Specialized gum care for Forest Hills patients — from early gingivitis to advanced periodontal disease, dental implants, and surgical treatments that protect your smile long-term.
What Our Forest Hills Patients Say
Our Periodontic Services in Forest Hills
Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy mouth. Our periodontic team at Madison Dental Art provides both surgical and non-surgical treatments to stop gum disease at every stage — and restore what it has already damaged.
Osseous Surgery (Pocket Reduction Surgery)
When gum disease has advanced to the point where deep cleaning alone isn't enough, osseous surgery allows us to access and clean the roots and bone directly. We fold back the gum tissue, remove diseased tissue and bacteria, reshape irregular bone, and close the area so gums can heal tightly around the teeth. This reduces the deep pockets where bacteria thrive.
Scaling & Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
Scaling and root planing is the first-line treatment for gum disease. Using specialized instruments, we remove hardened tartar (calculus) from below the gumline and smooth the root surfaces so gum tissue can reattach properly. Most patients with early-to-moderate gum disease see significant improvement after one or two sessions, with no surgery required.
Dental Implants
Missing teeth do more than affect your smile — they cause the surrounding bone to deteriorate over time. Dental implants replace both the visible tooth and the root beneath the gumline, preserving bone structure and restoring full function. At Madison Dental Art, we use in-house 3D imaging to plan every implant placement with precision before we begin.
Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening removes excess gum tissue to expose more of the tooth's surface. It's used both restoratively — when a tooth needs a crown but there isn't enough structure above the gumline — and cosmetically, to correct a "gummy smile." The result is a more proportional, natural-looking gumline.
Periodontal Maintenance
Once gum disease has been treated, the work isn't over. Periodontal maintenance visits (typically every 3–4 months instead of the standard 6) keep the disease from returning. These are more thorough than regular cleanings — targeting the areas below the gumline that are most vulnerable to re-infection.
When Should You See a Periodontist?
Gum disease is often painless in its early stages — which is exactly why it goes unnoticed until it becomes serious. See a periodontist if you notice any of the following:
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss, even lightly
- Red, swollen, or tender gum tissue
- Gums that appear to be pulling away from your teeth (receding)
- Persistent bad breath that doesn’t improve with brushing
- Teeth that feel loose or have shifted position
- Pain or pressure when chewing
- A family history of gum disease or early tooth loss
- Your general dentist has recommended a periodontal evaluation
Gum disease doesn’t go away on its own — but caught early, it’s very manageable.
Why Forest Hills Patients Trust Madison Dental Art for Oral Surgery
- 30+ years serving the Forest Hills community — Dr. Alexander Chao and our periodontic team have treated gum disease and placed implants in Forest Hills since 1994, with a deep familiarity with the diverse oral health needs of the Queens community.
- Advanced in-house imaging — Our ORTHOPHOS XG 3D panoramic scanner gives us a precise, three-dimensional view of your bone levels, root structure, and gum pockets before any procedure — the same technology used by specialty periodontic practices.
- Surgical and non-surgical options — Not every case needs surgery. We always start with the most conservative effective treatment and escalate only when necessary.
- Implants and bone grafting under one roof — From diagnosis to implant placement to follow-up, you don’t need to visit multiple offices. We coordinate everything at our Queens Boulevard location.
- No referral needed — New patients are welcome directly. We see patients from Forest Hills, Rego Park, Kew Gardens, Jackson Heights, Jamaica, and throughout Queens.
- Most major insurance accepted — We verify your periodontal benefits before your first appointment.
The 4 Stages of Gum Disease — And What Each One Means for Your Treatment
Understanding where your gum disease stands is the first step to treating it effectively.
Stage 1 — Gingivitis
What’s happening: Plaque builds up along the gumline, causing inflammation. Gums bleed easily, look red or puffy, but bone and connective tissue are not yet affected.
Treatment: A professional cleaning and improved home care routine is often all that’s needed. Gingivitis is the only stage that is fully reversible.
Stage 2 — Mild Periodontitis
What’s happening: Infection has moved below the gumline. Early bone loss begins. Pockets between teeth and gums measure 4–5mm.
Treatment: Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) is the primary treatment. More frequent maintenance visits going forward.
Stage 3 — Moderate Periodontitis
What’s happening: Bone loss is progressing. Teeth may begin to feel slightly loose. Pockets measure 6–7mm. Bacteria can now enter the bloodstream and affect systemic health.
Treatment: Deep cleaning combined with possible osseous surgery. Bone grafting may be needed if structural support has been compromised.
Stage 4 — Severe Periodontitis
What’s happening: Significant bone and tissue loss. Teeth may be visibly loose, shifting, or lost. Chewing becomes difficult and painful. Pockets measure 8mm or more.
Treatment: Surgical intervention, tooth extraction if necessary, bone grafting, and implant-based restoration. A comprehensive treatment plan is required.
The earlier we catch it, the simpler — and less expensive — the treatment. Don’t wait for pain to tell you something is wrong.
Your Periodontic Visit: Step by Step
Step 1 — Consultation & Imaging
We begin with a full periodontal evaluation: probing depth measurements at every tooth, digital X-rays or a 3D panoramic scan to assess bone levels, and a review of your health history and any symptoms you’ve noticed.
Step 2 — Diagnosis & Treatment Plan
Based on your evaluation, we identify the stage of gum disease (if present) and walk you through your treatment options — always starting with the least invasive approach that will be effective.
Step 3 — Active Treatment
Depending on your diagnosis, this may be a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), a surgical procedure, bone grafting, or implant placement. We explain exactly what each procedure involves and what to expect during recovery.
Step 4 — Periodontal Maintenance
After active treatment, we schedule you on a maintenance plan — typically every 3–4 months — to keep gum disease from returning and monitor your healing over time..
Dental Insurance Accepted
We work with most major dental insurance plans, including:
Not sure if your plan is covered? Contact us here — our team will verify your benefits before your visit, at no cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontics
What is the difference between a periodontist and a general dentist?
A general dentist handles routine gum care as part of preventive cleanings and checkups. A periodontist specializes exclusively in the structures that support your teeth — gums, bone, and connective tissue — and has additional advanced training in diagnosing and treating gum disease at every stage, as well as placing dental implants. At Madison Dental Art, our periodontic team works alongside our general dentists so your care stays coordinated.
Is gum disease reversible?
Gingivitis — the earliest stage — is fully reversible with professional cleaning and improved home hygiene. Once gum disease progresses to periodontitis and bone loss occurs, it can be halted and managed, but the bone that’s already lost does not fully regenerate without surgical intervention. This is why early detection matters so much.
How many visits does periodontic treatment require?
It depends on the stage of disease. Scaling and root planing is typically done in 2 appointments (one side of the mouth per visit) followed by a re-evaluation 4–6 weeks later. Surgical procedures are single appointments with a follow-up. Ongoing periodontal maintenance visits are scheduled every 3–4 months indefinitely.
Does insurance cover periodontic treatment?
Most plans cover scaling and root planing as a medically necessary procedure, usually at 50–80% after your deductible. Coverage for surgical procedures and implants varies. We’ll confirm your specific coverage before any treatment begins.
Is periodontic treatment painful?
Non-surgical deep cleaning is performed under local anesthesia — you won’t feel pain during the procedure. Some tenderness for 1–2 days afterward is normal. Surgical procedures use local anesthesia and, if preferred, nitrous oxide for additional comfort. Most patients find recovery much more manageable than they expected.
Can gum disease affect my overall health?
Yes. Research consistently links advanced gum disease to increased risk of heart disease, diabetes complications, respiratory illness, and pregnancy complications. Treating periodontal disease is not just about your teeth — it’s part of your overall health.
Schedule Your Periodontics Appointment in Forest Hills
Gum disease is one of the most common — and most under-treated — conditions in dentistry. If your gums bleed, your teeth feel loose, or it’s simply been a while since a thorough evaluation, now is the right time to act.
📍 Madison Dental Art 112-03 Queens Boulevard, Suite 211 Forest Hills, NY 11375
📞 (718) 268-8228 | (718) 268-1281 ✉️ madisondentalny@gmail.com
🕐 Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY
At Madison Dental Art, we’re committed to your dental health. If you haven’t had a dental checkup in a while, now is the perfect time to schedule one. Don’t wait until a small issue becomes a big problem. Take proactive steps to protect your smile and your overall well-being.