Oral Health Services

Delivering advanced care across Saratoga Springs, including Queensbury and Lake George

Lake Periodontics of Saratoga Springs, New York

Advanced Gum Disease Treatment

We specialize in treating periodontitis and other advanced gum conditions that require expert intervention beyond routine cleanings and basic care.

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planning is a non-surgical periodontal therapy designed to treat gum disease. The procedure removes plaque and calculus from beneath the gumline and smooths the root surfaces, reducing inflammation and supporting healing. The goal is to restore gum health, prevent disease progression and maintain long-term oral wellness.

Periodontal Maintenance

Periodontal maintenance is a personalized preventive program that supports long-term gum health after treatment for periodontal disease. It involves thorough removal of plaque and calculus, monitoring of gum pocket depths and early intervention when changes are detected. This ongoing care helps maintain stable gums and prevent disease recurrence.

Periodontal Surgery

When non-surgical treatments are not sufficient, we perform specialized surgical procedures to address deep infection and restore gum health.

More About Periodontal Surgery
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Dentist holding a model showing tooth structure and gums.
Dental implant model showing crown and gum.
Man smiling while looking in the mirror.

Dental Implant Procedures

Dental implants are a long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. A small titanium post is placed in the jawbone, substituting the tooth root. Once it is integrated with the bone, an implant will act as a secure foundation for a natural-looking replacement tooth. Dr. Guilfoyle will work together with your dentist to develop your implant treatment plan, whether you are missing one, multiple or all teeth. Implants can be used to support crowns, bridges or dentures; offering stability, longevity and oral health benefits.

Preparation Notes:

To prepare for a dental implant procedure, the following may be necessary:

Site preservation bone graft:

To maintain bone volume following a tooth extraction. Bone grafting can be necessary so the implant can attach properly.

Ridge augmentation:

Augments bone in an area that may have insufficient volume for implant placement. This may be necessary if a tooth has been missing for several years.

Sinus lifts:

Procedures used to increase bone height in the posterior upper jaw; if limited or insufficient for predictable implant placement. The sinus membrane is gently elevated and bone grafting material placed to allow for secure dental implant placement.

Sedation Dentistry Options

For patients who feel anxious about dental treatment, oral (pill) and IV conscious sedation can make treatment visits more comfortable and stress-free. Both options are safe and effective forms of moderate sedation used to manage dental anxiety and enhance patient comfort.

Oral sedation is taken prior to treatment, while IV sedation provides a controlled level of relaxation through intravenous administration. Patients remain conscious, responsive and closely monitored throughout the procedure.

Sedation options are carefully selected based on each patient’s needs and medical history and are administered with continuous monitoring to ensure safety and comfort.

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Dentist explaining dental care to a patient in a clinic.

Periodontal Surgery

Several different types of surgical procedures are performed in our practice. If surgical intervention is necessary, our team will develop a personalized plan for you and thoroughly review your procedure and treatment timeline.

Common Periodontal Procedures

Bone Grafting/Regeneration/Osseous Surgery

While bone grafting is often necessary after a tooth extraction in a site being prepared for a dental implant, bone grafting/regeneration is also performed to increase bony support around a natural tooth! Periodontal disease can cause defects in the jaw bone that supports teeth, and regenerative procedures are designed to repair such areas by augmenting the bone. In conjunction with osseous (bone) surgery, bone grafting materials and membranes are used to increase the bony support around a tooth, improve the tooth’s long term prognosis, reduce pocket depths and slow the progression of disease.

Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening is a procedure that reshapes the gum and bone tissue to expose more of the natural tooth. It is often performed to allow proper placement of a dental crown or to improve the appearance of a smile by creating more balanced, healthy-looking gums.

  • Functional crown lengthening: performed to support the health and longevity of a tooth that needs a restoration. When a tooth is broken or decayed below the gumline, this procedure gently reshapes the gum and bone to expose enough natural tooth structure for a secure dental crown or filing. The goal is to create a healthy, stable foundation for long-term restorative success.
  • Cosmetic crown lengthening: focuses on improving the appearance of the smile by creating a more balanced and proportionate gumline. By carefully adjusting excess gum tissue, ore of the natural tooth is revealed, resulting in teeth that appear longer and more symmetrical. This procedure is often chosen by patients who feel their smile looks “gummy” or uneven

Gum Grafting

Gum recession exposes the roots of teeth, which can result in temperature sensitivity, difficulty with home care and in some cases, esthetic concerns. Gum grafting procedures involve adding healthy gum tissue to the affected area, thus strengthening receding or thin gums, reducing sensitivity and better protecting the tooth from further damage. Dr. Guilfoyle will review possible causes of gum recession and develop a personalized treatment plan, including education in ways to prevent further or future recession.

Frenectomy

A frenectomy is a simple, minimally invasive procedure that removed or releases a tight band of tissue (the frenum) that may be restricting movement of the lips or tongue or pulling on the gums. This treatment can improve comfort, support gum health and reduce the risk of recession. In orthodontic cases, frenectomy is sometimes completed to aid in closing space between teeth as the muscle attachment may be too close to the gumline.

Gingivectomy

A gingivectomy is a procedure that improves both gum health and smile esthetics. By gently removing excess or inflamed gum tissue, this treatment reduces pocket depths, improves access for oral hygiene and supports improved periodontal health.

Biopsy

If a change in color, shape or appearance of your oral tissues is noted, a biopsy may be recommended. This procedure involves obtaining a typically small sample of tissue to be submitted for examination by a pathologist. Microscopic evaluation is completed to obtain a diagnosis, which is then reported back to our office so that we may follow up regarding your healing, review of diagnosis and any additional needed treatment.

Experience Our Expert Care Solutions

When general care isn't enough, our periodontic expertise offers advanced solutions to restore your smile. Schedule now.