Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, P.C.

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Arestin for Successful Gum Disease Treatment

When it comes to gum disease, it is not fun to mess around. That is why at Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, PC, we use around-the-clock fighting. We make this possible by using Arestin, an antibiotic that treats gum disease directly at the source.


When gum disease creates deep gum pockets, it can be tough to reach all of the bacteria, which can lead to the continuation of the infection. This is where Arestin comes in. Arestin is an antibiotic made of time-released microspheres. The microspheres release the antibiotic over time, so it keeps working to kill bacteria long after the application.


Arestin is usually administered to the gum pockets after a scaling and planing procedure has been performed. The microspheres are applied into the deep pockets of gums and are so small; they are invisible to the human eye. They also dissolve on their own, so they never need to be taken out.


Arestin makes gum disease treatment more successful. If you are showing signs of gum disease like red, swollen, painful gums, be sure to schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible. To schedule at Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, PC, call our Patchogue, NY office at (631) 475-1191, call our Hampton, NY office at (631) 653-5888 or visit our website, www.pfdentpc.com

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Juvederm Injectable Filler for a Youthful Smile

Smooth, young-looking skin complements your best feature, your smile! At Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, PC in Patchogue and Hampton, NY, we offer Juvederm to smooth away wrinkles and lines around the mouth.


Juvederm filler is an injectable gel that helps add lost volume to your skin. It is commonly used for lines and wrinkles that develop around the mouth and nose. Patients see improvement in lines including the parentheses lines, corner lines, marionette lines, and vertical lip lines. Results are seen almost instantly and can last up to one year. In addition, patients often will need less product during their next treatment.


Going to your dentist for injectable filler make sense because we are experts at the facial structure. We are also highly trained in injections since we frequently use them to administer local anesthesia.


If you are looking to bring a youthful look back to your smile, Juvederm may be just what you are looking for. To set up a consultation with Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, PC in Patchogue, NY, call us at (631) 475-1191. To set up an appointment at our Hampton, NY location, call us at (631) 653-5888. Appointments may also be made through our website, www.pfdentpc.com

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Stages of Periodontal Disease

Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums that can progress to affect the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth and there are three stages that you need to be aware of. To avoid these stages, it helps to develop a proper oral hygiene routine. Additionally, you should always schedule professional cleanings and oral exams twice a year with Dr. Richard Richter, DMD, FAGD at Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, P.C. to avoid this condition.  



  • Gingivitis – This is the earliest stage of gum disease, an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup at the gum line. If daily brushing and flossing do not remove the plaque, it produces toxins that can irritate the gum tissue, causing gingivitis. This is when you’ll notice blood in the sink after you complete your brushing routine. However, at this early stage, damage can be reversed, since the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place are not yet affected.

  • Periodontitis – This is the second stage of gum disease. By this point, the supporting bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place are irreversibly damaged. Your gums may even begin to form a pocket below the gum line, which traps food and plaque.

  • Advanced Periodontitis – This is the final stage of gum disease, and the fibers and bone supporting your teeth are officially destroyed. In this case, your teeth may begin to shift or loosen and your bite may also be affected. If aggressive treatment can’t save them, the teeth will need to be extracted.


If your gums are inflamed, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.phfamilydentalpc.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Richard Richter, DMD, FAGD at Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, P.C. call our Patchogue, NY office at 631-475-1191 or our Hampton, NY office at 631-653-5888.