Your gums provide the foundation for your teeth, yet many people overlook periodontal health until problems become severe. Dumont residents experiencing persistent gum bleeding, recession exposing tooth roots, or teeth that feel loose should seek evaluation from a periodontist trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the supporting structures of teeth. Early intervention prevents progressive damage that can lead to tooth loss and complications affecting your overall health.
Advanced Periodontics of N.J. serves Dumont patients with comprehensive periodontal care addressing disease, tooth replacement, and aesthetic concerns. Dr. Peto and Dr. Matei lead our practice, with Dr. Matei holding LANAP certification and faculty appointments at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine and the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. Her research in periodontal regeneration and biomaterials, along with recognition, including a Fulbright Junior Scholarship, ensures patients receive treatment grounded in current scientific evidence.
Addressing Active Periodontal Disease
Bacteria in plaque trigger inflammation when allowed to accumulate along the gum line. This inflammatory response starts as gingivitis, where gums appear red, feel swollen, and bleed easily. Without professional intervention, the condition advances to periodontitis. The inflammation extends deeper, creating pockets between teeth and gums where bacteria thrive beyond the reach of daily brushing and flossing.
Your immune system attempts to fight the infection, but the resulting inflammatory response damages the connective tissue and bone anchoring your teeth. According to the American Dental Association, chronic periodontitis affects 47.2% of adults over 30 in the United States and can lead to loss of tissue and bone supporting the teeth. As bone deteriorates, teeth may shift position, develop gaps, or become loose. Advanced disease can result in tooth loss if left unaddressed.
We tailor treatment to disease severity. Early to moderate cases often respond to scaling and root planing, where we remove bacterial deposits from below the gum line and smooth root surfaces. This deep cleaning eliminates the source of inflammation and creates conditions allowing gums to heal and reattach to teeth. The procedure typically requires multiple visits, with local anesthesia ensuring comfort throughout.
Advanced disease may benefit from LANAP therapy, which uses laser energy to remove diseased tissue while preserving healthy gums. The laser eliminates bacteria in periodontal pockets and stimulates your body’s natural healing response. Most patients experience less discomfort and faster recovery compared to traditional surgical approaches. This laser option provides effective results with minimal downtime.
Severe bone loss sometimes requires osseous surgery. We access affected areas by repositioning gum tissue, then remove bacteria and reshape damaged bone. This eliminates deep pockets where bacteria accumulate and creates an environment you can maintain through regular oral hygiene. The reshaped bone and gums heal in positions allowing better long-term management of periodontal health.
Dental Implant Solutions
Missing teeth affects more than appearance. Each gap in your smile allows remaining teeth to drift from their proper positions, changing your bite and potentially causing jaw discomfort. The bone previously supporting those teeth begins to deteriorate from lack of stimulation. This bone loss can accelerate, affecting facial structure and complicating future tooth replacement options.
Dental implants prevent bone loss by replacing tooth roots with titanium posts that integrate with your jawbone. This process, called osseointegration, creates stable foundations for replacement teeth. We begin with a comprehensive evaluation using digital imaging to assess bone structure and plan implant placement. Patients with inadequate bone volume may need grafting to build sufficient support.
During the surgical phase, we place implants precisely in your jawbone under anesthesia or sedation, matching your comfort preferences. The implants then fuse with the surrounding bone over several months. Once integration completes, we attach abutments and final restorations. Single implants replace individual teeth without affecting adjacent healthy teeth. Multiple implants can support bridges or dentures, providing stable alternatives to traditional removable appliances.
All-on-X systems offer comprehensive solutions for patients missing all teeth in an arch. Four to six implants placed strategically support a full arch of replacement teeth. This approach often requires less bone grafting than placing individual implants for each missing tooth, making treatment possible for more patients.
Treating Gum Recession
Receding gums expose tooth roots, creating sensitivity to temperature changes and increasing decay risk on surfaces lacking protective enamel. You might notice teeth appearing longer or feel discomfort when consuming hot or cold items. Recession develops through various causes, including brushing too aggressively, periodontal disease, genetic factors, or grinding your teeth.
Soft tissue grafting rebuilds the gum line by positioning tissue over exposed roots. We harvest tissue from your palate or use processed donor material, securing it to cover vulnerable areas. As healing progresses, the graft integrates with existing tissue, protecting root surfaces and reducing sensitivity. The procedure also improves aesthetics by creating more uniform gum contours. Patients concerned about recession benefit from early treatment before exposure worsens.
Crown lengthening addresses the opposite concern, where excess gum tissue covers too much tooth structure. This makes teeth appear short and creates imbalanced proportions. We remove excess tissue and may reshape underlying bone to expose appropriate tooth length. The procedure improves smile aesthetics while maintaining healthy tissue relationships. Most patients return to regular activities within days, though complete healing takes several weeks.
Schedule Your Dumont Consultation at Advanced Periodontics of N.J.
Periodontal health affects your overall wellness, not just your smile. Whether addressing active disease, replacing missing teeth, or correcting recession, timely treatment prevents progressive damage to your teeth’s supporting structures. Dr. Peto and Dr. Matei provide care informed by advanced training and clinical research. Dr. Matei’s recognition includes the Educator Award for Excellence in Teaching and Mentoring in Periodontics from the American Academy of Periodontics and numerous publications on tissue regeneration.
Your initial visit includes a comprehensive periodontal examination with pocket measurements, digital x-rays, and a review of your medical history. This assessment identifies existing problems and informs customized treatment planning. We operate on a fee-for-service basis with multiple payment options, including financing for more extensive procedures. Dumont residents can take the first step toward improved periodontal health by contacting our office to schedule their consultation.
