Periodontist in Murray Hill, NYC

What Does a Periodontist in Murray Hill Do?

Periodontists focus on the gums and the bone that support your teeth. After dental school, they complete about three more years of training in preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum disease, along with placing dental implants. Gum disease is far more common than most people think: the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research reports that over 42% of U.S. adults aged 30 and older have some form of periodontitis. Periodontal care at our Grand Central office includes:

Diagnostic Services

Every plan starts with a careful look at your gums. We measure the pockets around each tooth, check bone levels with digital X-rays, and review your personal risk factors, so Dr. Shin and our team can spot problems early and build a plan around what we actually find.

Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment

When gum disease is caught in its early or moderate stages, a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing is often the first step. We clear away plaque and hardened tartar from below the gumline, smooth the root surfaces so the gums can reattach, and use antimicrobial treatment to calm the infection. For many patients in Murray Hill and Midtown East, this is enough to stop the disease from progressing.

Surgical Periodontal Treatment

If gum disease has already damaged bone or tissue, or a deep cleaning hasn’t fully done the job, surgery may be the next step. Options our periodontist may recommend include:

Pocket reduction surgery to remove bacteria and smooth damaged bone
Tissue and bone grafts to replace lost support and cover exposed roots
Regenerative procedures using growth factors to stimulate natural healing
Crown lengthening to expose more of the natural tooth structure
Dental implants to replace teeth that could not be saved

We explain each option in plain language so you can choose the path that feels right for you.

Don't ignore bleeding gums or tooth sensitivity. Our periodontal experts can help stop gum disease progression and preserve your natural smile for years to come.

Meet Dr. Jin Sup Shin and Our Expert Team

At the heart of SmileWorks is Dr. Jin Sup Shin, DDS—whose precision and expertise have transformed countless smiles throughout New York. Our practice philosophy combines treating gum disease with comprehensive dental care.

Dr. Shin’s approach combines scientific rigor with an understanding of facial aesthetics and proportion. As an adjunct assistant clinical professor at NYU’s Department of Orthodontics, she remains at the forefront of innovations. This academic foundation enhances patient care, where she implements evidence-based approaches to treatments.

What truly sets Dr. Shin apart is her commitment to treating each patient like family. She takes time to understand patients’ concerns and goals, creating personalized treatment plans that deliver exceptional results at her Midtown East dental practice. Our team of dedicated specialists ensures comprehensive care for all your periodontal and dental implant needs.

Benefits of Choosing a Periodontist in Murray Hill at SmileWorks

Working with a specialist makes a meaningful difference in outcomes for patients dealing with gum disease. Here’s why patients throughout New York trust SmileWorks for their periodontal care:

Advanced Specialty Training

Our periodontist completed three additional years of post-doctoral education focused on gum disease and implant dentistry. This depth of training means we can diagnose and treat complex cases that fall outside the scope of general dentistry, using the most current techniques available.

Early Intervention Saves Teeth

Catching periodontal disease in its earliest stages allows us to prevent irreversible bone loss and avoid costly restorations. Regular evaluations with our team ensure that any changes in your gum health are identified and addressed before they become serious. Our preventive care approach is always the first line of defense.

Comprehensive, Coordinated Care

Because SmileWorks is a multi-specialty practice, your periodontal treatment is coordinated seamlessly with your general dentistry, orthodontics, and any other care you receive with us. There’s no need to juggle referrals or transfer records between multiple offices — everything happens under one roof.

State-of-the-Art Technology

Our Manhattan office uses digital radiography, 3D scanning, and laser therapy to perform periodontal procedures with greater precision and less discomfort. These technologies reduce recovery time and improve treatment outcomes, especially for dental implant placement and complex grafting cases.

When Should You See a Periodontist in Murray Hill?

Periodontal disease can take a long time to develop, and you may not even know you have it. This makes it challenging to know when to see specialists for specialized care. However, certain signs, symptoms, and medical factors can indicate it’s time to see our doctor and take action to protect your health and prevent infection.

Warning Signs of Periodontal Disease

While conditions look different for everyone, common symptoms indicating the need for treating gum disease include the following:

Bleeding: Especially during brushing, flossing, or eating firm foods
Receding tissue: Teeth appear longer as margins pull back revealing exposed roots
Persistent bad breath: Halitosis that doesn’t resolve with regular hygiene
Loose or shifting teeth: Changes in how teeth fit together when biting indicating potential tooth loss
Sensitive teeth: Increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages
Pus between teeth: A sign of infection requiring immediate attention from a periodontist
Red, swollen, or tender areas: Inflammation indicating possible bacterial infection in deep pockets

Our caring periodontists closely examine your oral health to determine the severity and the best treatment options for your unique needs.

Medical Considerations

If you have one of the following medical conditions or concerns related to your well being, your general dentist may refer you to specialists for treatment:

Diabetes or heart disease requiring specialized periodontal care
A family history affecting oral health
Plans for orthodontic treatment with underlying issues
Complex dental restorations or need for dental implants to replace missing teeth
Medication-related problems affecting tissue health
Need for prevention strategies to maintain healthy teeth

Early evaluation by our doctor can identify problems before they become severe, saving both your natural teeth and potentially thousands in dental restoration costs.

Why Murray Hill Patients Choose a Periodontist in Murray Hill at SmileWorks

Seeing a gum specialist usually means a referral to a new office somewhere else in the city. At SmileWorks Grand Central, periodontal care happens in the same practice as your cleanings and checkups, so your dentist and periodontal team can share notes and adjust your plan together. Whether you’re dealing with early gingivitis or more advanced periodontitis, that teamwork keeps your care consistent from one visit to the next.

When a deep cleaning alone isn’t enough, our team also provides periodontal surgery to repair deeper bone and tissue damage, with the same gentle approach we bring to every visit. If you’ve been putting off gum treatment, reach out to our office to set up a consultation with our periodontal team.

Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontics at SmileWorks Murray Hill

What are the signs of gum disease?

Early warning signs include red, swollen gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing, persistent bad breath, and gums that appear to be pulling away from your teeth. Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease, caused by a buildup of plaque, and affects millions of Americans. More advanced symptoms include loose teeth, painful chewing, and changes in your bite. Since chronic periodontitis affects 47.2% of adults over 30 in the United States, regular dental checkups at SmileWorks are essential for early detection and treatment before the condition worsens.

What is scaling and root planing?

Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure that treats gum disease by removing plaque and tartar from below the gum line. Scaling removes the plaque from the tooth roots while root planing smooths the root so they can reattach to the gums. At SmileWorks NYC, this procedure is typically performed with local anesthesia to ensure your comfort. The treatment helps eliminate bacteria that cause gum inflammation and infection, allowing your gums to heal and reattach to your teeth. Most patients experience significant improvement in gum health following this non-surgical treatment.

Does gum disease treatment hurt?

Modern periodontal treatment at SmileWorks is designed to minimize discomfort. For deeper cleanings like scaling and root planing, we use local anesthesia to numb the treatment area, making the procedure comfortable. Some patients experience mild tenderness for a few days after treatment, which typically responds well to over-the-counter pain medications. Our team uses gentle techniques and state-of-the-art equipment to ensure your comfort throughout treatment. We also provide detailed aftercare instructions to help manage any post-treatment sensitivity and promote healing.

How long does periodontal treatment take?

Treatment duration depends on the severity of your gum disease and the type of procedure needed. Simple scaling and root planing can often be completed in 1-2 appointments, with each quadrant of your mouth typically taking 45-60 minutes. More advanced treatments may require multiple visits over several weeks. At SmileWorks Manhattan, we create personalized treatment plans and provide realistic timelines during your consultation. Our goal is to restore your gum health as efficiently as possible while ensuring thorough, effective treatment.

Will my gums grow back after treatment?

While gum tissue doesn’t regenerate exactly as it was before, periodontal treatment can help halt disease progression and allow your gums to heal and reattach to your teeth. In some cases, we may recommend regenerative procedures or gum grafting to restore lost tissue. The key is catching and treating gum disease early – gingivitis is reversible with proper treatment and improved oral hygiene. At SmileWorks, we use advanced techniques to maximize healing potential and may coordinate with our prosthodontic specialists if restorative work is needed to support your periodontal health.

How often do I need periodontal maintenance?

After completing active periodontal treatment, most patients need periodontal maintenance cleanings every 3-4 months instead of the standard 6-month interval. This ongoing care is essential because periodontal disease is a chronic condition that requires lifelong management. Your maintenance schedule at SmileWorks will be customized based on your specific needs, risk factors, and response to treatment. Regular maintenance appointments help prevent reinfection and maintain the improvements achieved during your initial treatment.

Is gum disease linked to other health problems?

Yes, research shows strong connections between periodontal disease and overall health conditions including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and pregnancy complications. The bacteria that cause gum disease can enter your bloodstream and contribute to inflammation throughout your body. Cancer and cancer treatments can cause gingivitis and dry mouth, making periodontal care even more important for these patients. At SmileWorks NYC, we take a comprehensive approach to your health and may coordinate with your medical providers when treating periodontal disease, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

Can smoking affect my gum disease treatment?

Smoking significantly worsens periodontal disease and interferes with treatment success. Smokers typically have deeper pockets, more bone loss, and slower healing compared to non-smokers. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your periodontal health and overall treatment outcomes. Our team at SmileWorks can provide resources and support for smoking cessation. Even if you continue smoking, periodontal treatment can still be beneficial, but you’ll need more frequent maintenance visits and closer monitoring.

How much does periodontal treatment cost in NYC?

The cost of periodontal treatment varies depending on the severity of your condition and the specific procedures needed. Basic scaling and root planing typically costs less than surgical treatments. At SmileWorks Manhattan, we accept all PPO insurance plans, and many dental insurance plans cover a significant portion of periodontal treatment since it’s considered medically necessary. We’ll verify your benefits and provide detailed cost estimates before beginning treatment. We also offer payment plans to make treatment affordable, because investing in periodontal health prevents more expensive problems later.

What happens if I don't treat my gum disease?

Untreated gum disease will continue to progress, leading to increased bone loss, tooth mobility, and eventual tooth loss. The infection can spread to other areas of your mouth and potentially affect your overall health. Advanced periodontal disease often requires more complex and expensive treatment. At SmileWorks, we believe in early intervention because it’s more comfortable, less invasive, and more cost-effective than waiting until the condition becomes severe. Prompt treatment can often save your natural teeth and preserve your oral health.