Periodontics
Protect Your Smile with Periodontics
At Cedar Grove Dental Group, we specialize in periodontics, which focuses on treating diseases and conditions that affect the gums and supporting tooth structures. Our periodontists are experts in diagnosing, preventing, and treating periodontal, gum, and other oral diseases. By seeking periodontal treatment, you can improve symptoms, reduce pain, and prevent future dental complications.
If you are in Cedar Grove or the surrounding area, we offer periodontal treatment at Cedar Grove Dental Group. Contact us at (973) 857-0567 to schedule an appointment or to learn more about how we can help manage your symptoms and keep oral diseases in check.
Signs that suggest the need for periodontal treatment
The most common cause of periodontal and gum disease is plaque buildup, often the result of poor oral hygiene habits such as inadequate brushing, flossing, and rinsing. Plaque eventually leads to tartar, a substance that eats away enamel and causes inflammation and infection. Tartar can also reach below the gum line, making the teeth harder to clean and maintain.
Other common risk factors include diabetes, hormonal changes in girls and women, medications that decrease saliva flow, certain illnesses, and genetics. According to the CDC, signs or symptoms related to periodontal disease include:
- Persistent bad breath or taste
- Swollen or red gums
- Gums that bleed or are tender
- Difficulty chewing due to pain
- Loose teeth
- Tooth sensitivity
- Receding gums
- Changes in your bite
- Changes in the fit of partial dentures
"Plaque buildup, often caused by poor oral hygiene habits like insufficient brushing, flossing, and rinsing, is the leading cause of periodontal and gum disease."
Hard Tissue/Osseous Procedures
An osseous procedure is a periodontal treatment that aims to reduce or eliminate bacteria living in pockets beneath the gums. This involves a surgeon cutting back the gums, removing bacteria, and repairing damaged bone. These procedures primarily focus on halting the progression of gum disease, but can also involve treating enamel, dentin, and cementum.
The main objective of both hard tissue and osseous procedures is to eliminate bacteria from pockets to prevent infection and disease spread. Modern dental technology allows for these procedures to be performed using lasers that target and destroy bacteria without affecting nerves, roots, or bone. After reattaching and sewing the gums, they naturally heal and adhere to the tooth, creating a slightly tighter seal than before.
"The main objective in both hard tissue and osseous procedures is to eliminate bacteria from the pockets in order to prevent the spread of infection and disease."
Periodontal Disease Detection
Typically, patients are screened for gum and periodontal disease during their routine check-ups. Dentists can identify and diagnose periodontal disease by checking for gum bleeding, swelling, firmness, and pocket depth (space between teeth and gum line). They also assess teeth movement, sensitivity, and proper alignment. If there are concerning symptoms, they may also examine the patient’s jawbone to detect any broken bones surrounding the teeth.
Stages of Periodontal Disease
There are three stages of periodontal disease: gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. Gingivitis is the initial stage characterized by inflammation of the gums. Treatment for gingivitis typically involves a professional cleaning and special mouthwash to eliminate bacteria. Periodontitis, the second stage, occurs when bacteria or infection spreads beneath the gum line. This stage can be reversed with professional cleaning using a special tool. Advanced periodontitis, the final stage, occurs when the infection damages the underlying bone and surrounding tissues, leading to tooth loss or severe shifting.
"Dentists are able to detect and diagnose periodontal disease by examining for symptoms such as gum bleeding, swelling, firmness, and pocket depth."
Preventing Periodontal Disease
Patients can prevent the development and progression of periodontal disease by practicing proper oral hygiene habits. The American Academy of Periodontology recommends the following steps to prevent periodontal disease:
- Remember to brush your teeth after meals to remove food debris and plaque, especially on the tongue.
- Floss at least once a day to clean between teeth and along the gum line.
- Use mouthwash to reduce plaque and remove leftover food particles.
- Be aware of your risk factors for periodontal disease, such as age, smoking, diet, and genetics.
- Schedule an annual comprehensive periodontal evaluation with a dental professional to identify and address any early signs of gum disease.
"Proper oral care and function depend on practicing adequate oral hygiene habits as a priority."
Periodontal Surgery
In severe cases and advanced stages, some patients may need periodontal surgery to effectively eliminate an infection. Periodontal surgery involves various treatments targeting different areas of the mouth, such as flap surgery, bone grafting, guided tissue regeneration, or soft tissue grafts.
During the surgery, small cuts are made in the gums to lift back a section of tissue, allowing the periodontist to remove tartar, bacteria, and infection from the gum sockets and teeth. The gums are then reattached to fit more securely on the teeth. The entire procedure typically lasts about two hours, with a recovery period of up to two weeks.
