Periodontist and Periodontal Treatment in Oyster Bay, Long Island

Healthy gums hold your teeth in place. When gum disease sets in, that support starts to slip. At Precision Family Dental & Specialty, periodontist Dr. Jesse Hofer treats gum disease at every stage, from a deep cleaning through surgery. Call (516) 922-5730 to find out how we can help you.

What Is Periodontics and Why Choose the Best Periodontist?

Periodontics focuses on preventing, diagnosing and treating gum disease. It also covers the bone and ligaments that support your teeth. Left untreated, gum disease can lead to gum recession, bone loss and, eventually, tooth loss.

That's why your choice of periodontist matters. Start with training. Dr. Hofer completed his postdoctoral education at Stony Brook University and scored in the top 1 percent on his periodontics exams. Then look at the range of treatment offered, so your care can match how far the disease has progressed.

What Do Periodontists Do?

Periodontists are dental specialists trained to treat complex gum and bone conditions. They perform deep cleanings, laser gum treatment and surgery to stop gum disease and restore your oral health.

Meet Dr. Jesse Hofer and His Oyster Bay Team

Dr. Jesse Hofer, DMD, is a periodontist and implant surgeon. He earned his Doctorate of Dental Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. His interest in periodontics and implant surgery then led him to Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine, where he completed his postdoctoral education.

Dr. Hofer is an active member of the Academy of Osseointegration, the Northeastern Society of Periodontists, the American Dental Association and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Together, he and his team bring over 30 years of combined experience to your care.

Stages of Gum Disease

Gum disease moves through stages, and treatment depends on where you are. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, it usually progresses like this:

Gingivitis
This is the mildest form. Your gums turn red, swell and bleed easily, often with little or no discomfort. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good home care.
Periodontitis
Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. Plaque spreads below the gumline, and the gums pull away from the teeth to form pockets that can become infected.
Advanced periodontitis
As the pockets deepen, more gum tissue and bone break down. Eventually, teeth can loosen and may fall out or need to be removed.

Signs of Gum Disease

Gum disease is often silent, so symptoms may not show until later stages. Watch for these common signs:

Red, swollen or bleeding gums
Bad breath or a bad taste that keeps coming back
Gums receding and exposing more of the tooth root
Loose or shifting teeth
Pain or tenderness in your gums

Notice any of these? Schedule a consultation before the problem grows. Your checkup numbers can tell you a lot, too. Here's what your gum pocket numbers mean.

What Causes Gum Disease?

Gum disease usually starts with plaque and tartar building up along the gumline. Several factors raise your risk:

Brushing and flossing habits that miss plaque
Smoking or tobacco use
Hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy
Chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease
A family history of gum problems

Our guide to gum irritation covers the early warning signs.

Who's a Good Candidate for Periodontal Treatment?

You may be a good candidate if you:

Have inflamed, tender or bleeding gums
Have receding gums or exposed tooth roots
Have loose teeth or bone loss from advanced gum disease
Are preparing for dental implants and need bone or gum restoration

A consultation with Dr. Hofer shows which treatment fits your needs.

Periodontal Treatments We Offer

Gum health evaluations
A full check of your gums, pockets and bone sets the starting point for your care.
Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing)
We remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline. Wondering how it feels? Read our guide on whether a deep cleaning hurts.
LANAP laser gum therapy
This minimally invasive laser treatment removes diseased tissue and leaves healthy gums alone. Compared with traditional surgery, it means faster recovery and less discomfort. Learn more about LANAP laser gum therapy.
Gum grafting
A graft restores receding gums and helps prevent further tissue loss.
Laser care for failing implants (LAPIP)
LAPIP uses the same laser as LANAP to treat infection around a dental implant.
Pinhole surgical technique
Dr. Hofer uses this minimally invasive technique to treat gum recession. Small entry points let him reposition the tissue, which means a faster recovery.
Pocket reduction and osseous surgery
We clean infected pockets, reshape the bone underneath and secure your gums around your teeth. Read more about periodontal surgery.
Gingivectomy
This procedure removes infected gum tissue to improve both gum health and appearance.
Bone grafting and sinus lift
These rebuild lost bone so it can support dental implants.
Crown lengthening
Reshaping the gumline exposes more of the tooth for a restoration or a more even smile.
Dental implants
Implants replace missing teeth. See our dental implants page for your options.

What to Expect During Treatment

Assessment
Dr. Hofer examines your gums and finds the best treatment options for you.
Treatment plan
You get a plan built around your specific periodontal concerns.
Procedure
Your plan depends on pocket depth. For pockets of 5 to 7 mm, Dr. Hofer usually starts with a deep cleaning, then re-checks your gums in 4 to 6 weeks to see whether LANAP is needed.
Follow-up care
Regular visits let us track your healing and long-term results.

Nervous about treatment? We offer sedation through a third-party provider. Ask about your sedation dentistry options when you book.

Aftercare for Periodontal Treatment

Our team gives you detailed instructions, which include:

Gentle brushing and flossing around the treated area (after LANAP, wait 7 to 10 days before brushing the treated area)
Soft foods right after treatment
Staying away from smoking while you heal
Keeping each follow-up appointment

Preventing Gum Disease

Daily habits do most of the work. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and floss regularly to clear plaque between your teeth. An antibacterial mouthwash helps reduce harmful bacteria. Finally, see your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups.

Benefits of Periodontal Care

Treating gum disease early protects more than your gums:

It helps prevent tooth loss and bone loss.
It strengthens your gum and bone health.
It improves your oral hygiene and the look of your smile.
It addresses a condition that has been linked to health issues such as heart disease and diabetes.

Long Island Periodontics in Oyster Bay

Our office sits at 73 South Street in Oyster Bay, on Long Island's North Shore. Call (516) 922-5730 to book a periodontal consultation, no referral needed.

Periodontal Care Questions

Can I see a periodontist without a referral?
Yes. You can call us directly at (516) 922-5730 to book a periodontal consultation.

How much does a periodontal consultation cost?
It depends on your exam and whether you need X-rays. Call our office and our team can tell you what to expect, including what your insurance may cover.

Does insurance cover periodontal treatment?
Coverage depends on your plan. Many dental plans cover 50% to 80% of gum disease treatment when it's medically necessary. We work with many dental insurance plans to maximize your benefits, including Delta Dental PPO, Aetna PPO, Cigna DPPO and MetLife PPO/PDP, and we can help you check your benefits. We also accept HSA and FSA dollars and offer in-house financing. See our insurance and payment options.

Can gums heal from periodontitis?
Gingivitis, the earliest stage, is reversible. Periodontitis can't be reversed, but the CDC notes it can be slowed down and managed with professional treatment. Bone grafting can rebuild lost bone, and LANAP stimulates the regrowth of bone and connective tissue. Your results depend on how advanced the disease is.

What does periodontal treatment cost?
Cost depends on the treatment and how advanced your gum disease is. Our guide to periodontal treatment costs explains what shapes the price.

Is periodontal treatment worth it?
Gum disease left untreated can cost you bone and, eventually, teeth. Treating it early keeps more of your natural smile. For many patients, early care means a deep cleaning instead of surgery.

Schedule Your Periodontics Appointment Today

Call (516) 922-5730 or request an appointment online. You'll find Precision Family Dental & Specialty at 73 South Street, Oyster Bay, NY 11771.