Unlike other dental issues, periodontal disease typically doesn’t cause any pain, and even though 47% of Americans have it, they don’t actually know it. Periodontitis cannot be reversed but it can be stopped. However, if it is left untreated, it can ultimately cause tooth loss and underlying health issues.
“We restore patient’s health by treating gum disease, whether it's mild, moderate or severe,” says board-certified periodontist, Dr. Mark Khaimov of MK Periodontics & Implant Dentistry in Florham Park and Nutley. “It is very rewarding but it's also challenging because every single case is unique.”
While some general dentists treat periodontal disease, periodontists are specialists who have completed three additional years of training after dental school. “Most people that come to us are sent from their dentists,” says board-certified periodontist, Dr. Courtney Pantirer, who joined MK Periodontics at the Florham Park location in June. “In addition to bone loss related to periodontal disease, patients are referred because they have recession and need a gum graft or have missing teeth and need implants. We provide all kinds of surgical and non-surgical options (such as laser periodontal therapy) to treat our patients.”
Periodontists can really transform patients’ lives, whether it’s replacing a front tooth to restore a smile or a back tooth to provide better function to be able to chew. “It’s a very rewarding career,” she says.
The need for periodontal care is high, and that’s one of the reasons Dr. Khaimov decided to expand his practice from one to two offices. The Florham Park location was already established under a different name, so Dr. Khaimov looks forward to continuing the high level of care that the patients were accustomed to receiving. He prides himself on having a recently renovated bright space with state-of-the-art technology that includes digital x-rays, cone beam CT technology, an Intraoral scanner, and Piezosurgery® laser therapy, to name just a few. It’s a true high-end practice in a great neighborhood.
Dr. Khaimov and Dr. Pantirer want patients to feel comfortable from the time they walk in the door until the time they leave. “Everyone in the practice, from our front desk to our assistants to our hygienists, are friendly, highly trained, welcoming and very sympathetic to the patients’ needs” says Dr. Khaimov.
The two doctors refer to MK Periodontics & Implant Dentistry as a boutique practice. “We take time to understand our patients’ needs and to make them feel relaxed,” says Dr. Pantirer. “Our philosophy is to treat all people with respect and individuality and give them as much time as needed for their comfort.”
Although the doctors work a lot, they also maintain a positive work-life balance. “I like spending time with my three kids, and I'm very busy with my oldest son, who is playing hockey on a travel team,” says Dr. Khaimov.
Dr. Pantirer is married with a 18-month-old son and lives near the Florham Park office. Along with her dental career, she teaches one day a week at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine and sits on volunteer boards for Cooperman Barnabas Hospital and Wharton Arts. She also volunteers with the Jewish Federation.
To find out more about the doctors, and to make an appointment to improve your gum health, go to MKPerioNJ.com.