DEEP CLEANING
AND GUM DISEASE TREATMENT

High-tech teeth cleaning and therapy for bleeding swollen gum pockets

Deep cleaning to treat gum disease-
. . . and save teeth!

Learn what causes bleeding gums and why deep cleanings are so often necessary. Dr. Ressler, a certified gum specialist and periodontist, explains bleeding gums, gum disease, deep cleanings and how the latest modern treatments can help save your teeth.

Our dental laser produces high-energy water pulses that work in concert with state-of-the-art piezo cleaning instruments to loosen hardened bacterial accumulations on teeth roots, clear away harmful toxins, and help treat bleeding gums, periodontal bone loss, and gum disease.



Laser-energized water cleans teeth and flushes out debris from diseased gums

What is periodontal disease or gum disease?

Periodontal disease is a silent bacterial infection that destroys the gums and bone that support your teeth.
You are not alone. Gum disease is the #1 cause of tooth loss in adults. In the United States, gum disease affects:

Nearly half of
people over 30

Nearly 3 of every 4
people over 65

Gum disease signs and symptoms

Signs or symptoms of adult gum disease (periodontitis) could include any of the following:

  •  inflamed, bleeding, swollen gums
  •  tartar (calculus) under the gumline
  •  loose teeth
  •  shifting of teeth
  •  receding gums
  •  bad breath
  •  no obvious symptoms at all

But wouldn't I know if I had gum disease?

Gum disease affects over 80% of people in the United States. Gum disease is the most common cause of tooth loss- it causes more teeth to be lost than dental decay. Most people are not even aware that they have gum disease, because there is usually no pain connected with it, unlike other dental problems.

Unfortunately, warning signs of serious gum disease usually only happen during flare-ups (acute infections / periodontal abscess), or in the later stages of the disease as teeth become loose, when it is often difficult or impossible to save your teeth.

So how is gum disease diagnosed?

Gum disease is diagnosed by dental x-rays and a periodontal examination. The illustration below shows the measuring probe with marks like a ruler gently inserted under the gum line to check for disease. Dr. Ressler reads your dental x-rays and gently examines your gums to measure periodontal pockets and look for signs of active gum disease, bone loss, and loosening of teeth.

Dr. Ressler is one of the few periodontists in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and Boynton Beach to be trained in various minimally-invasive methods of treating gum disease. Patients who have been told they have gum problems should immediately consult with a periodontal gum specialist like Dr. Ressler, before the gum disease progresses and causes tissue destruction and loss of teeth.
Gum disease silently progresses to infection and tooth loss.

What is going on under the gumline?

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, may begin with mild gum inflammation, or gingivitis, which may appear as slightly red, or swollen gums, that or bleeding gums, that are sometimes noticed during brushing or flossing. These bleeding or inflamed gums are often caused by the accumulation of disease-causing bacteria that live in the otherwise normal bacterial plaque that accumulates each day and night in our mouths and covers our teeth.

Bacteria, if not completely removed by perfect brushing and flossing, tends to solidify and create hardened tartar, also known as calculus which tends to form both above and below the gumline, forming periodontal pockets. This, in turn, may lead to breakdown of the collagen in the gum tissue itself, and the destruction of bone that support the teeth.

Loss of bone and gum tissue continues, often completely unnoticed by the patient, until loose teeth or gum abscess indicate that gum disease has progressed to the point of tooth loss, along with possible systemic medical harms that accompany the chronic inflammation aspect of untreated gum disease. Periodontal disease is often silent, and most patients are not aware that they are losing bone and teeth until an observant dentist performs a complete periodontal examination in which periodontal pockets are carefully measured and dental x-rays can be evaluated.

What happens without treatment?

In short, teeth get loose and fall out. Gingivitis (bleeding and inflammation in the gums) quietly progresses to periodontitis (the loss of bone around teeth). Calculus (tartar), a collection of hardened bacteria that sticks to the roots of teeth like barnacles on the side of a boat, continues to accumulate. Bacteria (and your body’s response to the bacterial toxins in your gums) causes the loss of bone around teeth.

Without treatment, dental bone loss and the break-down of infected gum tissue progresses until the teeth themselves become loose and infected, and either fall out or need to be removed by a dentist.
Deep pockets and bone loss causes teeth to silently loosen and fall out.
Gum inflammation leads to destruction of the bone that supports your teeth.

Stages of Gum Disease

Gum disease and risks to your health.

Medical studies have linked untreated gum disease with increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease, likely caused by inflammation and its associated products circulating through the blood stream and in the lining of blood vessels, along with other serious health risks.

Pancreatic cancer may also be associated with gum disease (periodontitis). One study determined that certain types of bacterium connected to gum disease are linked to a 200% higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Another study by the same authors found a heightened risk of pancreatic cancer (sixty-four percent higher) in men with a history of periodontal disease than men with no such history.

Diabetes and gum disease are strongly associated, with diabetics at a very high risk for developing periodontitis. Studies have also suggested that diabetics who appropriately treat their gum disease experience better glycemic control following periodontal treatment.
Gum disease link to heart attack, stroke, and Alzheimer's

Modern conservative treatment
for gum disease without surgery
(non-surgical, conservative gum treatment)

Harmful bacteria invade healthy gum tissue, breaking down gum tissue and supporting bone often leading to the loss of teeth.

Scaling and root planing cleans out hardened bacterial calculus (tartar) from under the gum line. Gum disease causes the formation of abnormal "pockets" around teeth, due the destruction of bone and healthy tissue.

Special antibiotics may also be placed under the gumline to target the germs and improve healing.
Products such as Arestin® release medication to kill harmful germs under your gum line. The dental hygienist can place this soft powder into diseased areas without any discomfort at all.

Laser gum treatment may be appropriate after an appropiate amount of healing and a re-evaluation of your gums. Oral DNA gum disease testing may sometimes be needed as well. The gum specialist can obtain a saliva sample for DNA testing to identify harmful bacteria for additional targeting with appropriate antibiotics.

All of these techniques have one purpose: saving your teeth.

Gentle gum treatment by a specialist

Dr. Ressler is a periodontal gum specialist and a recognized expert in the treatment of gum disease. Laser gum surgical treatment is surprisingly comfortable and usually takes less than an hour. No incisions or stitching are usually required. Unlike traditional gum surgery, very little gum tissue is removed, the recovery is typically very easy, and it can help save your teeth.

Dr. Ressler is an experienced laser gum surgeon, and uses one of the most advanced, dual-wavelength dental lasers available in the world today.

Top causes of gum disease

  •  Genetics and heredity.
  •  Poor oral hygiene.
  •  Lack of professional dental cleaning.
  •  Bacterial infection.
  •  Crowded, misaligned teeth.
  •  Nighttime clenching or grinding habit.
  •  Poor-fitting dental work.

What to expect on your first visit

  •  A personal meeting with Dr. Ressler.
  •  An examination of your teeth and gums.
  •  Any needed dental x-rays will be taken.
  •  Treatment options will be reviewed.
  •  An estimate of costs will be provided.
  •  Have all your questions answered.
  •  Establish a plan to save your teeth.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can the dental hygienist diagnose gum disease?

No. In the State of Florida, dental hygienists are not permitted to make a diagnosis of gum disease, or any diagnosis for that matter. Although the hygienist can and should make observations of the signs and symptoms and report them to the supervising dentist, a dentist must actually make the diagnosis.

What is the difference between a regular cleaning and a deep cleaning?

The ultimate purpose of any dental cleaning is to remove hardened deposits of plaque and calculus (tartar) from teeth. Regular cleanings (or prophylaxis) may be appropriate for patients with only mild gum inflammation (gingivitis) and no loss of bone around teeth. Regular cleanings typically treat shallow pockets of 3 millimeters or less, clean mostly the crowns of teeth, and may clean just slightly below the gum line. Deep cleanings, also called scaling and root planing, may be appropriate for patients with periodontal pockets greater than 3 millimeters to remove plaque and calculus that have accumulated below the gum line on the roots of teeth. Bone loss may have occurred, and there may be more root surface exposed, both above and below the gum line that requires more attention. Deep cleaning is usually performed with an injection of local anesthetic for patient comfort and to reach far below the gum line to allow more thorough debridement of the teeth. It is typically far more difficult and time consuming to clean out hardened plaque and calculus (tartar) that has accumulated on the roots of teeth when the accumulations have begun to occur under the gum line. Some patients have been having their teeth cleaned for years by their well-intended dentist or dental hygienist who has unknowingly left large deposits of calculus behind.

Why did my dentist recommend a deep cleaning?

Simply put, dentists or gum specialists recommend deep cleanings when regular cleanings are judged to be inadequate and ineffective to sufficiently remove deposits of plaque and calculus (tartar) that have accumulated well below the gum line. Deep cleaning is recommended as a treatment for gingivitis (gum inflammation) and periodontitis (bone loss), and is often a first step that needs to be performed before moving on to more aggressive treatment of gum disease.

I just had a deep cleaning! Why did the dentist tell me I need another deep cleaning?!?

Cleaning hardened debris from the roots of teeth under the gum line can be an extremely difficult task. Due the lack of visibility under the gum line, the challenges of working in the human mouth on hard to reach surfaces, as well as the complicated curves and recesses present on dental roots, it is almost impossible to consistently remove all of a patient’s calculus or tartar below the gum line in the course of a single session. This is true even when a full hour of time is dedicated to cleaning only a few teeth, as many university-based studies performed under ideal research conditions clearly show. The deeper the pocket, the more residual calculus will remain after a deep cleaning treatment. For patients with deep gum pockets, deep cleaning is very rarely a one-time effort. To further complicate things, even more calculus and tartar re-forms under a patient’s gum line between visits to the dentist, and even more work to remove it is usually required. This is true even if a patient’s oral hygiene efforts at home were perfect, which unfortunately is not often the case. For these reasons, deep cleanings (scaling and root planing) may be necessary on an annual basis, or in some cases even more often, a fact recognized by some (but not all) dental insurance carriers. And for patients with deep pockets that do not respond sufficiently well to deep cleanings, more advanced gum treatment like open flap debridement, periodontal surgery, or laser gum surgery may be needed.

Why is deep cleaning or scaling and root planing sometimes not enough to treat my gum disease?

Tooth and root surfaces deep below the gum line cannot be seen during treatment, and attempts are made to clean the teeth with special dental instruments until they feel smooth. Even with the most thorough deep cleanings, some disease-causing tartar and calculus may inevitably remain under the gum line. (Also read the answer to the question above for more info.) That is why more advanced gum treatments including gum surgery may be needed following deep cleanings.


What is a periodontist?   When do I need to be referred to a periodontist?

A periodontist is a gum specialist/dentist who has received extensive training the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease. Periodontists are also specialists in evaluating bone loss and receding gums. Dr. Ressler is a gum specialist and has completed three additional years of training following dental school in the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease at New York University, one of the most prestigious training programs for periodontists in the United States. A periodontist is the dental specialist of choice to evaluate patients with pockets greater than 4mm that persist after an initial cleaning.


When do I need gum surgery treatment?

Some form of surgical treatment may be necessary for periodontal gum pockets greater than 4mm that persist after an initial cleaning, for the purpose of removing plaque and calculus that could not effectively be cleaned out during deep cleanings.


I have been told by my dentist that I need gum surgery – is laser gum treatment a good alternative for me?

For many patients, laser gum treatment is an excellent alternative to traditional gum surgery. Laser gum treatment may allow the gum specialist (periodontist) to remove additional disease-causing calculus or tartar from below the gum line. Laser gum therapy is often associated with less discomfort than traditional gum surgery, and usually requires no cutting or stitching. Laser gum treatment may not be as useful for more advanced cases of gum disease, and every patient’s case and treatment needs are individual. Dr. Ressler will evaluate your individual needs and help you decide what form of gum treatment is right for you. Click on this link for more information about laser gum treatment, or more general dental health information.


Can I avoid gum surgery altogether if I brush and floss my teeth really well?

While excellent personal hygiene at home is critical to maintain the results of professional gum treatment, brushing and flossing alone is not effective in removing disease-causing tartar or calculus that has formed under the gum line, hardened, and has become firmly-attached to the roots of teeth in patients with gum disease. Even small amounts of calculus that remain under the gum line can contribute to the progression of gum disease, bone loss, gum abscess, and the loss of teeth.


Is there any testing available for the bacteria that cause my gum disease or periodontal infection?

New DNA techniques allow saliva testing to look for periodontal disease causing bacteria and can identify patients who are at risk for progressive gum disease and bone loss. Dr. Ressler uses MyPerioPath by OralDNA labs to help detect specific bacteria that may be contributing to your periodontal disease.

As a gum specialist, Dr. Ressler can diagnose silent gum disease and determine what strategies to treat bleeding gums and loss of dental bone are right for you. He offers minimally-invasive laser gum treatment, non-surgical treatments, and a variety of high-technology modern techniques that assist in Dr. Ressler’s efforts to save your teeth.
CAUTION:   This information, like the rest of the content on this website, is provided for general education purposes only, is not to be construed as dental advice, and is not a substitute for examination and diagnosis by a dentist and/or physician.

Take the first step towards your healthier new smile.
Call us at 561.499.7400 today!

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Did you know?

Dr. Ressler is both a periodontal surgical specialist and a recognized expert in the treatment of gum disease. Dr. Ressler offers highly effective treatments for early to advanced gum disease, periodontal bone loss around teeth, and gingivitis with bleeding gums, many of them minimally-invasive and performed in less than 30 minutes with little post-operative discomfort.

Dr. Ressler is one of the leading dentists and periodontists for cosmetic dentistry, laser gum treatment, dental implants, smile makeovers, and Invisalign in the Boca-Delray-Boynton area with over 20 years of experience and training from the University of Pennsylvania (DMD) and New York University (Perio/Implants).

★★★★★   "5-star personalized and gentle dental care!”

Call us at 561.499.7400 to schedule a consultation visit today!

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Our philosophy

Dr. Ressler listens to you, and uses his expertise to determine how he can best help you. He offers reasonable options and alternatives for dental care, and saves teeth whenever possible. Our office incorporates the latest and most proven technologies to make the dental experience easier - and more comfortable for you. We treat all of our patients like members of our own family.




Our services

All performed in-house, by our doctors and dental hygienists.

  • dental cleanings and x-rays
  • dental implant consultations
  • dental second opinions
  • periodontal cleanings
  • scaling and root planing
  • deep cleanings
  • teeth whitening
  • laser gum treatment
  • periodontal surgery
  • non-surgical gum treatment
  • fix receding gums
  • periodontal maintenance
  • snoring appliances
  • Invisalign® to straighten teeth
  • invisible braces
  • straighten teeth without braces
  • root canal specialist
  • endodontist on staff
  • All-on-4 dental implants
  • All-on-6 dental implants
  • gum grafting
  • biopsy in mouth
  • same-day dental implants
  • receding gum treatment
  • gum grafting procedures
  • Chao pinhole technique
  • tooth extractions
  • bone grafting
  • sinus elevation-lifts
  • expose and bond impacted
  • 3-D dental scan (CBCT)
  • cosmetic dentistry
  • sleep apnea appliances
  • dental implants done in a day
  • dental crowns and tooth caps
  • veneers, crowns, and bonding
  • CEREC same-day crowns
  • smile makeovers

Exams and Consultations

Dental Second Opinions

Reasonable Alternatives

About Dr. Ressler

"Everyone benefits from the amazing technology we have in the office - and there is no question - we use a lot of super-cool tools and techniques. But what's more important is that my staff and I genuinely care about our patients well-being, and I think that's easy to see that when you spend some time with us, or talk to the patients that we help every day . . . "

— L.L. Ressler, D.M.D.

Lawrence L. Ressler, D.M.D.

Cosmetic dentist and periodontist

Over 23 years experience as a gentle, caring, and trustworthy dentist.

Friendly, attentive, knowledgeable, and experienced in advanced dentistry.

A recognized clinician and educator, Lawrence L. Ressler, D.M.D. received his dental training from the University of Pennsylvania (PENN) and his specialty certification in periodontics and dental implant surgery from New York University (NYU). Dr. Ressler also holds two undergraduate degrees from Tulane University (B.A.) and the F.I.U. College of Engineering (B.S.).

Doctor Ressler is a fourth-generation dentist; his father, great-uncle, and great-grandfather are all dentists. He takes time in consulting with his patients and goes out of his way to make sure all their questions are fully answered. His patients often comment that they feel comfortable with him and that he is a great communicator. All of his patients receive his personal attention as well as his personal cell phone number following their procedures.

Born in New York City, Dr. Ressler grew up in Miami Beach and presently resides in Palm Beach County. Dr. Ressler’s varied personal interests include architectural and interior design, film, theater, photography, graphic arts, playing tennis, and fitness. He enjoys spending time with his family, experimenting in the kitchen, and traveling, but most of all, he loves teaching his young daughter how to sing and play the piano.

University of Pennsylvania
Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.)
Philadelphia, PA

New York University
Periodontics/Dental Implantology
New York City, NY

Education

University of Pennsylvania Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) General and Cosmetic Dentistry

New York University Periodontics and Dental Implantology Implant surgery / periodontology

Florida International University Bachelor of Science College of Engineering

Tulane University Bachelor of Arts Undergraduate training

Areas of practice

Cosmetic dentistry
Dental implants
Oral surgery
Extractions & grafting
Periodontics
Chao Pinhole Technique
Laser gum treatment
Adult orthodontics
Cosmetic dentistry
All-on-4, All-on-6
Teeth-in-a-day
CEREC same-day crowns
Porcelain veneers
Dental bonding
Invisalign® clear aligners

Recognition & reviews


Our patients have some very nice things to say about us !!

Check out our top reviews on:

Healthgrades
Google+
Facebook

Call us at 561.499.7400 to schedule a consultation visit today!

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Watch our office profile video and learn how Dr. Ressler will make your experience at the dentist exceptional using the very latest technology in cosmetics, gum treatment, and dental implant care.

★★★★★ “5-star dental experience, every day!”

Any questions? Call our office at 561.499.7400 and a friendly member of our office staff will be pleased to answer any questions you may have about our practice or your particular dental needs!

Where to find us.

Call our office today at 561.499.7400 and a friendly member of our office staff will be pleased to answer any questions you may have about our practice or your particular dental needs! Be sure to ask us about our current SPECIAL OFFERS and INTERNET PROMOTIONS when you call our office! We make dental treatment affordable!

Click HERE for Map and office location

Our convenient office is located between Boca Raton and Delray Beach on Jog Road with easy access from Boynton Beach and Lake Worth via I-95 and the Turnpike (Atlantic Ave. exit). We are minutes away from almost everywhere in Palm Beach County.

People just like you are coming from from all over Palm Beach County and South Florida for dental treatment with Dr. Ressler.


Our patients visit us from:

Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Lake Worth, Wellington, West Palm Beach, and Palm Beach Gardens.

Take the first step towards your healthier new smile.
Call us at 561.499.7400 today!

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15300 Jog Road, Suite 201 - Delray Beach, FL 33446
just south of Atlantic Ave. on Jog Rd - 5 minutes north of Boca, 5 minutes south of Boynton

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Serving Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton and all of Palm Beach County - Easy access from both I-95 and the Florida Turnpike - Se habla español
address
15300 Jog Road - Suite 201
Boca-Delray, FL 33446 USA

phone

561.499.7400 - current patients

561.499.7400 - for new patients

e-mail

info@resslerdental.com

Office hours and telephone coverage from
9:00AM till 5:00 PM (Mon-Thurs)

Our office is conveniently located between Boca Raton and Delray Beach on Jog Road with easy access from Boynton Beach and Lake Worth via Interstate-95 and the Turnpike (Atlantic Ave. exit).

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Academic and Professional Credentials

Over 20 years of clinical experience in implant dentistry and periodontics

University of Pennsylvania
Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.)
Philadelphia, PA

Advanced studies in cosmetic dentistry

New York University
Periodontics/Dental Implantology

three-year specialist perio-implant residency
New York City, NY