Have you noticed swollen gums, bleeding when you brush, or even bad breath that won’t go away? Unfortunately, you might be suffering from gum disease. While this might sound scary, gum disease is more common than you think and can be reversed if caught early! Understanding the signs of gum disease, ways to prevent serious complications, and your treatment options can make a significant difference in getting early, effective treatment to renew your oral health and get you back to eating and brushing your teeth comfortably.
At Advanced Periodontics of N.J. in Hackensack, we take pride in providing integrated care to address gum disease at every stage. With years of experience and access to advanced treatments, our team is committed to preserving your oral health and preventing complications like tooth loss or gum recession. We understand that each patient’s needs are unique, and we’re here to provide solutions tailored to your smile.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a condition that can destroy your gums and the bone supporting your teeth if left untreated. The leading cause of gum disease is poor oral health and dental care practices. However, other circumstances like your age, genetics, underlying health conditions, and whether you smoke can all put you at an increased risk of developing gum disease. Some common signs of gum disease may include:
- Red or purple gums
- Bleeding while brushing or flossing
- Gum soreness
- Bad breath
- Inflammation of the gums
- Pain when eating
- Gum recession
- Bad taste in the mouth
- Loose or missing teeth
- Changes in teeth alignment and bite
Gum disease is slow-acting and may not present symptoms right away. Because of this, it is vital to get routine dental exams and cleanings to catch any issues before they can progress to more serious stages of the disease.
There four levels of gum disease include: gingivitis, mild, moderate, and severe periodontitis.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the primary stage of periodontal disease and is the only stage that can be reversed with proper dental intervention. In this stage, the gums begin to show signs of swelling and redness. You may notice bleeding when you brush and floss, but the gums are still fully attached to the teeth, and the underlying jawbone has not yet been affected.
Mild Periodontitis
The bacteria that cause gum disease begin to work below the gum line and into the jawbone during the mild stage of periodontitis. This is the first stage where you may start experiencing gum recession as the gums pull away from the teeth. This creates a pocket for the bacteria to accumulate between the teeth and gums.
Moderate Periodontitis
The bacteria accumulated in the pockets between the gums and teeth are now starting to erode the ligaments and bones that support the teeth. During this stage, you may notice persistent bad breath and pus buildup at the gumline. The gums will further recede from the teeth during moderate periodontitis.
Severe Periodontitis
The jawbone will continue to deteriorate during this stage of periodontitis. This erosion may cause the teeth to become loose and fall out as they lose structural support from the ligaments and jawbone. Unfortunately, severe periodontitis can’t be reversed and is only managed once the jawbone becomes compromised.
Regardless of your stage of periodontal disease, it is vital that you seek professional help to treat and manage your condition. A periodontist can be a valuable resource for educating you on proper dental care and setting up a treatment plan that helps get your teeth back to optimal health.
Treatment Options for Gum Disease in Hackensack
Research shows that about four out of every ten adults over 30 suffer from some form of gum disease. This is true for about 64 million people in the United States who have gum disease. The most significant deterrence for gum disease is a high-quality oral health routine. Brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing, and getting routine oral exams and cleanings can help prevent gum disease and catch it in its earliest stage of gingivitis, while its effects can still be reversed. If you are experiencing periodontal disease, seeking medical treatment from a trusted periodontist as soon as possible can help manage your symptoms and prevent further damage to your teeth and gums. Some common gum disease treatment options available in Hackensack include:
Scaling and Root Planing
During this treatment, your periodontist will thoroughly clean your teeth and gums, including below your gum line. This process is usually broken into multiple appointments to focus on each region of the mouth. During the scaling stage of your treatment, your periodontist will remove plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth, while the root planning portion of the procedure involves cleaning and smoothing the roots of the teeth to stop future plaque buildup.
Bone and Gum Grafting
When periodontal disease causes your gums and jawbone to deteriorate, you may need gum or bone grafting surgery. Gum grafting uses healthy gum tissue from another part of your gums or the roof of your mouth to cover your tooth root and add thickness to your gums. If you are experiencing bone loss, your periodontist can attach healthy bone material to your jawbone to provide stability and create a stronger foundation for your teeth.
LANAP
Lasar-assisted new attachment procedure, or LANAP, is a minimally invasive laser treatment that targets infected gum tissue and bacteria while preserving healthy tissue. This promotes faster healing and is an accurate and effective treatment method for gum disease.
If you have any questions about the gum disease treatment options available at our Hackensack office, please contact us to schedule an appointment and get started on healing your gum disease and improving your oral health.
Take Control of Your Gum Health at Advance Periodontics of N.J.
Gum health plays a significant role in overall well-being, and at Advanced Periodontics of N.J., we’re dedicated to providing effective, personalized care for every stage of gum disease. With our expertise and advanced technology, including procedures like LANAP and grafting, we aim to restore your smile and protect your oral health from further complications. Our Hackensack periodontist offers a compassionate and patient-focused environment, ensuring that you feel comfortable and informed every step of the way.
Don’t let gum disease compromise your smile or quality of life. Take the first step toward better oral health by scheduling an appointment today. Together, we’ll create a treatment plan tailored to your needs and help you reclaim your confidence and comfort. Call us at (201) 940-7002 or fill out our contact form to get started.