Medically Reviewed by Dr. David Peto on September 9, 2026
Choosing the right periodontal practice in River Edge comes down to three things: verified clinical credentials, modern technology, and a treatment philosophy built around your individual gum and bone health rather than a one-size-fits-all plan. Patients searching for award-winning periodontal care want more than a friendly waiting room. They want a team with the training, technology, and track record to handle everything from early gum disease to complex implant reconstruction with confidence.
At Advanced Periodontics of N.J., our River Edge area practice is led by Dr. Matei and Dr. Peto, two periodontists with university-level training and years of focused clinical experience. Our practice is built around dental implant care and advanced gum disease treatment, paired with a calm, patient-centered approach so every treatment plan fits the person receiving it.
What Sets an Award-Winning Periodontal Practice Apart
A periodontist completes dental school and then several additional years of specialty training focused entirely on gum tissue, jawbone, and dental implants. That extra training matters most in cases involving moderate to severe periodontal disease, bone loss, or complex implant planning, where a general dentist may refer out for specialized care. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, periodontists receive three additional years of education beyond dental school concentrated on periodontal disease and implant dentistry, and a smaller subset go on to achieve board certification through additional exams and case review.
At our practice, Dr. Matei holds faculty appointments at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine and the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and has contributed to published periodontal research alongside her clinical work. That combination of academic training and hands-on experience shapes how our doctors approach every consultation, from a routine cleaning referral to a full-arch implant case.
Comprehensive Periodontal and Implant Services
Our River Edge area patients come to us for a wide range of periodontal and implant needs, and our services are built to cover the full spectrum of gum and bone health rather than a narrow specialty niche. Core treatments include:
- Laser-assisted gum disease treatment (LANAP): A minimally invasive laser protocol that targets diseased tissue while preserving healthy gum structure, often with a faster recovery than traditional surgery.
- Dental implants and All-on-X: Single-tooth implants, implant-supported bridges, and full-arch All-on-X solutions for patients missing several or all of their teeth.
- Bone and sinus grafting: Procedures that rebuild jawbone volume so implants have a stable foundation, particularly after extraction or long-term tooth loss.
- Gum recession treatment: Grafting and pocket reduction options for patients whose gums have pulled away from the tooth root.
These services, paired with advanced diagnostic and imaging technology, allow our team to plan treatment with more precision and explain exactly what a patient can expect before any procedure begins.
Why Patients Choose Our Approach to Periodontal Care
Patients consistently point to a few things when explaining why they stay with our practice long-term: clear communication about diagnosis and options, a calm and unhurried appointment experience, and a treatment plan that accounts for their specific health history rather than a generic protocol. You can read more about what current and former patients have shared about their experience on our patient testimonials page, which reflects the kind of communication and follow-through our team prioritizes at every visit.
We also believe patients deserve to understand why a specific treatment is recommended, not just what it involves. That means walking through imaging results, explaining alternative options when they exist, and being direct about recovery expectations so there are no surprises once treatment begins.
How We Help You Choose the Right Treatment Path
Every new patient consultation starts with a full periodontal evaluation, including a review of gum pocket depth, bone levels, and any existing dental work that may affect treatment planning. From there, we build a plan that may involve a single procedure, like scaling and root planing, or a longer-term sequence that combines gum disease treatment with future implant placement. Our approach to care emphasizes explaining the reasoning behind each recommendation so you understand not just the plan, but why it fits your specific situation. For patients unsure whether a concern needs a periodontist or can be managed by a general dentist, we are always available to review your case and provide an honest recommendation, even if that means referring you elsewhere for a simpler issue.
Trust Your Smile to Advanced Periodontics of N.J.
Dr. Matei and Dr. Peto bring a combination of academic training, published research experience, and hands-on surgical expertise that is uncommon in a single periodontal practice. That depth of background means our team can manage straightforward cases and complex, multi-stage treatment plans with the same level of attention and clinical rigor.
If you are searching for periodontal or dental implant care in the River Edge area, the best next step is a consultation where we can evaluate your gum and bone health directly and walk you through your options. Contact our office to schedule a visit and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing a Periodontist in River Edge
How do I know if I need a periodontist instead of my regular dentist?
If you have bleeding or receding gums, loose teeth, deep pockets around your teeth, or you are considering a dental implant, a periodontal evaluation is a reasonable next step. Many patients are referred by their general dentist, but you can also schedule a consultation directly.
What happens during a first periodontal consultation?
A first visit typically includes a review of your dental and medical history, measurement of gum pocket depth around each tooth, and imaging to evaluate bone levels. From there, we discuss findings and outline any recommended treatment options.
Do you treat both gum disease and dental implants at the same practice?
Yes. Our practice covers the full range of periodontal care, including gum disease treatment, bone and sinus grafting, and single-tooth through full-arch dental implants, so treatment can often be coordinated within one team.
What areas near River Edge does your practice serve?
We see patients from River Edge and surrounding Bergen County communities. Our team can confirm scheduling and location details when you reach out to book a consultation.
Is a periodontal consultation necessary before getting dental implants?
Yes. A periodontal evaluation confirms whether your gum tissue and jawbone can support an implant, or whether a procedure like bone grafting is needed first. This step helps avoid complications later in treatment.
About the Author
Dr. David Peto
Periodontist, Advanced Periodontics of N.J.
Dr. Peto and co-founder Dr. Matei lead Advanced Periodontics of N.J., providing individualized periodontal and implant care to patients throughout New Jersey.
