Periodontist in Manhasset, NY | Gum Disease Treatment

Specialist Care

What Is a Periodontist?

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases that affect the gums, bone, and other supporting structures of the teeth. In short, a periodontist is a gum specialist.

While all dentists receive training in treating gum disease, a periodontist completes an additional three years of specialized residency training beyond dental school. This advanced education focuses exclusively on the complex inflammatory processes of periodontal disease, surgical and non-surgical treatment of gum conditions, the placement of dental implants, and cosmetic periodontal procedures like gum grafting and crown lengthening.

Because of this depth of training, a periodontist is uniquely qualified to manage the most advanced cases of gum disease, perform delicate soft-tissue procedures, rebuild lost bone with grafting techniques, and surgically place dental implants with precision. If your general dentist has referred you to a periodontist, it means they want you to receive the highest level of specialized care for your gum health.

Think of it this way: just as a cardiologist specializes in the heart, a periodontist specializes in the gums, bone, and connective tissues that keep your teeth anchored, healthy, and functioning properly.

Your Periodontist

Meet Dr. Effie Ahladiotis

A periodontist who combines rigorous academic training from two of the nation’s top dental programs with a genuine, patient-centered approach to care.

Dr. Effie Ahladiotis is the periodontist at North Shore Dental Group, bringing an exceptional level of training and a warm, compassionate chairside manner to every patient she treats. She earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, one of the most respected dental schools in the country, and then went on to complete her specialty training at Columbia University, where she earned a Master of Science in Periodontology.

That means our periodontist dedicated three additional years of advanced study and clinical practice, beyond her four years of dental school, to master the intricacies of periodontal disease, soft-tissue surgery, bone regeneration, and dental implant placement. Her specialty areas include dental implant placement and periodontal plastic surgery, a field that includes gum grafting, crown lengthening, and other procedures designed to improve both the health and appearance of your gums.

Our periodontist is an active member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of Osseointegration (the leading international organization for implant dentistry), and the Northeastern Society of Periodontists. These memberships reflect her commitment to staying at the forefront of advances in periodontal care and implant science.

What patients appreciate most about our periodontist is the way she takes the time to explain conditions and treatment options in language that makes sense. She understands that a visit to a specialist can feel unfamiliar, and she makes it a priority to ensure every patient feels informed, comfortable, and confident in their care. At North Shore Dental Group, she works closely with our team of specialists, including our prosthodontist, to deliver coordinated, comprehensive treatment that produces lasting results.

Education

D.M.D., Tufts University School of Dental Medicine

Specialty Training

Master of Science in Periodontology, Columbia University

Professional Memberships

American Dental Association • Academy of Osseointegration • Northeastern Society of Periodontists

Specialties

Dental Implant Placement • Periodontal Plastic Surgery • Bone Grafting • Gum Disease Treatment

Comprehensive Treatment

Our Periodontal Services

From preventive evaluations to advanced surgical procedures, our periodontist provides the full range of periodontal treatments under one roof at our Manhasset practice.

Comprehensive Periodontal Evaluations

A thorough assessment of your gum health, including probing depths, attachment levels, radiographic evaluation, and risk factor analysis to create a personalized treatment plan.

Scaling & Root Planing

The gold standard non-surgical treatment for gum disease. Deep cleaning removes bacteria, plaque, and tartar from below the gum line and smooths root surfaces to promote healing.

Periodontal Maintenance Programs

Ongoing professional cleanings every 3–4 months designed specifically for patients with a history of gum disease, keeping your condition stable and preventing recurrence.

Osseous Surgery (Pocket Reduction)

A surgical procedure to reduce deep periodontal pockets by reshaping the bone around your teeth, making it easier to keep the area clean and halting disease progression.

Bone Grafting

Rebuilds bone that has been lost due to periodontal disease or tooth extraction, restoring the foundation needed to support your teeth or prepare for dental implant placement.

Guided Tissue Regeneration

An advanced technique that uses biocompatible membranes to encourage your body to regenerate lost bone and tissue around teeth damaged by periodontal disease.

Connective Tissue Grafts (Gum Grafts)

Corrects gum recession by transplanting tissue to areas where gums have pulled away, protecting exposed roots, reducing sensitivity, and improving your smile’s appearance.

Crown Lengthening

Reshapes gum tissue and bone to expose more of the tooth’s natural structure, often performed to prepare a tooth for a crown or to address a “gummy smile.”

Sinus Lifts

Elevates the sinus floor and adds bone to the upper jaw, creating sufficient bone volume for dental implant placement in the back of the mouth where bone loss is common.

Dental Implant Placement

Surgical placement of titanium implant posts into the jawbone to serve as permanent, stable foundations for crowns, bridges, or dentures. Performed with precision by our periodontist.

Frenectomy

A minor surgical procedure to release a tight or restrictive frenum (the tissue connecting your lip or tongue to your gums), improving mobility and preventing gum recession.

Learn About Dental Implants Prosthodontic Restorations

Know the Stages

Understanding Gum Disease

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is one of the most common chronic conditions in adults. It develops gradually, and understanding the stages can help you recognize the problem early, when treatment is simplest and most effective.

Gingivitis

The earliest and only fully reversible stage. Caused by plaque buildup along the gum line, gingivitis presents as red, swollen, or bleeding gums. No bone loss has occurred yet. With professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene, gingivitis can be completely eliminated. This is the ideal time to intervene.

Mild Periodontitis

If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to mild periodontitis. At this stage, the infection has begun to spread below the gum line and early bone loss is detectable on X-rays. Periodontal pockets (spaces between the gum and tooth) deepen to 4–5 mm. Scaling and root planing is typically the first treatment approach.

Moderate Periodontitis

More significant bone loss and deeper periodontal pockets (5–7 mm) characterize this stage. Bacteria are eroding the connective fibers that hold teeth to bone. Teeth may begin to feel slightly loose. More intensive treatment, potentially including surgical intervention, is needed to stop the progression.

Advanced Periodontitis

The most severe stage, with deep pockets exceeding 7 mm, significant bone destruction, and teeth that may be noticeably loose or shifting. Abscesses may form. Without aggressive treatment, tooth loss is likely. Surgical treatment, bone grafting, and in some cases extraction and implant replacement may be necessary.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
Red, swollen, or tender gums
Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
Gums that are pulling away from your teeth (recession)
Loose teeth or teeth that are shifting position
Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
Pus appearing between your teeth and gums
Pain when chewing or increased tooth sensitivity

Emergency Dental Care Back to Home

A Natural Partnership

The Connection Between Periodontics & Dental Implants

If you need a dental implant, you may be wondering which type of dental professional should place it. The answer, in many cases, is a periodontist. Periodontists are among the most qualified specialists to place dental implants, and here is why.

Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically inserted into the jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. The success of an implant depends entirely on the health and volume of the bone and soft tissue surrounding it. These are the exact tissues that periodontists spend three years studying and learning to treat during their specialty training.

During residency, periodontists receive extensive hands-on training in bone grafting, sinus lifts, soft-tissue management, and implant surgical techniques. They understand how to evaluate whether you have enough bone for an implant, how to build bone where it has been lost, and how to ensure the gum tissue around your implant is healthy and properly contoured for a natural-looking result.

At North Shore Dental Group, we take this a step further with a true team approach. Our periodontist surgically places the implant, and our prosthodontist designs and fabricates the custom crown, bridge, or denture that attaches to the implant. This collaboration between two specialists, one focused on the surgical foundation and one focused on the restoration, means you receive the highest standard of care at every step of the process.

Two Specialists, One Seamless Result

When you receive a dental implant at North Shore Dental Group, you benefit from the combined expertise of a periodontist and a prosthodontist working together. Our periodontist ensures the implant is placed in the ideal position within healthy bone and tissue, while our prosthodontist creates a restoration that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth. Learn more about our dental implant process.

Explore Dental Implants Learn About Prosthodontics

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontics

What are the signs of gum disease? +

The most common signs of gum disease include red, swollen, or tender gums; bleeding when brushing or flossing; persistent bad breath (halitosis); receding gums that make your teeth look longer; loose or shifting teeth; changes in your bite; and pus between your teeth and gums. Many people have gum disease without realizing it because the early stages are often painless. That is why regular periodontal evaluations at our Manhasset office are so important for catching problems early, when treatment is most effective.

Is gum disease reversible? +

Yes and no. Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, is fully reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene at home. Once gum disease progresses to periodontitis, the damage to bone and tissue cannot be fully reversed, but it can be effectively managed and controlled. With proper periodontal treatment, such as scaling and root planing, and a consistent maintenance schedule, our periodontist can halt the progression of the disease and significantly improve your gum health. The key takeaway: the earlier you seek treatment, the better the outcome.

What is scaling and root planing? +

Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical deep cleaning procedure and the first line of treatment for gum disease. Think of it as a more thorough version of a regular cleaning that goes below the gum line. Scaling removes plaque and tartar (calculus) from above and below the gum line. Root planing smooths the root surfaces of your teeth, making it harder for bacteria to reattach and allowing your gums to heal and reattach to the tooth. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia for your comfort and may be completed in one or two visits depending on the severity of your condition.

How often should I see a periodontist? +

If you have been diagnosed with gum disease, most periodontists recommend maintenance visits every 3 to 4 months. This is more frequent than the standard twice-yearly dental cleaning because periodontal disease is a chronic condition that requires ongoing monitoring and professional care to keep under control. During each maintenance visit, our periodontist will measure your pocket depths, remove bacterial buildup, and assess whether your condition is stable or needs additional intervention. Your specific schedule will depend on the severity of your condition and how well your gums respond to treatment.

Can gum disease cause tooth loss? +

Yes, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. As periodontitis progresses, the bacteria destroy the bone and connective tissue that hold your teeth in place. Without treatment, the supporting structures break down to the point where teeth become loose and may need to be extracted. The good news is that with early detection and proper treatment, tooth loss from gum disease is largely preventable. If you have already lost teeth due to gum disease, our periodontist can treat the underlying condition and place dental implants to replace the missing teeth.

What is the connection between gum disease and overall health? +

Research has established significant connections between periodontal disease and several systemic health conditions. Gum disease has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes complications, respiratory infections, and adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth and low birth weight. The chronic inflammation caused by periodontal disease allows bacteria to enter the bloodstream, potentially affecting organs and systems throughout the body. This is why treating gum disease is not just about your oral health; it is an important part of protecting your overall well-being.

Does periodontal treatment hurt? +

Most periodontal treatments are performed with local anesthesia, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. After treatment, you may experience some mild soreness, sensitivity, or swelling, which typically resolves within a few days. Over-the-counter pain medication is usually sufficient for any post-procedure discomfort. Our periodontist prioritizes patient comfort and uses minimally invasive techniques whenever possible. She will discuss all options for managing any anxiety or sensitivity before your treatment begins, so you know exactly what to expect.

Why would a periodontist place my dental implant? +

Periodontists are ideally trained to place dental implants because their specialty focuses on the gums, bone, and supporting structures of the teeth, which are the exact same tissues involved in implant placement. During their additional three years of training beyond dental school, periodontists receive extensive surgical experience in bone grafting, tissue management, and implant placement. At North Shore Dental Group, our periodontist places dental implants and works closely with our prosthodontist, who designs and attaches the final restoration. This gives you the benefit of two specialists working together for the best possible result. Learn more about our dental implant process.

Periodontics — Expert Gum Care & Dental Implant Placement