while chewing
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention distinguishes between gingivitis, which may be reversible, and periodontitis, which involves damage that must be professionally treated and managed.
Why Early Gum Disease Treatment Matters
Early diagnosis can make periodontal treatment simpler and may improve the likelihood of preserving the natural teeth. Gingivitis may often be controlled through professional cleaning and improved home care. Once the condition progresses to periodontitis, more specialized treatment may be required.
Prompt treatment may help:
- Control the bacterial infection
- Reduce gum inflammation and bleeding
- Prevent periodontal pockets from becoming deeper
- Slow additional gum and bone loss
- Reduce the risk of loose teeth
- Improve breath and oral comfort
- Protect the long-term stability of natural teeth
Patients who delay care may eventually require more complex periodontal disease treatment, including surgical or laser-assisted procedures.
What Type of Dentist Treats Gum Disease?
Different dental professionals may be involved in diagnosing or treating gum disease. The right provider depends on the severity of the condition and the type of care required.
General dentists
General dentists frequently identify gingivitis and early periodontal problems during routine examinations and cleanings. They may treat mild cases directly or refer patients to a periodontist when more specialized care is needed.
Periodontists
A periodontist is a dentist who has completed advanced education focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease. Periodontists also receive specialized training in dental implant placement, bone regeneration, gum grafting, and other procedures involving the structures supporting the teeth.
The American Academy of Periodontology identifies periodontists as experts in diagnosing, treating, and preventing gum disease and in surgically placing dental implants.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons
Oral surgeons primarily perform surgical procedures involving the jaws, face, and mouth. They may participate in complex cases, but a periodontist is generally the dental specialist most directly focused on gum disease and the tissues supporting the teeth.
When Should You See a Periodontist?
A general dentist may recommend a periodontal consultation after detecting deep pockets, bone loss, gum recession, tooth mobility, or persistent inflammation. Patients may also contact a periodontist directly when they notice symptoms or have a history of gum disease.
You may benefit from seeing a periodontist if:
- Your gums bleed frequently
- You have been diagnosed with periodontitis
- Your periodontal pockets remain deep after treatment
- Your teeth feel loose or have shifted
- You have visible gum recession
- You have lost supporting bone around the teeth
- You need gum grafting or bone regeneration
- You are considering dental implants
- You have recurring gum disease despite regular dental care
- You want a second opinion about periodontal surgery
How to Find the Best Gum Disease Dentist Near You
Searching for a “gum disease dentist near me” may produce many results, but proximity should not be the only consideration. Periodontal care may involve several appointments, ongoing monitoring, and long-term maintenance, so it is important to choose a provider with the right qualifications and approach.
Look for advanced periodontal training
Review the dentist’s education, specialty training, certifications, professional memberships, and experience treating gum disease. A trained periodontist should have completed additional periodontal education after dental school.
At Your Gum Specialist, Dr. Prabha Krishnan completed postgraduate specialty training in periodontics at New York University College of Dentistry and has provided periodontal care in Queens for nearly 30 years.
Review the range of treatments available
A periodontal practice should be able to provide care across different stages of gum disease rather than offering only one treatment. Depending on the diagnosis, appropriate options may include nonsurgical therapy, laser treatment, periodontal surgery, gum grafting, bone grafting, or dental implants.
Consider diagnostic technology
Accurate diagnosis may involve periodontal pocket measurements, digital X-rays, clinical photography, and three-dimensional imaging when appropriate. Technology should support careful diagnosis and treatment planning rather than replace a thorough clinical examination.
Evaluate communication and treatment planning
A qualified provider should explain the diagnosis, recommended treatment, expected healing process, alternatives, risks, costs, and maintenance requirements in understandable language. Patients should feel comfortable asking questions before agreeing to care.
Review patient feedback thoughtfully
Online reviews can provide useful information about communication, scheduling, comfort, and the patient experience. However, reviews should be considered alongside the dentist’s credentials, specialty training, and clinical approach.
Choose a convenient location
Because periodontal care often includes follow-up appointments and ongoing maintenance, location and scheduling convenience matter. Your Gum Specialist is located at 11045 Queens Boulevard, Suite 108, in Forest Hills, New York.
What to Look for in a Periodontal Disease Specialist
When comparing periodontal specialists, prioritize qualifications and clinical fit rather than choosing solely based on advertising or price.
- Specialized education: Advanced training in periodontics after dental school
- Clinical experience: Experience treating mild, moderate, and advanced periodontal disease
- Comprehensive services: Access to nonsurgical, surgical, regenerative, laser, and implant care
- Clear communication: Thorough explanations of findings, options, risks, and expected outcomes
- Individualized treatment: Recommendations based on the patient’s diagnosis rather than a one-size-fits-all approach
- Maintenance planning: A clear strategy for monitoring periodontal health after active treatment
- Coordination of care: Willingness to communicate with the patient’s general dentist or restorative dentist
Common Treatments for Gum Disease
Periodontal treatment depends on the stage of disease, the depth of the periodontal pockets, the amount of bone loss, the patient’s health history, and the way the tissues respond to initial care.
Scaling and root planing
Scaling and root planing, sometimes called a deep cleaning, removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the tooth roots. It is frequently recommended as an initial nonsurgical treatment for periodontitis.
Periodontal pocket reduction surgery
When deep pockets remain after nonsurgical therapy, periodontal surgery may provide access to remove deposits and diseased tissue that cannot be reached through routine cleaning. Treatment may also reshape the surrounding tissues to make the area easier to maintain.
LANAP laser gum treatment
LANAP® laser gum surgery uses a specialized laser protocol to address infected periodontal tissue and bacteria while preserving healthy tissue. Suitability depends on the patient’s diagnosis, anatomy, and treatment needs.
Gum grafting
Gum grafting may be recommended when gum recession exposes tooth roots. The procedure can help protect the root surface, reduce sensitivity, and improve the quality or appearance of the gum tissue.
Bone grafting and regeneration
Regenerative procedures may be used to rebuild bone or supporting tissue lost because of periodontal disease. The appropriate technique depends on the location and pattern of bone loss.
Dental implants
When a tooth cannot be saved, dental implants may provide a stable replacement option. A periodontist evaluates the gum tissue, bone volume, and overall periodontal health before implant placement.
What to Expect During a Periodontal Evaluation
A comprehensive periodontal evaluation is designed to identify the type, location, and severity of gum disease. It may include:
- A review of your medical and dental history
- A discussion of symptoms and previous treatment
- Measurement of the spaces between the teeth and gums
- An evaluation of bleeding, inflammation, recession, and tooth mobility
- Assessment of the way the teeth fit together
- Dental imaging to evaluate bone levels
- A diagnosis and individualized treatment plan
Medical conditions, medications, tobacco use, pregnancy, family history, and diabetes control may all influence periodontal risk and treatment planning. Patients should provide a complete health history during the consultation.
Questions to Ask Your Gum Disease Dentist
Preparing questions before your appointment can help you better understand your diagnosis and compare treatment recommendations.
- What type and stage of gum disease do I have?
- How much bone loss is present?
- Which teeth are most at risk?
- What treatment options are appropriate for my condition?
- Why are you recommending this specific procedure?
- Are nonsurgical alternatives available?
- What happens if I delay treatment?
- How long will treatment and healing take?
- What discomfort or restrictions should I expect?
- How much will treatment cost?
- What portion may be covered by insurance?
- How often will I need periodontal maintenance?
- What changes should I make to my home-care routine?
Insurance, Costs, and Payment Options
The cost of periodontal treatment varies based on the diagnosis, number of areas treated, type of procedure, imaging needs, medications, and follow-up care. Insurance coverage also differs between plans.
Before beginning treatment, ask the practice for an estimate and review:
- Which services are covered by your insurance plan
- Whether the practice participates with your plan
- Applicable deductibles and annual maximums
- Whether preauthorization is recommended
- Available payment or financing options
- Possible fees for follow-up or maintenance visits
Insurance limitations should be considered, but treatment decisions should ultimately reflect the clinical needs of the patient and the risks of allowing periodontal disease to progress.
How to Help Prevent Gum Disease
Professional periodontal care is important, but daily home care and regular maintenance are also essential. Patients can reduce their risk of periodontal inflammation by following a consistent oral hygiene routine.
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Clean between the teeth every day with floss or another recommended device
- Use an antimicrobial mouth rinse when recommended
- Attend professional cleanings and periodontal maintenance visits
- Avoid smoking and tobacco products
- Manage diabetes and other health conditions
- Eat a balanced diet
- Report bleeding, swelling, recession, or loose teeth promptly
Patients who have already been treated for periodontitis may require more frequent periodontal maintenance than patients receiving routine preventive cleanings.
Choose a Gum Disease Specialist in Forest Hills, Queens
Finding the right gum disease dentist is an important step toward protecting your teeth, gums, and supporting bone. Look for a provider with advanced periodontal training, comprehensive treatment options, clear communication, and a commitment to long-term maintenance.
Your Gum Specialist provides advanced periodontal services for patients in Forest Hills and throughout Queens. Treatment recommendations are based on a comprehensive evaluation and the specific needs of each patient.
To request an evaluation, visit the Your Gum Specialist contact page or call 718-878-4878.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of dentist specializes in gum disease?
A periodontist is a dentist with advanced training in preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum disease and conditions affecting the bone and tissues that support the teeth.
When should I see a periodontist instead of a general dentist?
You may need a periodontist if you have moderate or advanced periodontal disease, deep gum pockets, bone loss, loose teeth, significant gum recession, recurring infection, or a need for periodontal surgery or dental implants.
Can gum disease be cured?
Gingivitis may often be reversed with professional cleaning and effective home care. Periodontitis causes permanent damage to supporting tissues, but professional treatment and ongoing maintenance can help control the condition and slow further progression.
What is the most common treatment for gum disease?
Scaling and root planing is a common nonsurgical treatment for periodontitis. More advanced cases may require laser therapy, periodontal surgery, gum grafting, bone regeneration, or other specialized care.
How often should I visit a periodontist after treatment?
The appropriate schedule depends on your diagnosis and risk factors. Many periodontal patients are seen every three to four months for maintenance, although the periodontist may recommend a different interval.
This article is intended for general educational purposes and does not replace an individualized periodontal examination, diagnosis, or treatment plan.
