Periodontics is the branch of dentistry devoted to the structures that hold your teeth in place — the gums, the ligaments, and the bone beneath them. Gum disease is remarkably common and often quiet: it can progress for years with little more than occasional bleeding or tenderness while it slowly weakens the foundation of an otherwise healthy smile. That is why we treat periodontal health as the starting point for nearly everything we do at Parsons Smile Center.
Because Dr. Salha manages periodontal therapy himself, your diagnosis, active treatment, and long-term maintenance stay under one roof. There are no outside referrals to coordinate — just one doctor who knows your history, your goals, and how your gums are responding at every stage.
What periodontal treatment involves at Parsons Smile Center
Every plan begins with a thorough periodontal exam. We measure the pockets around each tooth, review digital imaging to assess bone levels, and chart any bleeding or recession. From there, treatment is matched to the stage of the disease rather than forced into a one-size-fits-all protocol.
- Scaling and root planing — a careful deep cleaning below the gumline that removes hardened tartar and smooths the root surfaces so your gums can heal and reattach.
- Localized antimicrobial therapy — where appropriate, targeted medication placed into deeper pockets to help control bacteria between visits.
- Periodontal maintenance — professional cleanings at closer intervals, designed to keep treated gum disease from rebounding.
When gum disease is caught at its earliest, reversible stage, our gingivitis treatment may be all that is needed. Healthy gums and bone are also the prerequisite for restorative dentistry — stable periodontal foundations are where treatments such as dental implants begin.
Your treatment, visit by visit
The evaluation. Your first visit is dedicated to understanding where you stand: full periodontal charting, imaging, and an honest conversation about what we find and what it means for your teeth long term.
Active therapy. Scaling and root planing is typically completed over one or two comfortable appointments, often treating one side of the mouth at a time. Local anesthetic keeps you at ease throughout.
Re-evaluation. A few weeks after therapy, we re-measure your gum pockets to confirm how well the tissue is healing and whether any areas need further attention.
Maintenance. Once your gums are stable, we place you on a personalized maintenance schedule — usually every three to four months — so improvement is protected rather than lost.
Periodontics in NYC with Dr. Salha
Dr. Fady Salha, DMD, earned his dental degree at Boston University and serves as a clinical instructor at the NYU College of Dentistry, teaching the same standards he applies chairside. Patients can receive consistent periodontal care at either of our two offices — in Flushing, Queens and Midtown East, Manhattan — with the same doctor and the same records at both. CareCredit and major debit and credit cards are accepted, so financing your care stays straightforward.
Candidacy and aftercare
A periodontal evaluation may be worthwhile if you notice gums that bleed when you brush or floss, persistent bad breath, gums pulling away from the teeth, teeth that feel loose or have shifted, or if it has been more than a year since your last professional cleaning. A family history of gum disease and smoking can also raise your risk.
After treatment, home care does much of the work: gentle brushing with a soft brush, daily cleaning between the teeth, and keeping every maintenance visit. Mild tenderness for a day or two after a deep cleaning can occur and typically settles quickly. The most reliable first step is a consultation — periodontal disease is far easier to manage early than late.
Frequently asked questions
Is scaling and root planing painful?
The area is numbed with local anesthetic, and most patients describe pressure rather than pain. Some sensitivity or tenderness for a day or two afterward is normal and usually eases with gentle care and over-the-counter relief if needed.
Can periodontal disease be cured?
Gingivitis, the earliest stage, can often be fully reversed. Once disease has advanced to periodontitis, it is managed rather than cured — but with consistent therapy and maintenance visits, most patients can keep it stable and hold on to their natural teeth.
How often will I need periodontal maintenance?
Most patients do best with maintenance visits every three to four months, though the interval is tailored to how your gums respond. Dr. Salha will review your schedule at each visit and adjust it as your periodontal health improves.
