32-50 Steinway Street, Astoria, Queens, NY 11103

Phone: 718.626.1050 ●

Astoria Periodontist and Oral Surgeon, Victor Terranova, DMD, MS, PHD - is an Astoria periodontist and oral surgeon offering dental implants, periodontal reconstruction and all types of oral surgery

A periodontist and oral surgeon in Astoria discusses the probems of missing teeth.

Nearly everybody faces an embarrasing dental problem at some point in their lives: from bad breath, decaying teeth, missing teeth, gum (periodontal) disease, crooked teeth or pain from wisdom teeth. – just to name a few. At our specialized Implant and Periodontic dental office in Astoria we are equipped with all the latest technology. Even better than the technology we are proud to have Victor Terranova, DMD, MS, PhD who brings a huge amount of experience to our clinic. When it comes to dental implants and periodontics Dr. Victor Terranova is a board certified oral surgeon and periodontist. It is hard to find a dental situation that Dr. Victor Terranova has never seen throughout his 45 years career.  Here we treat the patient first and then the problem.

My dentist told me I need to see a periodontist. Is this serious?

Normally yes it would be serious. If your dentist has or wants to refer you to a periodontist then he has a reason. As a periodontist in Astoria, Queens we see many referrals from dental offices coming to us. Normally patients are nervous but once they overcome their initial fears and have an understanding of the problem which is normally some form of advanced or slight periodontal disease then they feel relieved.

You may have been to your local dentist recently and the dentist may have told you that you may have to see a periodontist. So what does this mean and what does a periodontist do?

What this means is that the dentist has identified the onset of either gingivitis or periodontitis and has decided that it is best to refer you to a periodontist. If you are unsure about the periodontist that he is referring you to and would like to learn more about periodontal surgery and would like to visit a periodontist based of your own choice then the information contained here is solely for your education. Dr Victor Terranova has over 35 years experience as a periodontist and oral surgeon so you are in safe hands.

What is a Periodontist?

A periodontist  is a specilaized dentist who has undertaken extensive training in a branch of dentistry known as periodontics. A periodontist  will  specializes in any dental or gum issues that the patient might have to do with periodontal disease. A periodontist, like an oral surgeon can also place dental implants.  Unfortunately periodontal disease has become a  common problem for many patients and the resulting condition which  causes a patients  gums to become irritated and inflamed is known as gingivitis. When the disease has progressed to the point where it is severe this is known as periodontitis.

What is periodontal disease? 

Periodontal disease is a serious condition because if it is not treated then it will become unsightly and painful as well as embarrassing.  If a patient does not get this treated in time it can cause the patient’s teeth to become loose and eventually and  over time these teeth may fall out
In dentistry Periodontists are the dental experts that can  prevent, diagnose and treat  the incidence of periodontal disease. In severe cases when a patient has lost their teeth due to periodontal disease  or any other reason then the periodontist will offer dental  implant options for the patient and  will be able to handle every step of the dental implant process. Does a periodontist receive special training. All periodontists receive the same training as all dentists as you have to be a dentist first before you specilaize in periodontics.  It will take three years to become a periodontist and to be able to competent in treating gums and periodontal disease.

What procedures can a periodontist perform?

Periodontal Disease Diagnosis
Treatment of Gingivitis
Treatment of Periodontitis
Implants Replacement of individual teeth
Implant Replacement of multiple teeth
Extraction Socket Grafting (Socket Regeneration)
Sinus Elevation
Stem Cell Banking
Gum Grafting
Scaling and Root Planing
Bone Grafting
Occlusal Therapy
Cosmetic Crown Lengthening

How do I know if I need to see a periodontist?

If your dentist has told you that you need to see a periodontist then do not ignore their advice. If you have periodontal issues and you ignore them then you will only make the problems worse over time. It is always best to see a periodontist immediately.

There are complicated links that have now been proven between periodontal health and a person’s overall health. Therefore , periodontists must receive comprehensive training focused on the deep links between oral health and  a patients overall health.

Your periodontal exam will be an important step for you in understanding why  your gums are in the condition that they are in. From here you must pay attention to any periodontal maintenance that the dentist asks you to perform in order to remedy the situation. Your dentist and your periodontists  with create a treatment plan and it will be important that you stick to this rigorously as it will correct the damage to your gums and improve your overall health.

Astoria Oral Surgeon Victor Terranova, DMD, MS, PHD answers all your questions about dental implants.

If you are worried about your smile, are missing a few teeth, don’t want to get a bridge done or may have trouble chewing due to loss of teeth then the time may have come for you to consider dental implants. Dental Implants have revolutionized how people smile and live as millions of Americans each year choose to have dental implants. The most common form of dental implants is SINGLE TOOTH REPLACEMENT, but we also do MULTIPLE TOOTH REPLACEMENT. This is performed using a process known as osseo-integration, whereby titanium becomes fused to the bone. The dentist places the dental implant on the lower or upper jaw. In some instances the dentist may place multiple dental implants, placing small titanium screws into the bone.

We also have the ability to give the patient a bridge using dental implants. This bridge is a restorative bridge used to replace many missing teeth. There are two types: fixed partial dentures and removable partial dentures. Fixed bridges are cemented in and cannot be removed. Partial dentures can be removed at night for cleaning.

Astoria Periodontist and Oral Surgeon discusses Single-Tooth Replacement

If you are worried about your smile, are missing a few teeth, don’t want to get a bridge done or may have trouble chewing due to loss of teeth then the time may have come for you to consider dental implants. Dental Implants have revolutionized how people smile and live as millions of Americans each year choose to have dental implants. The most common form of dental implants is SINGLE TOOTH REPLACEMENT, but we also do MULTIPLE TOOTH REPLACEMENT. This is performed using a process known as osseo-integration, whereby titanium becomes fused to the bone. The dentist places the dental implant on the lower or upper jaw. In some instances the dentist may place multiple dental implants, placing small titanium screws into the bone.

We also have the ability to give the patient a bridge using dental implants. This bridge is a restorative bridge used to replace many missing teeth. There are two types: fixed partial dentures and removable partial dentures. Fixed bridges are cemented in and cannot be removed. Partial dentures can be removed at night for cleaning.

Astoria periodontist and oral surgeon Victor Terranova, DMD, MS, PhD. has been giving dental implants to patients for years and changing their smiles forever.

When patients lose teeth and have a space the most effective way of replacing that tooth is to surgically replace it with a dental implant. Dental implants have been around since teh 1950’s when Leonard Linkow was one of the first to insert actual titanium into the jawbone. The artificial teeth were then attached to the pieces of metal. Another pioneer in the mid 1960’s was a man with a cleft palate and who had jaw deformities with no teeth in his lower jaw. The operation gave the patient four titanium implants that he used until his death 40 years later. During the process of fitting these dental implants both of these pioneers founds that this was possible due to the process of osseo-integration - the process of fusing titanium to bone. Once this process has occurred and the implant is fixed firmly in place the dentist will then place a cap or crown on top of the post. The implant just replaces the root. This is usually covered for a few months with a temporaty cap. Once it has fused in place and been confirmed by the dentist he will then place the cap on top.

What is the reason that dentists advise patients to get dental implants?

Unfortunately when you lose a tooth this can cause a number of problems for the patient, some obvious and some not so obvious. Firstly if you are missing one of your front teeth this may change the way you look and unfortunateley nobody likes to see a missing tooth. The other issues are that if you are missing more than one tooth in the same area it can cause difficulties with chewing and eating and there is a risk of bone loss in the area where the missing tooth is. Bone loss will cause the teeth to move and can cause loss of definition in facial structure. .

The benefit of dental implants is that patients who have replaced the gaps in their teeth with dental implants feel a lot more confident, can be in social situations and are not afraid to smile and having more confidence about them. They are also able to eat the foods that they used to eat when they were younger.

If you are looking for a dental implant specialist in Queens then you have come to the right place. Dr. Victor Terranova is not only and oral surgeon operating in Astoria but also a periodontist. For nearly 35 years he has successfully placed thousands of dental implants having done a number of dent limplant procedures each week. He has an astounding reputation in the New York dental community and offers free consultations for those looking for a dental implant or advice on oral surgery. Call today at 718-626-1050.
Single Tooth Dental Implants
periodontist astoria



When a single tooth is missing, the two most common treatment options are:

Dental implants are changing the way people live. With them, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh and enjoy life. For more information about dental implants or to schedule a consultation appointment, call our office in Astoria, NY at 718.626.1050
1. Dental implants have the highest success rate of any tooth replacement solution.
2. Dental implants can’t get cavities.
3. Dental implants are made from the same material used by NASA.
4. Dental implants make your jawbone stronger than ever.
5. You can get dental implants at any age.
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Facts about Gum disease from a Astoria Periodontist
periodontist astoria queens

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection often characterized by red, swollen gums that may bleed easily
Periodontitis is the main cause of tooth loss in adults
75% of adults over 30 have some form of periodontal disease
Periodontal disease is painless and undetectable
Periodontal disease affects overall health
Bacteria associated periodontitis can enter the bloodstream and cause other diesease
Diabetics and pregnant women are at increased risk of periodontal disease
Astoria Periodontist and Oral Surgeon discusses Multiple Tooth Dental Implants



As discussed with missing a single missing tooth, the same basic issues are present when there are multiple missing teeth, except that the situation is often magnified. Missing teeth, especially when visible in your smile can have a huge adverse effect on your self-esteem. And missing teeth anywhere in your mouth can affect your ability to talk and eat properly. These problems can be compounded by old dental work like painful or ill-fitting partials or dentures.
 Dental implants can be used to support permanent bridgework to replace a few missing teeth in your jaw. They can also permanently replace all your missing teeth in one jaw, or both, so you’ll never have to wear partials or dentures again!

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An Astoria periodontist gives advice for testing for gum disease

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HEALTHY GUMS: Firm, pink gums that do not bleed when probed by your dentist or hygienist or when flossed or brushed. There is no loss of gum tissue or bone structure.
GINGIVITIS: Red, swollen gums, bleeds when probed, brushed or flossed. There is a potential loss of gum tissue but no bone loss.
EARLY CHRONIC PERIODONTITIS: Red, swollen gums, bleeds when probed, brushed or flossed. Pocket formation (gaps between the gum and the tooth) and gum recession occurs. Bacterial biofilm and inflammation result in loss of gum attachment and bone support for teeth.
ADVANCED CHRONIC PERIODONTITIS: Heavy bleeding when flossed, brushed, or probed. Severe loss of gum attachment and very deep pockets form. Significant destruction of bone support leading to tooth mobility, tooth drift or movement, pus and possible tooth loss.

 Implant Retained Denture

astoria implants and astoria oral surgeon



Usually, when you lose a tooth, it is best for your oral health to have it replaced. Missing teeth can affect your “bite” as well as your ability to speak and chew. Their loss can increase the burden on your remaining teeth and can cause muscle pain in your jaws and headaches. And of course, losing a tooth can affect your appearance. The following information reviews replacing missing teeth with an implant retained denture. Although many patients have no problem wearing an upper denture, some people find it difficult to wear and eat with lower dentures. Several implant-supported replacement options are available if you are missing all of your lower teeth.

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An Astoria Periodontist answers your PERIO questions
periodontist astoria queens Q. How is gum disease linked to cardiovascular disease?
A. Both periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease are chronic inflammatory diseases, so researchers believe that inflammation may account for the association between the two. Untreated periodontal disease can increase inflammation in the body, which may increase the risk for development of more severe health complications, including cardiovascular disease.
Q. Are periodontal treatments generally covered under Medicare or Medicaid?
A. Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover any dental treatments at this time; only medical treatments are covered. Medicaid programs are run by each individual state, so coverage is going to vary depending on which state you live in.
Check with your dental care provider to determine if the periodontal treatment you need is covered by your plan. Q. What is the difference between plaque and calculus?
A. If plaque is not removed regularly by tooth brushing and flossing, it hardens to create calculus (also known as tartar). Calculus cannot be removed with a toothbrush; only a dental professional can remove it during an oral cleaning.
Q. Is there a link between periodontal disease and diabetes?
Research has suggested that there is a link between diabetes and gum disease. People with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal problems, possibly because people with diabetes are more susceptible to contracting infections.