OraVu
in Long Island

OraVu – A New Fiber Optic Camera

The problem of gum disease is plaque and calculus (hard crusty deposits) under the gum.  This causes the gum to be inflamed and the bone around the teeth to be destroyed.  Traditionally there were only 2 options to treat gum disease, scaling and root planing (“deep cleaning”) and gum surgery.  The limitation of “deep cleaning” is that it’s impossible to get all the plaque and calculus out.  In fact, numerous studies show that once the pocket reaches 5mm deep, there is a 90% chance that the root will be left contaminated.  And that is in the hands of expert hygienists given unlimited time to clean the root!! One of the reasons to do gum surgery is to peel the gum back from the tooth so that we can see the plaque and tartar on the root of the tooth and get it out.  That works very well, but who wants gum surgery and stitches?   

Minimally Invasive Technique

If you’re visiting our Long Island Periodontist Office, chances are you’ve already been through examinations and techniques meant to stop or slow down dental damage at the root or under the gumline. Even the best patient – you! – can start feeling weary of being poked and prodded, or worry about recovering when you’ve got a busy schedule. While a procedure to fully expose the roots of your teeth for proper cleaning (gingival flap surgery), it requires incisions, stitching, a week or two of healing time, and the potential use of opioid prescriptions, which many patients hope to avoid. The OraVu is a micro endoscope, an ultra-fine camera mounted on the end of a fiber-like stem, which gives it the ability to slip below the gumline without the need for an incision.

What it means for you: If you’ve been delaying getting expert dental care because you’re concerned about pain or the need for outpatient surgery, the OraVu delivers a solution that helps Dr. Scharf’s team protect your dental health and preserve your smile with precision. 

Book your appointment today

Call our office at (631) 661-6633