Gum health is often overlooked until problems become severe, but addressing issues early can save you from more significant concerns down the road. Many people might not realize they need to see a periodontist until they experience persistent gum bleeding, recession, or discomfort. A periodontist specializes in diagnosing and treating these complex issues, providing the expertise needed to restore and maintain your oral health. By addressing symptoms like chronic bad breath, loose teeth, or swollen gums, a periodontist ensures that you receive the precise care required to preserve your smile and overall well-being.
At Advanced Periodontics of N.J., our dedicated team of periodontists is committed to delivering exceptional care and advanced treatments tailored to your needs. With extensive training and a passion for staying current with the latest advancements, we are here to guide you toward a healthier, more confident smile.
What Is a Periodontist and What Kind of Procedures Does a Periodontist Perform?
A periodontist is a dental specialist focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal (gum) disease, as well as the placement and maintenance of dental implants. With advanced training beyond general dentistry, periodontists are experts in managing complex gum issues, from mild gingivitis to severe periodontitis. They use specialized techniques and technologies to address gum infections, restore gum health, and ensure the long-term success of implants.
Periodontists provide specialized care to address complex gum issues, enhance oral health, and support successful dental implant treatments.
Scaling and Root Planing
This deep-cleaning procedure targets the removal of plaque and tartar buildup from beneath the gumline. Scaling involves cleaning the surfaces of the teeth, while root planing smooths the tooth roots to prevent bacteria from reattaching. This treatment is essential for managing gum disease and promoting gum healing.
Gum Grafting
When gum tissue recedes due to periodontal disease or other factors, gum grafting can help restore lost tissue. This procedure involves taking tissue from another part of the mouth or using a donor material to cover exposed tooth roots, reducing sensitivity and improving gum health.
Periodontal Surgery
For advanced gum disease, surgical interventions may be necessary. Procedures such as flap surgery involve lifting the gums to clean deeper infection sites and then repositioning them for better healing. These surgeries aim to reduce pocket depth and regenerate lost bone and tissue.
Dental Implants
Periodontists are skilled in placing and managing dental implants, which are artificial tooth roots placed into the jawbone to support replacement teeth. This procedure is crucial for patients missing one or more teeth and requires precise placement to ensure long-term success.
Bone Regeneration
Periodontists can perform bone grafting procedures in cases of bone loss. This involves placing bone material into the jawbone to stimulate natural bone growth and support the placement of implants.
Laser Therapy
Periodontists can utilize advanced laser technology to perform minimally invasive treatments for gum disease. Lasers help remove infected tissue and promote gum regeneration, reducing discomfort and facilitating quicker recovery.
When Do You Need to See a Periodontist?
Recognizing when to consult a periodontist is crucial for maintaining optimal gum health and preventing serious complications.
- Persistent Gum Bleeding: If your gums bleed frequently during brushing or flossing, it may be a sign of gum disease. Healthy gums should not bleed, and persistent bleeding can indicate gingivitis or periodontitis.
- Gum Recession: Noticing that your gums are pulling away from your teeth, exposing more of the tooth or even the tooth root, is a common sign of gum disease. Gum recession can lead to sensitivity and an increased risk of tooth loss.
- Chronic Bad Breath: If you have persistent bad breath, even with good oral hygiene, it might be a sign of a gum infection or advanced periodontal disease. This often needs professional treatment to tackle the root of the problem.
- Loose or Shifting Teeth: If your teeth feel loose or are shifting positions, it may be due to advanced gum disease affecting the bone and supporting structures. Early intervention by a periodontist can help stabilize the situation.
- Painful or Swollen Gums: Pain, swelling, or tenderness in the gums are red flags for infection or inflammation. These symptoms should be evaluated to prevent further damage and complications.
If you experience any of these symptoms, a visit to a periodontist is essential for diagnosing and treating gum issues, ensuring your oral health remains in top condition.
Understanding Gum Disease and Its Impact
Gum disease occurs when bacteria in plaque grow along and underneath your gum line. This bacterial growth causes inflammation, leading to the earliest stage of periodontal disease known as gingivitis. During this initial phase, you may notice symptoms such as:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gum line
- Changes in how your teeth fit together when biting
Without proper treatment, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, where the inner layer of gum and bone recede from teeth, forming pockets that collect debris and become infected. As the condition worsens, these pockets deepen, destroying more gum tissue and bone. Eventually, teeth can become weak and may need to be extracted or fall out.
Risk Factors for Gum Disease
Several factors can magnify your risk of developing gum disease. Understanding these risk factors helps us create more effective prevention and treatment strategies for our Paramus patients. Poor oral hygiene remains the central cause of gum disease. However, other significant risk factors include:
- Smoking
- Hormonal changes (such as during pregnancy)
- Diabetes
- Certain medications
- Genetics
- Systemic diseases (such as heart disease)
Identifying and addressing these risk factors is a key part of creating treatment plans specifically designed for your individual needs.
Gum Disease Treatment Options in Paramus
At Advanced Periodontics of N.J., we offer a range of gum disease treatments based on your case’s severity and your specific needs. While gingivitis is the only stage of gum disease that can be reversed, our Paramus periodontists utilize state-of-the-art techniques to treat all stages of periodontal disease effectively.
Non-Surgical Treatments
For gingivitis to moderate periodontal disease, a non-surgical approach may be sufficient to restore your gum health. These treatments include:
- Scaling and Root Planing: This deep-cleaning procedure removes plaque and tartar below the gum line (scaling) and smooths the tooth root surfaces (planing) to eliminate rough areas where bacteria can collect.
- Antibiotic Therapy: We may recommend topical or oral antibiotics to control bacterial infection. These may include antibiotic mouth rinses, insertion of antibiotic fibers into deep pockets, or systemic antibiotics to eliminate infection-causing bacteria.
These non-surgical approaches form the foundation of periodontal treatment and are often highly effective for managing the early symptoms of gum disease.
Surgical Treatments for Advanced Cases
Surgical intervention may be necessary if your gum disease has progressed to more advanced stages. Our Paramus office offers several effective surgical treatment options, including:
Flap Surgery
This procedure involves lifting back the gums to remove tartar deposits in deep pockets. The gums are then sutured back in place to fit snugly around the tooth, reducing the space where harmful bacteria can grow.
Bone and Tissue Grafts
For patients who have lost gum or bone tissue, we can perform grafting procedures to regenerate these structures. Soft tissue grafts involve taking tissue from another area (typically the roof of the mouth) and attaching it to areas where gum tissue has receded. Bone grafts use natural or synthetic bone to replace bone destroyed by periodontitis, helping to promote new bone growth.
LANAP Therapy
Our office utilizes advanced laser technology for specific periodontal procedures, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional surgery with reduced discomfort and faster healing times.
Each surgical option is carefully selected based on your specific condition. Our skilled team of doctors will thoroughly explain the pros and cons of each procedure and expected outcomes before proceeding with treatment to help you make an informed decision about your oral health.
Maintaining Periodontal Health After Treatment
Successfully treating gum disease requires ongoing maintenance and excellent home care. Following your treatment at our Paramus office, your periodontist will provide guidelines for maintaining your periodontal health. These recommendations include the following:
- Regular periodontal maintenance visits are more intensive than standard dental cleanings and are specifically designed to support the health of your gums and prevent disease recurrence.
- Proper brushing and flossing methods to effectively remove plaque from all tooth surfaces and along the gumline.
- Use of prescribed antimicrobial products or mouth rinses to help control bacterial growth.
- Lifestyle modifications, such as smoking cessation, dietary improvements, and stress management, can significantly impact periodontal health.
This ongoing care is sometimes overlooked but is critical to successful periodontal treatment. If you have any questions about the best ways to support your oral health after gum disease treatment, please contact Advanced Periodontists of N.J. for guidance from our expert team of periodontists.
Why Choose Advanced Periodontics of N.J.?
At Advanced Periodontics of N.J., we are dedicated to providing top-tier periodontal care and personalized treatments for each patient. With our extensive training and commitment to ongoing education, we stay at the forefront of the latest advancements in periodontal treatments. Our compassionate approach ensures that you receive the highest quality care tailored to your unique needs, whether it’s for gum disease treatment, dental implants, or advanced surgical procedures.
Our team is ready to guide you through your periodontal treatment options and provide the care you deserve. Call our Paramus periodontist team a call at (201) 940-7002 or visit our contact form.
