Periodontics
Periodontics at Beyond Dentistry
Your gums are the foundation of your smile and your oral health. At Beyond Dentistry, Dr. Kappel’s comprehensive periodontal expertise means you receive advanced gum treatment without the need for referrals to multiple specialists. With 50 years of experience and state-of-the-art laser technology, we offer precise and comfortable periodontal care that supports your long-term oral health.
Unlike traditional practices that refer periodontal cases out, Dr. Kappel performs most periodontal procedures in-house. When additional periodontal expertise is needed, our on-site periodontist collaborates directly with Dr. Kappel, often working on the same patient during the same visit. This coordinated approach ensures optimal outcomes and eliminates the inconvenience of treatment split between multiple offices.
Gum Surgery
Advanced gum surgery at Beyond Dentistry addresses periodontal disease and receding gums, preparing your mouth for optimal restorative outcomes. Dr. Kappel’s surgical expertise, combined with laser technology, provides precise treatment with minimal discomfort and faster healing.
718-436-0202
Financing Available through Care Credit & Cherry
Crown Lengthening Surgery
When tooth structure is hidden beneath the gum line, crown lengthening exposes more of the tooth, allowing for proper restoration. This procedure can save teeth that other dentists might recommend extracting. Dr. Kappel performs this procedure himself, coordinating both the surgical and restorative phases to achieve optimal results.
Periodontal Flap Surgery
For advanced gum disease, flap surgery allows deep cleaning of bacteria and toxins from below the gum line. Dr. Kappel’s technique minimizes tissue trauma while thoroughly addressing infection, promoting healing, and preventing further bone loss.
Aesthetic Gum Contouring
Uneven or excessive gum tissue can detract from the appearance of your smile. Using precise laser technology, Dr. Kappel reshapes the gum tissue to create a more balanced and attractive smile while maintaining healthy gum function.
LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure)
LANAP represents the most advanced treatment for periodontal disease available today. This FDA-cleared laser protocol eliminates the need for traditional gum surgery while achieving superior results in treating gum disease.
718-436-0202
Financing Available through Care Credit & Cherry
How LANAP Works
The specialized laser targets diseased tissue while leaving healthy tissue intact. This precision approach removes bacteria and infected tissue, promotes regeneration of healthy gum attachment, and stimulates bone growth around affected teeth.
Benefits of LANAP
- Minimal discomfort during and after treatment
- No cutting or suturing required
- Faster healing and recovery
- Regenerates lost bone and gum tissue
- Preserves healthy tissue
- Can often save teeth that would otherwise require extraction
The LANAP Difference at Beyond Dentistry
Dr. Kappel’s extensive experience with laser dentistry ensures precise, comfortable LANAP treatment. The procedure typically requires only two visits, and most patients return to normal activities immediately. This advanced approach often eliminates the need for traditional gum surgery while achieving better long-term results.
Sinus Augmentation
When upper back teeth are missing, the sinus cavity can expand, leaving insufficient bone for dental implants. Sinus augmentation, also known as sinus lift surgery, creates the necessary bone volume for successful implant placement.
718-436-0202
Financing Available through Care Credit & Cherry
The LANAP Difference at Beyond Dentistry
- Insufficient bone height in the upper jaw
- Sinus cavity expansion following tooth loss
- Preparation for dental implants in the upper posterior region
- Bone loss due to periodontal disease
Dr. Kappel’s Approach
Using advanced imaging and surgical techniques, Dr. Kappel precisely lifts the sinus membrane and places bone grafting material to create adequate bone volume. This procedure can often be combined with implant placement, reducing the total treatment time.
Recovery and Results
Most patients experience minimal discomfort following sinus augmentation. The grafted bone integrates over several months, creating a solid foundation for dental implants. Dr. Kappel’s technique and post-operative care protocols ensure optimal healing and successful outcomes.
Soft Tissue Grafting
Receding gums can expose tooth roots, leading to sensitivity and an increased risk of decay and further gum recession. Soft tissue grafting restores gum coverage, protects exposed roots, and improves smile aesthetics.
718-436-0202
Financing Available through Care Credit & Cherry
Types of Soft Tissue Grafts
- Connective Tissue Grafts: The most common approach, using tissue from the palate to cover exposed roots.
- Free Gingival Grafts: Thickens existing gum tissue and prevents further recession.
- Pedicle Grafts: Uses adjacent gum tissue when sufficient healthy tissue is available.
Advanced Grafting Techniques
Dr. Kappel employs minimally invasive grafting techniques that reduce discomfort and promote faster healing. In many cases, he can perform multiple grafts in a single appointment, efficiently addressing extensive recession.
Long-term Benefits
Successful soft tissue grafting reduces tooth sensitivity, prevents further recession, protects against root decay, and improves smile appearance. With proper care, grafted tissue functions like natural gum tissue for life.
Congenitally Missing Teeth (Hypodontia)
Some patients are born with missing teeth. This condition is called hypodontia and it creates both functional and aesthetic challenges that require comprehensive treatment planning.
718-436-0202
Financing Available through Care Credit & Cherry
Common Missing Teeth
- Lateral incisors (upper front teeth)
- Second premolars
- Third molars (wisdom teeth)
- Canines (less common but more complex)
Treatment Approach
Dr. Kappel’s comprehensive expertise allows him to address hypodontia through coordinated treatment that may include:
- Orthodontic space management
- Periodontal procedures to optimize tissue architecture
- Dental implants for permanent replacement
- Restorative procedures to achieve natural aesthetics
The Advantage of Comprehensive Care
Rather than coordinating between multiple specialists, Dr. Kappel manages the entire treatment process. This approach ensures optimal timing of procedures, better communication between treatment phases, and superior final results.
Timing Considerations
Treatment timing is crucial for hypodontia cases, particularly in younger patients. Dr. Kappel works closely with orthodontists and considers jaw growth patterns to determine the optimal treatment sequence and timing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need periodontal treatment?
Signs include bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, loose teeth, or deep pockets around teeth. Dr. Kappel’s comprehensive examination includes periodontal assessment, and he’ll explain any concerns and treatment options during your visit.
Is periodontal treatment painful?
Modern periodontal treatment, especially with laser technology, involves minimal discomfort. Dr. Kappel’s gentle approach and advanced techniques ensure patient comfort throughout the treatment process. Most patients are surprised by how comfortable periodontal procedures can be.
How long does periodontal treatment take?
Treatment time varies depending on the extent of the disease and procedures needed. LANAP typically requires two visits, while surgical procedures may need several appointments. Dr. Kappel often combines procedures when appropriate to minimize your time away from work.
Can periodontal disease be cured?
While periodontal disease cannot be “cured” in the traditional sense, it can be effectively controlled and managed. With proper treatment and maintenance, patients can keep their teeth for life. Dr. Kappel focuses on treatments that provide long-term stability and durability.
Will my insurance cover periodontal treatment?
While we don’t accept insurance, periodontal treatment is often covered by dental insurance plans. We provide detailed treatment records that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Our financing options also make treatment accessible.
How often will I need periodontal maintenance?
Maintenance frequency depends on your individual condition and treatment response. Most patients require professional cleanings every 3-4 months initially, with some able to extend this interval to 6 months once their condition stabilizes.
Can you save teeth that other dentists want to extract?
Often, yes. Dr. Kappel’s comprehensive approach and advanced techniques can frequently save teeth that other practices might recommend extracting. Through procedures like crown lengthening, LANAP, and regenerative techniques, many teeth can be preserved.
What makes Beyond Dentistry’s periodontal care different?
Our boutique model means Dr. Kappel takes complete responsibility for your periodontal health. You’re not passed between multiple specialists, and treatment is coordinated for optimal results. The combination of advanced laser technology, decades of experience, and personalized care provides superior outcomes.
Send A Message
Ready to Learn More?
Call us at 718-436-0202 to schedule a comprehensive periodontal consultation. Dr. Kappel will evaluate your gum health, explain your options, and help you understand how our advanced periodontal care can preserve and enhance your oral health.