Meet Dr. Zuly
To save you time and enhance your dental care, our periodontal surgeon is in our practice twice per month. Dr. Zuly is a valued part of our dental family and is here to serve you and your family.
- Doctor of Dental Medicine – University of Puerto Rico
- First Hispanic female student government president
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Apex Scholarship
- Outstanding Leadership and Academic Excellence Award recipient from the American Association of Women Dentists
- Post graduate degrees in Periodontology and Biomedical Sciences from New York University Langone Medial Center
- American Academy of Periodontology Student Achievement Award
- Founder of the nonprofit Dental Adventures
Periodontal Disease &Treatment
Gum Health Affects Your Overall Health. Periodontal (Gum) disease is not only the leading cause of tooth loss, but also has been shown to raise the risk factor for several potential health issues including stroke and heart disease. While gum disease typically begins with gingivitis, half of Americans aged 30 and above (64 million) have a more advanced form of gum disease known as periodontitis.
Periodontal Treatments
Scaling and Root Planing
As the most common non-surgical methods to treat gum disease before it becomes severe, scaling and root planning reach where flossing and brushing cannot. Our team uses a special dental tool during the procedure to get down to the roots to remove the bacteria and tartar that have gathered below the gum line.
Osseous Surgery
Osseous surgery, sometimes referred to as pocket reduction surgery, refers to a number of different surgeries aimed at gaining access to the tooth roots to remove tartar and disease-causing bacteria. This approach can reduce bacterial spread, prevent bone loss, enhance the smile, and facilitate more effective home hygiene care.
Sinus Lift
Sinus lift raises the sinus floor to allow for new bone formation in the upper jaw. Bone is added between the jaw and maxillary sinuses to repair damage from periodontal disease often for the proper placement of implants.
LANAP®
LANAP® (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) is a minimally invasive alternative to traditional gum surgery that treats periodontal disease with less pain, bleeding, and downtime. Using advanced laser technology, we can precisely target and remove infected tissue while preserving healthy gums—promoting faster healing and better long-term results. If you’re struggling with gum disease, LANAP® offers a modern, patient-friendly solution that supports both your comfort and oral health.
LAPIP®
LAPIP® (Laser Assisted Peri-Implantitis Procedure) is a specialized laser treatment designed to manage and reverse peri-implantitis—the inflammation and infection around dental implants. Using the same advanced laser technology as LANAP®, LAPIP® allows us to gently remove harmful bacteria and diseased tissue without harming the implant or surrounding healthy bone. This minimally invasive approach promotes regeneration and healing, helping to preserve your dental implants and restore the health of your gums with minimal discomfort and downtime.
Common
Symptoms of Gum
Disease
Sometimes the early stages of gum disease can be invisible and painless. However, here is a brief list of some common and noticeable symptoms:
- Swollen/red gums
- Tender gums
- Loose Teeth
- Toothaches
- Receding gums
- Bad breath
- Bleeding from brushing
Gum Contouring
Reshape Your Smile
Your gums frame your smile. If you have excess gum tissue, gum contouring may be the solution you need to get the smile you desire. Also known as gum reshaping, gum lifting or crown lengthening, we can reshape your gums to enhance your smile.
Benefits of Gum Contouring
- Transform a “gummy” smile
- Repair gums damaged by Periodontal disease
- Make short teeth appear longer
- Highlight your teeth rather than your gums
- Enhance your confidence with a beautiful smile
- Craft an even gum line for a more symmetrical smile.
Gum Grafting
Gum recession leaves your teeth susceptible to developing plaque and cavities in the tooth’s root, a problem that a simple filling is unlikely to correct effectively. Gum recession is also a sign that you are losing tooth-supporting bone beneath the surface.
AlloDerm® Gum Grafts
Dr. Zuly uses the AlloDerm® procedure where soft tissue grafting material from donated human tissue is used to cover roots or develop gum tissue where absent due to excessive gingival recession. Grafts not only improve the beauty of your smile and protect roots, they can also lead to reduced sensitivity while slowing recession and bone loss.
Benefits of Soft Tissue Grafting
- Regenerate Bone Growth
- Healthy Gumline
- Dependable Root Coverage
- Reduce Tooth Loss
Implant Placement
Dental implant placement is closely connected to periodontal health, as the long-term success of implants depends on the health of the surrounding gum tissue and bone. Implants are anchored directly into the jawbone, and just like natural teeth, they require a stable and healthy foundation.
Periodontal disease, if left untreated, can lead to bone loss and gum recession, which compromises the support needed for implants. Prior to implant placement, it’s essential to evaluate and treat any signs of gum disease to create a healthy environment for healing and integration. Maintaining good periodontal health after placement is equally important, as inflammation or infection around the implant—known as peri-implantitis—can threaten its stability. Regular dental cleanings and good home care are key to preserving both implants and overall oral health.