What Is a Periodontist? Understanding Gum and Bone Specialists in NYC
What This Blog Post Will Cover
In this article, you’ll learn:
- What a gum and bone specialist does
- When to see a periodontist for treating gum disease
- How they help with gum recession and bone loss
- Common treatment options for restoring teeth and gums
- The cost of periodontal treatment and what to expect
- How Dr. Froum helps New Yorkers protect their gum health and smile confidently
If you have bleeding gums, loose teeth, or signs of gum disease that don’t improve with regular brushing and flossing, it may be time to see a dental specialist who focuses on the gums and bone that support your teeth.
A gum and bone specialist, also known as a periodontist, is a dentist with advanced training in the prevention and treatment of gum disease, gum recession, and gum disease and bone loss. These specialists also perform surgical procedures such as scaling and root planing, gum grafting, and dental implant placement to help patients maintain healthy teeth and gums.
At his Midtown Manhattan practice, Dr. Scott Froum provides expert care for patients across New York City, including the Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Flatiron, and Downtown Manhattan. His goal is to help every patient achieve long-term gum health and preserve their natural smile.
What Does a Periodontist Do?
Patients often ask, “What does a periodontist do?” The answer is that they diagnose and treat conditions affecting the tissues that support your teeth - including the gums, bone, and ligaments that keep them stable.
A periodontal expert focuses on treating gum disease, repairing tissue damaged by infection, and preventing advanced forms of gum disease from progressing. Common treatments include scaling and root planing to deep-clean below the gum line, gum grafting to correct gum recession, and laser periodontal therapy to disinfect and stimulate healing. In more advanced cases, bone grafting or dental implant placement may be recommended to restore strength and stability.
These treatment options help patients regain healthy teeth and gums and reduce the risk of future infection or tooth loss.
Signs of Gum Disease and When to See a Periodontist
Knowing when to see a periodontist is key to protecting your smile. You should book an evaluation if your gums bleed when brushing or flossing, look swollen or tender, or if you notice gum recession or loose teeth. Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth are also warning signs, as is bone loss seen on dental X-rays.
These signs of gum disease indicate that bacteria are damaging the tissues that support your teeth. Early diagnosis allows for simpler, more effective treatment plans and helps prevent the need for complex surgical procedures later on.
How Periodontal Treatment Works
The treatment of gum disease usually begins with scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning that removes plaque and hardened deposits under the gum line. This procedure helps the gums heal and reattach to the teeth, reducing inflammation.
For more advanced cases, additional care may include laser treatment to disinfect deep pockets, gum grafting to rebuild tissue lost to gum recession, and bone grafting to restore healthy bone around affected teeth. When a tooth cannot be saved, dental implants can restore both function and appearance.
Comprehensive treatment plans often combine several of these approaches alongside regular dental care visits to maintain long-term results and prevent future damage.
Preventing Gum Disease Through Good Dental Care
Good oral hygiene is the foundation of gum health. Proper brushing and flossing remove bacteria and food particles that cause inflammation.
At home, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and gently brush along the gum line to remove buildup. Clean between your teeth using floss or interdental brushes, and visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings.
These daily habits support professional treating gum disease and help preserve healthy teeth and gums for years to come.
Do Gum Specialists Perform Surgical Procedures?
Yes. When non-surgical treatments are not enough, gum experts perform surgical procedures to repair the tissues that support your teeth.
These may include flap surgery to access and clean deep pockets, regenerative therapy to rebuild lost bone, or gum grafting to replace tissue lost through gum recession.
Dr. Froum’s practice focuses on minimally invasive care. Using advanced lasers and biologic materials, he reduces discomfort and speeds up healing while improving long-term results.
Cost of Periodontal Treatment
The cost of periodontal treatment depends on the extent of gum disease, the procedures required, and insurance coverage.
For example, scaling and root planing is often covered by dental insurance. More advanced procedures like laser therapy or bone grafting vary in cost depending on complexity. Dental implant therapy depends on how many implants are needed and the materials used.
During your consultation, Dr. Froum will review your personalized treatment options and provide a clear, detailed estimate.
How Gum Specialists Differ from General Dentists
General dentists focus on routine dental care such as fillings, crowns, and cleanings. A gum and bone specialist focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating gum disease and the bone loss that affects your teeth’s foundation.
While a general dentist manages preventive and restorative care, a gum specialist performs more advanced procedures such as scaling and root planing, gum grafting, laser periodontal treatment, and bone regeneration. Working together, both play an essential role in maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
Why Patients in Manhattan Choose Dr. Scott Froum
Dr. Scott H. Froum is a board-certified gum and implant specialist based in Midtown Manhattan, serving patients from the Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Chelsea, and Downtown NYC.
He offers:
Personalized, evidence-based treatment plans
Expertise in treating gum disease and periodontal regeneration
Minimally invasive options for gum health and implant care
A compassionate, patient-centered approach focused on long-term results
Whether you’re struggling with gum recession, bad breath, or loose teeth, Dr. Froum focuses on preserving your healthy teeth and gums through modern, science-backed care.
Key Takeaways
A gum and bone specialist focuses on the gums, bone, and tissues that support your teeth. They treat gum disease, perform scaling and root planing, and restore gum health with techniques like gum grafting and dental implants.
Knowing when to see a periodontist can help prevent complications and keep your smile healthy for the long term. Good brushing and flossing habits and regular visits to your dentist or gum specialist are key to lasting teeth and gum health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontists
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A periodontal specialist treats and prevents gum disease and bone loss, performs gum grafting, and places dental implants to restore function and aesthetics.
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If you have bleeding gums, loose teeth, gum recession, or persistent bad breath, it’s time to schedule an appointment. Early care prevents advanced treating gum disease and tooth loss.
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Gum disease occurs when bacteria and plaque build up around the teeth. Poor brushing or flossing and missed cleanings increase the risk.
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Treatment can include scaling and root planing, laser therapy, or surgical procedures to remove infection and restore gum health.
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The cost of periodontal treatment depends on the severity of infection and required procedures. Dr. Froum provides personalized treatment plans for every patient.
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Practice daily brushing your teeth and flossing your teeth, visit your dentist regularly, and schedule a specialist checkup if you notice signs of gum disease.
About Dr. Scott Froum
Dr. Scott H. Froum is a board-certified gum specialist based in Midtown Manhattan, serving patients from the Upper East Side, Upper West Side, SoHo, and Downtown NYC.
He provides advanced treatment of gum disease, laser periodontal therapy, and dental implant care, focusing on achieving long-term results and maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
As a professor at SUNY Stony Brook Dental School and chief editor of Perio-Implant Advisory, Dr. Froum combines academic expertise with compassionate patient care.
If you’re seeking expert help in treating gum disease or improving your gum health, contact Dr. Froum’s Manhattan office for a consultation today.
Contact Us
Address
1110 2nd Ave Ste 305
New York, NY 10022
Phone
Tel: 212-751-8530
Fax: 212-751-8544
scottfroumdds@gmail.com
Hours
Monday | 9am - 5pm
Tuesday | 9am - 5pm
Wednesday | 9am - 5pm
Thursday | 9am - 5pm
Friday | 9am - 5pm
Saturday | Closed
Sunday | Closed
