When gum disease progresses beyond what routine cleanings can address, you need a periodontist trained to treat the supporting structures of your teeth. Maywood residents experiencing persistent bad breath, teeth that feel loose, or gums that bleed regularly may be dealing with periodontal disease, a condition requiring intervention beyond general dentistry.
Advanced Periodontics of N.J. provides Maywood area patients with treatments addressing both the health and appearance of gum tissue. Dr. Peto and Dr. Matei lead our practice, with Dr. Matei bringing credentials including LANAP certification and teaching positions at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine and the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. Her research in tissue reconstruction and biomaterials informs the evidence-based approach we take with every patient.
Understanding Periodontal Disease
Your gums and the bone beneath them create the foundation holding your teeth in place. When bacteria accumulate along the gum line, they trigger an inflammatory response in your body. This inflammation, if left unaddressed, progresses from gingivitis to periodontitis, where pockets form between teeth and gums, allowing more bacteria to settle in areas your toothbrush cannot reach.
The inflammation continues attacking the connective tissue and bone supporting 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. Your body’s immune response to this bacterial infection causes additional damage, breaking down the structures meant to protect your teeth. Eventually, teeth may shift position, become loose, or require extraction if the disease reaches advanced stages.
Treatment Approaches for Active Disease
Early intervention makes a significant difference in outcomes. For patients with moderate gum disease, scaling and root planing remove bacterial deposits from below the gum line. We clean the root surfaces and smooth them to discourage bacterial reattachment. This deep cleaning typically occurs over multiple appointments, with each session targeting a different area of your mouth. Local anesthesia ensures your comfort during the procedure.
Advanced disease may benefit from laser therapy through LANAP treatment. This approach uses targeted light energy to eliminate diseased tissue while preserving healthy gums. The laser also kills bacteria deep in periodontal pockets and stimulates tissue regeneration. Most patients experience minimal discomfort and return to normal activities quickly. The laser treatment approach offers an alternative to traditional surgery for many cases.
When bone loss becomes severe, surgical intervention may be necessary. Osseous surgery involves accessing the affected areas by folding back gum tissue, removing bacteria and diseased material, then reshaping the underlying bone. This eliminates the deep pockets where bacteria thrive and creates an environment you can maintain through regular home care. After surgery, the gums heal in a position that allows better cleaning access.
Restoring Missing Teeth
Tooth loss creates more problems than an incomplete smile. The absence of tooth roots triggers bone resorption in the jaw, a process where your body absorbs bone tissue no longer stimulated by chewing forces. This deterioration changes facial structure over time and complicates future tooth replacement options. Dental implants halt this process by providing artificial roots that integrate with existing bone.
We begin implant treatment with comprehensive imaging to evaluate bone quality and quantity. Patients lacking sufficient bone volume may need grafting before implant placement. The grafting procedure adds bone material to deficient areas, creating adequate structure for implant support. After the graft heals, we place the titanium implant posts in a surgical procedure performed under anesthesia tailored to your comfort needs.
Over several months, osseointegration occurs as the implant fuses with your jawbone. This biological process creates a stable foundation for the final restoration. Once integration is complete, we attach an abutment connecting the implant to your new tooth or teeth. Single implants replace individual teeth, while multiple implants can support bridges or full dentures, depending on your needs.
Correcting Recession and Aesthetic Issues
Exposed tooth roots result from gum recession, a condition that develops gradually over the years. You might notice increased sensitivity to hot and cold, longer-appearing teeth, or visible root surfaces. Recession occurs through multiple mechanisms, including overly aggressive brushing, periodontal disease, genetic predisposition, or teeth grinding. Without treatment, exposed roots face a higher cavity risk and continued recession.
We restore receded gum lines through soft tissue grafting. This procedure takes tissue from your palate or uses processed donor tissue, positioning it over exposed roots. As healing progresses, the graft integrates with surrounding tissue, covering vulnerable areas and reducing temperature sensitivity. The procedure also improves smile aesthetics by creating uniform gum contours. Patients experiencing recession can explore grafting options during a consultation.
Excess gum tissue presents different concerns. Some patients have gums covering too much tooth structure, creating disproportionate appearances. Crown lengthening addresses this by removing excess tissue and, when needed, reshaping underlying bone. The result exposes more tooth surface, balancing proportions between teeth and gums. This procedure serves both cosmetic and functional purposes, sometimes creating necessary access for restorative work.
Begin Treatment at Advanced Periodontics of N.J.
Periodontal conditions require attention from someone trained in managing gum and bone tissue. Whether addressing active disease, replacing lost teeth, or correcting recession, treatment should be grounded in current research and delivered with appropriate technology. Dr. Peto and Dr. Matei combine extensive training with recognition, including Dr. Matei’s Fulbright Junior Scholarship and Educator Award for Excellence in Teaching and Mentoring in Periodontics from the American Academy of Periodontics.
Your first appointment includes periodontal measurements documenting pocket depths, digital imaging revealing bone structure, and a discussion of your dental history. This information guides treatment planning tailored to your specific situation. We maintain fee-for-service pricing with multiple payment options, including financing for more extensive procedures. Maywood residents can schedule their consultation by contacting us to discuss their periodontal health needs.
