Dr. Steven Ricco was raised in Plainview, NY, and attended college at Delaware University on a football scholarship. Dr. Ricco is a graduate of the State University of New York at Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine. After graduating he was accepted into one of the most prestigious residency programs in the country, North Shore University Hospital, where he completed his general practice residency.
Dr. Ricco has been a part of many mission trips traveling to many countries around the world on several outreach programs and was most recently in Haiti providing volunteer dental care to patients in need.
Dr. Ricco has been married since 2006 to his wife, Alina, and has four children: Angelina, Donnie, Vincent, and Milana. When not in the office he enjoys spending time with his family, cooking Italian food, and participating in martial arts.
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 systems response to infection.
If you have been searching for the best dental office in and around the Plainview, NY area, then look no further than The Ricco Dental Group. We provide a comfortable atmosphere that makes visiting the dentist feel more like spending time with friends or family. We want to be the practice that patients actually want to visit to protect and restore their smiles and improve their dental health.
While enjoying your dental visit is important, so is ensuring you that you are receiving the highest-quality dental care. Dr. Ricco has received extensive training and uses advanced technology and techniques to provide the highest level of care.