Periodontitis & Gum Disease Treatments in Saddle Brook

Did you know that gum disease is the main cause of tooth loss in adults? Astoundingly, data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that an astonishing 50% of individuals over the age of 30 in the United States suffer from periodontal disease. However, there is a positive aspect to this as periodontal disease can largely be prevented. At EverSmile Dental, we offer a wide range of services to help maintain excellent periodontal health. This allows our patients to enjoy the benefits of a vibrant smile that not only looks and feels amazing but also functions at its full potential.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, refers to a range of inflammatory conditions that impact the supportive tissues surrounding teeth, typically referred to as the “periodontium.” Similar to tooth decay, the development of gum disease is linked to harmful bacteria found in dental plaque and tartar that accumulate on and below the gum line. It is worth noting that the progression of this disease is often devoid of pain, making it easy to overlook. Consequently, it is crucial to adopt proper oral hygiene practices, schedule regular check-ups, receive professional cleanings, and maintain routine care. Preserving your oral health includes being attentive to the indicators and symptoms associated with gum disease.

The following are some signs that you may have periodontal disease:

Gums that are inflamed and red
Brushing or flossing causes bleeding
Gum recession and exposed tooth root surfaces
Temperature sensitivity (hot or cold)
Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth
Teeth that appear to be loose
New spaces between the teeth or a shift in the bite
Alteration to the fit of existing partial dentures
Discharge from the gums and teeth
When biting or chewing food, you may experience sharp or dull pain.

The Importance Of Good Oral Health

Maintaining the well-being of your smile goes beyond merely taking care of your teeth and gums; it also plays a crucial role in supporting your overall health. Alongside its reputation as the primary cause of tooth loss in adults, periodontal disease is increasingly being associated with a range of medical issues, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and respiratory problems. At EverSmile Dental, we strongly emphasize the significance of preventing, detecting, and treating periodontal disease promptly. Our priority is to offer patients the necessary guidance, support, and personalized care to ensure optimal periodontal health.

What exactly is gingivitis?

Gingivitis is the initial phase of gum disease. Although it does not usually cause any noticeable discomfort, there are specific indicators that suggest the beginning of a problem. If you observe bleeding, redness, inflammation, or tenderness in your gums while brushing, it is highly probable that you have gingivitis. The good news is that treating gingivitis in its early stages can prevent the tissue damage associated with more advanced gum diseases. Despite the presence of inflammation, the overall health of the gum tissues at this stage remains intact. Taking necessary treatment measures at this point often leads to a complete reversal of the disease and prevents any permanent harm to the gums. A series of thorough dental cleanings, an improved oral hygiene routine, and a commitment to regular maintenance are usually sufficient to halt the progression of this stage of periodontal disease.

What exactly is periodontitis?

If gingivitis is not treated, it can progress into a more severe stage of gum disease called periodontitis. At this point, the connective tissue and bone holding the teeth in place start to deteriorate. As periodontal disease and periodontitis advance, there is a gradual loss of tissue. This damage can manifest in various ways, including increased space between the teeth and bone, receding gums, and loss of bone. As unresolved periodontitis worsens from mild to moderate to severe, it significantly compromises the soft and hard tissues that support the teeth. During this phase, periodontal treatment aims to halt the progression of the disease and restore tooth support whenever possible. Treatment options may involve medications to control bacteria and reduce the pockets between the teeth and gums, gum surgery, as well as grafts of bone and tissue.

Allow our expertise to assist you in preserving exceptional periodontal well-being.

Welcome to EverSmile Dental, where we strive to provide you with personalized and cutting-edge solutions for maintaining healthy gums and a beautiful, fully functional smile. Our team of highly skilled professionals is dedicated to utilizing the latest technology and advanced treatment methods in order to address a wide range of periodontal conditions and cater to your unique needs. With the remarkable progress made in the field of dental care, our comprehensive periodontal treatments not only aim to stop the progression of gum disease but also offer effective solutions such as bone grafting and regenerative procedures. These procedures are designed to repair tissue damage, restore bone volume, enhance cosmetic aspects, and provide the necessary support for the successful placement of dental implants.

What is the treatment for gum disease?

The specific type of treatment for periodontal issues that you will receive is determined by various factors. These factors include the stage of your periodontal disease, the extent of damage to your oral tissues, your overall oral health, any existing medical conditions you may have, and other factors that require consideration in your care. Once we have conducted a comprehensive evaluation of your case, we will have a detailed conversation with you about the available options to restore and sustain optimal periodontal health. We encourage you to ask any questions you may have, as we are always available to offer guidance and address any concerns you may have.

There are various classifications for periodontal treatment which are as follows:

When periodontal disease is identified early on, less invasive or non-surgical treatments along with improved oral hygiene practices can be effective in restoring gum health. While regular professional cleanings are sufficient for maintaining gum health in individuals without gum disease, deeper cleanings and other non-surgical treatments are recommended once gingivitis is present. The American Academy of Periodontology highlights the importance of utilizing the least invasive and cost-effective treatment methods to promote periodontal health. Scaling and root planing are non-surgical procedures considered the primary defense against the advancement of periodontal disease. This procedure involves carefully removing plaque and hardened dental plaque (tartar) that have accumulated below the gumline, followed by smoothing the root surfaces of the teeth. By mechanically eliminating these agents that cause inflammation in response to plaque, tartar, and bacterial toxins, the progression of gum disease can be stopped. In addition to scaling and root planing, antimicrobial medications can be applied under the gumline or systemic medications can be prescribed to further reduce the bacterial population. If non-surgical treatments do not yield the desired outcome in managing periodontal disease, surgery may be recommended to halt its progression and repair any damages that are feasible.
When gum disease progresses beyond its initial stage, it is often advisable to undergo periodontal surgery. This procedure effectively eliminates harmful bacteria and tartar from around the teeth, while also reducing the depth of the gum pockets and attempting to restore lost tissue. The primary goal of this surgery is to halt the advancement of the disease. It is important to bear in mind that gum disease is a condition that worsens over time. Failure to take appropriate measures can result in compromised teeth support and negative consequences for overall dental health and well-being. As untreated gingivitis develops into more advanced stages of gum disease, the pockets between the teeth and gums deepen, making it increasingly challenging to eliminate bacteria and widening the gaps. When the depth of these pockets exceeds what can be reached through deep cleanings and other conservative methods of care (typically 5mm or more), gum surgery is often recommended. This surgical intervention aims to clean and treat damage to the gums and underlying bone. The encouraging news is that with proper surgical treatment followed by improved oral hygiene practices, the likelihood of tooth loss, further damage to the supporting bone and soft tissues, and complications related to periodontal disease can be significantly reduced.
The primary objectives of pocket reduction surgery are as follows:
1. Eliminating sub-gingival bacteria present beneath the gums and on the roots’ surfaces
2. Preventing further damage to the underlying bone and reshaping affected hard tissues, if required
3. Reducing pocket depth to facilitate easier cleaning of teeth and gums, thus promoting optimal periodontal health.

In many cases, a periodontal procedure called flap surgery is commonly recommended. This procedure involves temporarily separating the gums from the teeth and supporting bone. By doing so, the pockets and tooth roots can be thoroughly cleaned, and any necessary reshaping of supporting tissues can be performed. Once this step is completed, the gums are carefully reattached back into their original position using sutures.

Presently, dental lasers are also employed for certain periodontal procedures alongside traditional surgical approaches. Laser technology can effectively treat periodontitis, reduce pocket depth, address peri-implantitis, and even modify or reshape gingival tissues for aesthetic purposes.

For more detailed information about our dental practice and the wide range of services we offer, please contact us today.