If you have red, swollen, bleeding, or receding gums, you may have some form of periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. This is a common issue amongst American adults, with 47.2% of people aged 30 or older having it. Gingivitis is the most mild and treatable version of this disease, but if left untreated, it can evolve into periodontitis, a more advanced form of gum disease that occurs when plaque and tartar live below the gumline. With the help of an experienced periodontist, you can receive the treatment you need to restore your smile and oral health.
The Dental Specialists of NJ provide unmatched periodontic services to Westfield patients. With years of experience and board-certified specialists, you can feel comfortable in our state-of-the-art offices. We are committed to using the latest technology and methodologies to provide the best care possible. Our trusted team takes a personalized approach to your periodontal treatment, creating a plan based on your unique needs, personal preferences, and health history. Moreover, we communicate with you before, during, and after your treatment so you can have a stress-free experience while staying informed.
What Is Periodontics?
Periodontics is the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of gum diseases and their complications. Therefore, a periodontist is a specialized dentist who focuses on the tissues around the tooth, including the following:
- The gums
- The periodontal ligament, which attaches your teeth to the jawbone
- The hard, calcified tissue that covers the tooth root, called the cementum
- The alveolar bone, which is the part of the jawbone that has sockets for your teeth
While a general dentist handles preventative and restorative treatment, like filling cavities, cleanings, and placing crowns and bridges, periodontists concentrate specifically on the gums and other areas surrounding the tooth by providing specialized treatment. In addition to the four-year dental school general dentists attend, periodontists receive three additional years of training to ensure they are well-prepared to solve problems involving the teeth’s supporting structures.
Who May Need to See a Periodontist?
A periodontist can address several concerns related to the gums and other tissues surrounding the teeth. However, it can be difficult to know if you need to see a periodontist for treatment. While every patient is different, you may need to see a periodontist in the following cases:
- Short-Term Solutions: If you need a gum graft, bone graft, or frenectomy before receiving another type of treatment, a periodontist can handle these procedures before you go back to your regular dentist or other specialist.
- Long-Term Care: For those prone to gum disease, periodontists can provide long-term care to treat your symptoms and improve your oral health. This may include procedures to remove bacteria and restore your smile and maintenance to prevent the issue from returning.
Gum disease can occur for several reasons, including genetics, poor oral hygiene, ongoing stress, and teeth grinding. No matter the reasons for your gum disease, our Dental Specialists of NJ are here to help alleviate your discomfort, improve your oral health, and help you take the best care of your teeth and gums.
3 Types of Periodontal Treatments
Whether your periodontal disease was caught early or has been diagnosed in later stages, a periodontist can provide a wide range of treatments to eliminate bacteria and transform your smile. These treatments include the following:
Periodontal Maintenance
This is a type of teeth cleaning similar to the one you get at your regular dentist. However, during a periodontal cleaning, we closely examine your gum health and the pockets around your teeth. If tooth loss is present, the pockets will likely be deeper. These cleanings help maintain your gum health if you have received gum disease treatment in the past or experienced symptoms.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning below the gumline that typically requires local anesthesia to numb the gums. During this cleaning, we remove plaque and tartar from beneath the gum line and smooth the teeth’s surfaces to discourage future buildup.
Periodontal Surgery
For advanced cases of periodontal disease, we may provide surgical treatment. Our periodontists routinely perform these procedures, which include the following:
- Pocket Reduction Surgery: During this procedure, we gently move the gums away from the teeth to expose the infection deep under the gum line. We thoroughly clean your tooth roots and reposition the gums into place.
- Gum Grafting: In places where your gums have receded, we may place a grafting material or tissue from the roof of your mouth to the area to treat your thinning gums.
- Bone Grafts: If your periodontal disease has eroded the bone underneath the gums, bone grafting material or bone from another area of your mouth can be placed in affected areas to strengthen them.
- Tooth Extractions: If a tooth has broken off at the gum line or is too damaged to be preserved, we may extract it to prevent further damage.
- Frenectomy: Also known as tongue-tie surgery, a frenectomy frees the connective tissue that joins your lips and gums or tongue and gums. This can help prevent future gum recession.
- Dental Implants: Dental implants consist of a titanium post that replaces the tooth root and restoration, such as a crown or bridge, to replace the tooth. This can be an effective solution for those missing teeth due to gum disease.
When developing your customized treatment plan, we consider several factors, including the severity of your condition, to ensure you receive the top-tier care you need to restore your smile, oral health, and confidence. With the Dental Specialists of NJ, you can rest assured your teeth and gums are in capable, knowledgeable hands.
Schedule a Consultation With the Skilled Periodontists at the Dental Specialists of NJ in Westfield
Having healthy gums is essential for maintaining oral health, but if you have gum disease, you may need specialized treatment from a periodontist. At the Dental Specialists of NJ, we understand seeing a periodontist can be overwhelming, so we take the time to understand your needs and alleviate your stress by openly and honestly sharing information about gum disease and the treatment that would work best for you.
With our updated offices and caring team that always prioritizes your best interests, you can relax when in our care. To learn more about periodontics and how we can help treat your condition and improve your smile, call us at 908-232-8228 or fill out our contact form.
