Dr. Stuart J. Heimann received his undergraduate degree in Psychology from State University New York at Buffalo. He is a native of Long Island and attended Commack High School. He received his dental degree from SUNY at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine in 2005 where he was the recipient of numerous leadership and academic awards.

Dr. Heimann went on to complete his periodontal specialty training at Stony Brook, where he excelled in all facets of Periodontics and developed a keen interest in dental implants, advanced bone grafting techniques, as well as cosmetic oral and plastic surgery.

Dr. Heimann is on staff at both LIJ and Northshore Hospitals, a member of the American Academy of Periodontology, the Academy of Osseointegration, the American Dental Association, and the Nassau county Dental Society.

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.