Periodontics
Periodontics is the branch of dentistry focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions affecting the gums, bone, and supporting structures of the teeth. Gum disease is one of the most common oral health conditions and, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss, bone deterioration, and systemic health complications. At Bensonhurst Dental Care, periodontal care is led by a specialist whose training and experience are dedicated entirely to protecting and restoring the foundation that holds your teeth in place.
Dr. Geoffrey Rubinshtein is a board-certified periodontist who completed his Doctorate of Dental Surgery and Post Graduate Program in Periodontics at NYU. His approach to periodontal care is thorough, compassionate, and highly individualized. Whether a patient requires routine scaling and root planing to address early gum disease or more advanced surgical intervention such as pocket reduction surgery or gum grafting, Dr. Geoffrey develops a treatment plan tailored to the severity of the condition and the patient's long-term goals.
Beyond treating active disease, the periodontics program at Bensonhurst Dental Care includes ongoing periodontal maintenance to keep gum disease from recurring after treatment. For patients experiencing gum infections, bone loss, or recession, Dr. Geoffrey offers a full range of regenerative and corrective procedures including bone grafting, ridge preservation, and crown lengthening, all performed in-house with the precision and care that complex periodontal cases demand.
Dr. Geoffrey also plays a central role in the practice's implant dentistry program. As a periodontist, he manages the surgical foundation that implants depend on, including implant placement, implant exposure surgery, and implant maintenance. His dual expertise in soft tissue, bone, and implant surgery ensures that patients receive seamlessly coordinated care from the health of the gums to the placement and long-term success of their implants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is periodontics?
Periodontics is the specialized branch of dentistry dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the structures that support your teeth, including the gums, bone, and connective tissues. We view periodontics as the management of your dental foundation. Because gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss and bone deterioration, this field is critical not just for a healthy smile, but for preventing systemic health complications that can arise from untreated oral infections.
What’s the difference between a dentist and a periodontist?
While a general dentist focuses on the health of the teeth and overall oral hygiene, a periodontist is a specialist with years of additional advanced training focused specifically on the gums and bone. At our practice, our periodontal care is led by a board-certified specialist who completed a Post Graduate Program in Periodontics at NYU. This specialized expertise allows us to manage complex cases involving significant bone loss, deep infections, or advanced gum recession that go beyond the scope of general dentistry.
Why would you see a periodontist?
You would see us for periodontal care if you show signs of gum disease, such as persistent bleeding, swelling, or receding gums, or if you require a stable foundation for dental implants. We are often the primary point of contact for patients with a history of periodontal issues who need a higher level of maintenance to keep their disease from recurring. Seeing a specialist ensures that the base holding your teeth in place is strong enough to support your natural teeth or any restorative work like crowns or bridges.
What exactly does a periodontist do?
We act as the architects of your oral health foundation. We evaluate the health of your supporting tissues, monitor for early signs of decay and disease below the gumline, and manage the surgical aspects of dental care. We also manage the surgical foundation that implants depend on, including the placement and long-term maintenance of the implant site. Our role is to ensure that your gums and bone are healthy enough to support your teeth for a lifetime through thorough, compassionate, and individualized care.
What type of procedures does a periodontist perform?
We offer a full range of regenerative, corrective, and preventative procedures in-house to address every stage of gum health. These treatments include scaling and root planing for deep cleanings, as well as surgical interventions like pocket reduction surgery and gum grafting to repair tissue damage. We also perform regenerative procedures such as bone grafting and ridge preservation to restore lost bone structure, alongside crown lengthening and implant exposure surgery to prepare the mouth for successful restorative results.
