Based in Upstate New York, our practice has provided the highest standard of periodontal care for decades. We offer patients a comfortable and trustworthy place to discuss their teeth and gum conditions, and provide the best recommendations and procedures to safely and painlessly treat gum disease for a healthier smile.

He received his Bachelor of Science in aerospace engineering from Pennsylvania State University in 1974, and actively served in the U.S. Navy from 1974 to 1977 before pursuing a degree in dentistry. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry in 1981 and his Certificate in Periodontology in 1983.

Dr. Peck is highly trained and certified in advanced periodontal procedures, including dental implant surgery, CO2 laser surgery, and the LANAP procedure, to provide the most advanced treatment and care for each patient customized to their needs and health.

She received her Bachelor of Arts in Biological Basis of Behavior from the University of Pennsylvania in 2007. She received her Doctor of Dental Medicine from Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry in 2014, earning the Dental Student Award for Outstanding Achievement in Periodontics. She also received her Master of Science in Oral Biology and Certification in Periodontology from Temple in 2017.

Our practice is based in Utica, New York at the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains. Families and individuals across New York State are referred to us or have sought us out for our approachable and unique periodontal care, always providing patients with consistent oral screenings, thorough and honest communication about their condition, and advanced procedures to save teeth and treat gums for better oral health.

The timeline depends on several factors, including availability of bone and gum tissue for the implant, if the implant is able to be placed the same day as the tooth extraction (immediate implant), presence or absence of active gum disease, and the healing ability of the individual. In general, however, when a tooth is extracted, we place a dental bone graft to preserve the bone which takes approximately 3 months to heal. After the bone graft is healed, we place a dental implant which normally takes about 3 months to heal and stabilize in the bone. At this point we test the implant and, if it is stable, your restoring dentist can take an impression and have the crown made. So in general, it is approximately 6-7 months from tooth extraction to tooth replacement.

When teeth are taken out, the bone begins to shrink. Approximately 2/3 of the total shrinkage happens in the first 3 months after a tooth extraction. A dental bone graft is used to maintain the space of the socket and encourage the body's bone growing cells to form bone in the space provided by the graft. Dental implants require a certain amount of bone to be present for predictable success and it is always harder and less predictable to graft bone after the bone has already shrunk.

Smoking is a big risk factor for implants. If you are a smoker, you are at a 6-12x increased risk of bone graft failure, implant failure, early implant complications, and complications related to periodontal disease. Other risk factors include uncontrolled systemic disease (Diabetes), previous or current history of active periodontal disease, and osteoporosis.

Electric toothbrushes have been proven to provide better plaque removal than manual toothbrushes in general. Use of an electric toothbrush is recommended for two minutes. The Sonicare and Oral B Braun rechargeable electric toothbrushes are well respected and do an excellent job. However, by using proper technique, manual toothbrushes can effectively remove plaque and maintain gum health. For manual brushing, we suggest a soft toothbrush used for at least two minutes.

It depends. There are several brands of toothpastes available that will aid in home care. Mechanical cleaning of the teeth (through brushing and flossing) is by far more important in maintaining healthy gums.

Gum disease is a chronic infection of the gum tissue. There are many types of bacteria that live in the mouth and some do not harm us while others can. The disease is caused by bacteria in the mouth that will grow and multiply over time. If they are not removed, they will invade the tissue where the gum and tooth meet and continue growing in this area and form a pocket. These bad bacteria continue to grow and destroy gum and bone tissue. If enough gum tissue and bone are lost, the teeth loosen and are lost. Unfortunately, this can be a relatively painless and unnoticed process and can advance with few symptoms. Risks factors include poor oral hygiene, infrequent dental cleaning visits, smoking, diabetes, stress, a sugar-rich diet, tooth position, failing dental fillings, and numerous other factors.

Wrong! The number one reason dental implants are lost or fail is due to an infection around the implant. Remember, proper brushing and flossing is needed to decrease the possibility of dental implant problems.

Yes, but with some cautionary advice. Do not use this on the highest setting and never point or aim this into a periodontal pocket around a tooth or implant. This can force food or bacteria deeper into tissue of a pocket causing a problem. Always use this device on a medium or lower setting perpendicular to the teeth to flush out the area between the teeth. It is great for use around orthodontic wires and dental bridges. If you have had the LANAP procedure, ask your LANAP surgeon when it is acceptable to use.

Most mouthwash are effective at killing bacteria above and slightly below the gum line. However, once pockets have formed below the gum tissue, it is unlikely any mouthwash will reach the bacteria in these pockets.

Yes! Past periodontal surgery was very difficult to endure. This is being replaced by a much more elegant and less painful procedure called LANAP. This is a surgery using a laser to gain access to the diseased gum tissues and roots of the teeth where the bone supporting the teeth is being lost. The LANAP procedure requires no use of scalpels, sutures, or packing, and post-operative side effects are minimal. It has been approved by the FDA as an effective treatment for periodontal disease. Our dental specialists are highly trained and certified to perform the LANAP surgery.

Purchase an electric toothbrush, such as an Oral B Braun or Sonicare, and use it at least two to three times per day. It is best to use a model with a timer that has you brush at least two minutes for the entire mouth. These tend to be more effective than manual brushing and they are easier to use. Replace the heads as recommended by the manufacturer. If you brush by hand, use a soft head toothbrush and replace about every two months.

Use a mouthrinse daily. Most national brands are effective and any mouthrinse with an ADA seal against plaque will help. Some have an ADA seal to reduce cavities and contain fluoride. The latter type tend to be less effective at reducing periodontal disease progression..

Clean between your teeth at least once a day. This can be accomplished using dental floss and other products such as Soft-Picks and floss threaders. Waterpiks can also be used, but be careful. Use them on lower settings and do not point them down into a periodontal pocket.

Use an ADA-approved toothpaste, preferably with fluoride. Different kinds of toothpaste are designed to treat a variety of conditions, like yellowness, sensitivity, and cavities. Keep in mind whether you like paste or gel, or different flavors, these factors have no influence on effectiveness.

Limit eating and snacking if you cannot brush relatively soon afterwards. Avoid sugary snacks and beverages that promote plaque growth on the surface of the teeth. Certain foods and beverages such as berries, coffee, and wine can also stain teeth if consumed regularly without brushing.

If you have a history of periodontal disease, you should have your teeth professionally cleaned every three to six months with a hygienist. The status and severity of your disease will determine the frequency of cleanings. These cleaning visits often alternate between our office and your general dentist.