Dr. Isabel Gay, DDS

Periodontist | Periodontics

2800 College Ave Alton IL, 62002 Show map

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About

Dr. Isabel Gay practices Periodontics in Alton, IL. A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease, and in the placement of dental implants. Dr. Gay has expertise in the treatment of oral inflammation and often treats problematic periodontal cases, such as those with severe gum disease or a complex medical history. Some treatments that Dr. Gay provides are scaling and root planing and root surface debridement.

Education and Training

University of Alabama at Birmi DDS, MS 2008

Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico DDS 0

Board Certification

American Board of Periodontology

Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology (ABP)

Provider Details

Female English, Spanish

Dr. Isabel Gay, DDS

Dr. Isabel Gay, DDS's Expert Contributions

My Answers

Will a periodontist help stop my gums from bleeding?
Your gums are bleeding because you have a gum infection, the bacteria hidden in the gum pockets are causing inflammation and that is why your gums bleed. A periodontist will do a deep cleaning of your teeth that will remove the infection and your gums will stop bleeding [cid:image001.png@01DA8CD6.05662080] READ MORE
Why do I have a sharp pain in my gums?
Without a clinical exam is difficult to diagnose the origin of your pain, it can be from an allergic reaction to toothpaste to pain due to food accumulation in certain areas of the mouth or related to infection. It is advised that you visit your dentist for a full exam. [cid:image001.png@01DA8754.BAB074E0] READ MORE
Are there any home remedies to treat gingivitis?
Yes, brush your teeth 3 time per day and floss every night. READ MORE
Can periodontal disease be reversed?
Periodontal disease is an infection that destroy the bone that holds the tooth in the socket. This infection can be arrested by treatment and rigorous oral hygiene, but unfortunately cant be reversed. Some selected cases can have surgery to reconstruct the lost bone but unfortunately its not always the case [cid:image001.png@01DA76BD.63A19000] READ MORE
What is the treatment for periodontitis?
The first step to treat periodontitis is to perform a scaling and root planning procedure (deep cleaning) after that depending on the severity and particular case there are surgical options available Isabel C. Gay, DDS, MS Clinical Associate Professor Diplomate of the ABP SIU School of Dental Medicine 2800 College Ave., Alton, IL 62002 618-474-7208 READ MORE
Are there early signs and symptoms of periodontal problems?
Early signs of periodontal disease include gingival redness and bleeding upon brushing or flossing, there is a silent infection which means that there is no pain. Prevention is brushing your teeth 3 times per day and floss once a day at night. Also please remember to visit your dentist every 6 months Isabel C. Gay, DDS, MS Clinical Associate Professor Diplomate of the ABP SIU School of Dental Medicine 2800 College Ave., Alton, IL 62002 618-474-7208 READ MORE
Is gum disease possible in a 3 year old?
No, usually periodontal disease starts later in life. However, there are some exceptions in patients with genetic diseases that are related to periodontal disease Isabel C. Gay, DDS, MS Clinical Associate Professor Diplomate of the ABP SIU School of Dental Medicine 2800 College Ave., Alton, IL 62002 618-474-7208 READ MORE
Can gingivitis be prevented?
Yes, gingivitis can be prevented by brushing your teeth 3 times a day a using dental floss once at night Isabel C. Gay, DDS, MS Clinical Associate Professor Diplomate of the ABP SIU School of Dental Medicine 2800 College Ave., Alton, IL 62002 618-474-7208 READ MORE
Why are my dental implants hurting my gums?
It is a difficult question to answer since I dont know what was done to fix your implants. If you had surgery done to add some bone graft (which is the most common procedure) then it will take you a couple of weeks to feel better. If the pain getting stronger, please see your periodontist Isabel C. Gay, DDS, MS Clinical Associate Professor Diplomate of the ABP SIU School of Dental Medicine 2800 College Ave., Alton, IL 62002 618-474-7208 READ MORE
Why are my gums darkening?
Sometimes the swelling created by a gum infection can make your gums look red, swollen and shiny, please follow up with a professional who can diagnose and treat your problem Isabel C. Gay, DDS, MS Clinical Associate Professor Diplomate of the ABP SIU School of Dental Medicine 2800 College Ave., Alton, IL 62002 618-474-7208 READ MORE
I am having a dull pain in my gums while chewing food. Could it be sign of an infection?
The pain in the gums is created by an active infection, you should visit a periodontist who is a gum specialist to help you with this infection Isabel C. Gay, DDS, MS Clinical Associate Professor Diplomate of the ABP SIU School of Dental Medicine 2800 College Ave., Alton, IL 62002 618-474-7208 READ MORE
Can the gum recession be stopped?
Yes gingival recession can be stopped and in some cases reversed, please visit your professional for treatment options READ MORE
How quickly can smoking cause gum disease?
Smoking has a direct effect on gum disease. It is not only the length of time but also the amount of cigarettes that the person smokes, also is important how good the patient cleans the bacteria in the mouth since lack of oral hygiene can speed the process of deterioration. It is difficult to state a time frame without knowing the amount of cigarettes, condition of the mouth and oral hygiene practices but certainly smoking is going to affect the overall mouth health an even cause cancer Isabel C. Gay, DDS, MS Clinical Associate Professor Diplomate of the ABP SIU School of Dental Medicine 2800 College Ave., Alton, IL 62002 618-474-7208 READ MORE
Since yesterday I can feel my gums being slightly inflamed. What could be the reason?
There are several factors that can contribute to gingival inflammation, among them can be allergies to a toothpaste or mouth rinse other factors -in the case of a female- can be the use of hormones like birth control pills or pregnancy. However the most common cause is bacteria that accumulates at the gingival margin and irritates the gums. Try to brush twice per day with a soft bristle toothbrusk and use dental floss and/dental picks to complete the process. If the swelling doesnt disappear consult your dentist for a comprehensive exam Isabel C. Gay, DDS, MS Clinical Associate Professor ABP Diplomate ACD Fellow SIU School of Dental Medicine 2800 College Ave., Alton, IL 62002 618-474-7397 READ MORE
How long is recovery for gum graft surgery?
A gingival graft can take some time to become incorporated to the recipient site. An initial healing time of approximately 6 weeks is needed for the graft to take at the recipient site. However, it can take several months for the graft to remodel and mature so avoiding trauma at least for 6 months is necessary for a good incorporation of the graft Isabel C. Gay, DDS, MS Clinical Associate Professor Diplomate of the ABP SIU School of Dental Medicine 2800 College Ave., Alton, IL 62002 618-474-7208 READ MORE
Why are my implants not working?
Implant failure can happen by several reasons and the list is not complete as there are several factors that can influence implant loss that still need to be discovered. A list of potential culprits but not all include: Uncontrolled systemic diseases such as diabetes or autoimmune diseases Infection at the implant recipient site created by an previous root canal failed tooth with infection Excessive heating at the bone when drilling for implant placement (above 37 degrees Celsius) Lack of primary stability (mobility) at implant placement Smoking Lack of oral hygiene Crown that has a high contact Implant fracture at the platform when inserting Other factors Isabel C. Gay, DDS, MS Clinical Associate Professor Diplomate of the ABP SIU School of Dental Medicine 2800 College Ave., Alton, IL 62002 618-474-7208 READ MORE
What is the course of treatment for bleeding and swelling gums?
Yes, disease producing bacteria hide at the bottom of the pocket and unfortunately your toothbrush or dental floss cant reach it. Your dentist should perform a dental procedure known as scaling and root planning that is nothing more than a deep cleaning to remove bacteria located at the bottom of the pocket. That procedure should significantly reduce inflammation and bleeding, also make sure you continue good toothbrushing habits Isabel C. Gay, DDS, MS Clinical Associate Professor Diplomate of the ABP SIU School of Dental Medicine 2800 College Ave., Alton, IL 62002 618-474-7208 READ MORE
Can gum bleeding in a diabetic patient get serious?
Diabetes is a metabolic disease that affects almost all organs and tissues in the body, including your gums. Uncontrolled diabetes which is measured by an HbAic value at or above 7% can be harmful to your body in general as it decreases your ability to fight bacteria and neutralize the infection that is ongoing in your gums. Gums bleed as a result of inflammation caused by bacteria that grows inside a pocket created by the bacteria destroying the bone; therefore, if you have uncontrolled diabetes and periodontal disease (infection of your gums)the result can be devastating for your teeth as they start losing their support into the bone and eventually start moving. I highly recommend you to visit your doctor and check for diabetes control as well as your dentist who will perform a deep cleaning in your gums to arrest periodontal disease progression and stop bleeding READ MORE
Concern for gum graft recovery
Hello, please do not touch your graft, pull the lip or disturb the healing of the graft. For what I can read looks successful so please dont disturb the site. Use some clorhexidine gluconate 0.12% mouthrinse to rinse after meals twice per day and refrain from brushing that area READ MORE
How long do stitches stay in after gum graft?
I usually leave sutures in place for 2 weeks or more after a soft tissue graft since is very important that the graft remains stable without any movement while the blood supply re-establishes and the graft gets incorporated READ MORE

Expert Publications

Data provided by the National Library of Medicine

Areas of expertise and specialization

Dental implantsPeriodontics

Faculty Titles & Positions

Clinical Associate Professor Southern Illinois University 2021 - Present

Awards

Tarrson Regeneration Award 2006 AAP

Professional Memberships

AAP, ACD, ADEA
American Academy of Periodontology
American College of Dentists
American Dental Education Association

Charities and Philanthropic Endeavors

Humane Society

Dr. Isabel Gay, DDS's Practice location

Southern Illinois university

2800 College Ave -
Alton, IL 62002

Get Direction

New patients: 618-474-7397

Mon:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Tue:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wed:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thu:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Fri:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Sat:Closed
Sun:Closed

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Media Releases

Get to know Periodontist Dr. Isabel Gay, who serves patients in Alton, Illinois.

Since 2021, Dr. Gay has held the position of Clinical Associate Professor in the Section of Periodontology at Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine.

Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine is an academic unit of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville located in Alton, Illinois, United States, in the Greater St. Louis area. It has a mission to educate dentists and improve the oral health of the region through patient care, research, scholarship and service.

In her academic journey, Dr. Gay achieved her Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree from the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, followed by a Periodontics training as well as a Master is Science from theUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry in 2008.

In addition, she has obtained board certification in periodontology, earning the distinction of being a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology (ABP). The ABP is the only nationally recognized certification board for the dental specialty of periodontics.

Among her professional affiliations, Dr. Gay is an active member of the American Academy of Periodontology, the American College of Dentists, and the American Dental Education Association.

Periodontics is the dental specialty focusing exclusively on the inflammatory disease that destroys the gums and other supporting structures around the teeth. A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal, or disease, and in the placement of dental implants.

Among Dr. Gay’s notable achievements is the Tarrson Regeneration Award, which she received from the American Academy of Periodontology in 2006.

Her philanthropic involvement extends to the Humane Society, a leading animal protection and welfare organization dedicated to ending suffering for animals across the nation.