Rita has been the dental hygienist at our office since 2003. As a mother of 4 children, she still found time to graduate from SUNY Farmingdale with the prestigious Alpha Mu honor society award for maintaining a perfect GPA. Rita enjoys spending time with our patients, especially educating them on how to keep their smiles healthy.
They both assist the Dentists in administrative and clinical duties including preparing patients for procedure or exam, sterilizing and disinfecting instruments, and assisting during dental procedures.
Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss. Gum disease has two primary stages. If diagnosed and treated in the first stage, the condition can be reversed and tooth loss can usually be prevented. In order to prevent gum disease,practice good oral hygiene and visit your dentist for cleanings and check-ups twice a year.
This stage only affects the soft tissue of the gums, and the patient may not experience any discomfort. Although the symptoms may be very mild, it is important to diagnose gum disease in this early stage before it progresses to periodontitis.
Periodontitis is the name for more advanced periodontal disease and if permitted to progress to this point, not only the gums are affected but the bone structures supporting the teeth will be compromised.
A build-up of bacteria causes Gingivitis. In its early stages, inflammation around the gums is observable, with gum tissues appearing red and swollen. Gums that are easily irritated or that bleed during tooth brushing indicate the presence of Gingivitis. Removal of the plaque buildup is necessary to prevent the development of gum disease.
As the gums become more inflamed, they start to pull away from the teeth, forming spaces known as periodontal pockets. Food, bacteria, and plaque begin to collect in the pockets, leading to infection. The surrounding bone becomes damaged both by bacterial toxins and by the immune systemsresponse to infection.
Dr. Madeleinne Casagrande Zapantis grew up in Syosset and attended Bucknell University where she obtained her Bachelor of Science degree. She then attended the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine where she was elected into the Alpha Phi Omega Society.
Dr. Zapantis furthered her training with some of the most prominent general and specialist dentists in New York while a resident at North Shore University Hospital. As a chief resident at North Shore University Hospital at Manhasset, Dr. Zapantis learned the most state-of-the-art and up-to-date techniques available.