
Aug
About 80% of American adults have some form of gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis). Let’s review the more serious disease, periodontitis.
Periodontitis is a disease of the gums and bone around teeth. When plaque accumulates along the gum line, the gums get inflamed and red. This is called gingivitis. If the plaque does not get removed, the condition can progress to periodontitis.
Plaque and calculus (hardened plaque) harbor bacteria that result in inflammation and destruction of the bone and tissues that attach to teeth. If the disease progresses enough the teeth will have no support and become mobile or fall out.
Periodontal disease is associated with higher inflammation levels all over the body. Diabetes and cardiovascular disease are especially related to periodontitis.
We use scaling and root planing (deep clean), lasers, medications, and surgery to treat periodontitis. Most importantly, patients must maintain excellent home care and visit us for your periodic cleanings.
This information was provided in part by the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Gary Pearl is an Academy of General Dentistry Master.
Gary R. Pearl, DMD, MAGD, graduated from the University of Connecticut with a BS in Pharmacy and the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. He spent his general practice residency at Park City Hospital in Bridgeport, CT, and is a graduate of the Pankey Institute in Key Biscayne, FL. In 2005, he achieved the highest Academy of General Dentistry honor- Mastership (MAGD). Dr. Pearl is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Connecticut State Dental Association (CSDA), and the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Pearl is an expert in many facets of dentistry is constantly advancing what dentistry can offer.
Scott A Pearl, DMD, FAGD, attended college at the University of Connecticut followed be earning a masters degree in Molecular and Cell Biology from Quinnipiac University. He graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine and completed his residency training at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, NY. In 2021, Dr. Pearl became a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, a milestone reached by only six percent of dentists in the US. He is President of the New Haven Dental Association from 2024 to 2025 (Board Member since 2021), and a member of the American Academy of Facial Esthetics, American Dental Association and CT State Dental Association. His clinical interests include CEREC digital dentistry and implants.. He believes that quality dental care can profoundly affect patients’ physical and mental well-being.
View LinkedIn ProfileAdam R Abel, DMD, MD, specializes in oral and maxillofacial surgery. He received his BS from Tufts University and his DMD from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. He then underwent specialty training in oral and maxillofacial surgery at the New York-Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell Medical Center. He earned an MD degree at Weill Cornell Medicine and completed extensive training in anesthesiology and general surgery. Dr. Abel also works in NYC and has a teaching position at Weill Cornell, where he also performs advanced jaw surgeries, including orthognathic surgery. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.