Periodontal Disease Treatment Succasunna NJ

Dr. Ira Goldberg offers restorative dentistry solutions for gum disease in Succasunna, NJ. His professional dental team at Morris County Dental Associates treats patients with swollen and bleeding gums, toothaches, mouth sores, and receding gums. These conditions are signs of the disease. In the most severe cases of gum disease, patients may lose their teeth. Learn how we combat gum recession in our dental office.

Gum Disease treatment in Succasunna, NJ

Treating Gum Disease in Succasunna

Dr. Ira Goldberg and his team offer a variety of methods to treat gum disease. Continue reading to learn more about the types of treatments used for gum disease:

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing are often used in conjunction to help clean gums and fight gum inflammation. Scaling is an intensive cleaning that goes beneath the gum line to remove plaque and tartar. This deep cleaning is necessary to clean out the pockets that have begun to form during the beginning stages of gum disease. Your dentist will use special tools to gently scrape away the build up. Then they will perform root planing. During this part of the treatment, your dentist will gently  smooth out tooth roots. The purpose of this is to help gums reattach to teeth.

Gum Graft Surgery

With advanced stages of gum disease, patients will often suffer from severe gum recession. A gum grafting surgery will use soft tissue from another part of the mouth to cover up the tooth roots. This is an invasive oral surgery that will requires skill and precision. Gum grafting is necessary to prevent tooth loss. You are at risk of losing your teeth during the late stages of periodontitis. However, a gum graft can cover up your teeth roots and prevent this.

Flap Surgery

Deep gum pockets often form during the advanced stages of gum disease, periodontitis. During flap surgery, or gingival flap surgery, the gums are lifted to remove tartar that has built up the tooth roots and surrounding bone. Once the pockets are cleaned, they are redeposited and sutured into place. This will promote healing and prevent the pockets from growing deeper.

Antibiotics

Sometimes patients require antibiotics to help control bacterial infections. The dentist will prescribe this in the form of an oral pill, topical gel, or a mouth rinse. This is often used in conjunction with scaling and root planing.

Treating Gum Recession with Pinhole Surgery

The Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique was developed by Dr. John Chao, who has trained Dr. Goldberg in the procedure. Also called the “lunchtime gum lift”, this procedure is done to reverse gum recession using a minimally invasive procedure that is completed in a single visit with minimal discomfort and downtime.

To begin, Dr. Goldberg will numb the gums and tissue in the area. A tiny hole is made with a needle in the gums. Then a special dental instrument is placed through the pinhole and is moved back and forth with gentle movements to free the gum flap over the teeth.

Once the gum tissue has been freed, it is guided into a normal position covering the exposed tooth root surface. Tiny collagen strips are placed through the pinhole into the gums to help stabilize them. The pinhole method involves no incisions or sutures and usually heals in just one day.

Stages of Periodontal Disease

Gingivitis– Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease. Patients gums may be swollen and bleed upon contact. This stage of periodontal disease is reversible with increased oral hygiene. It is always recommended that patients brush and floss their teeth at least twice daily. 

Early Periodontitis– The second stage of periodontal disease is early periodontitis. Patients may experience sore gums, bleeding gums, redness, and swelling. During this stage plaque on patients teeth begins to harden and cause decay. It is crucial to begin treatment before decay begins because at that point damage is irreversible. 

Moderate Periodontitis– The third stage of periodontal disease is known as moderate periodontitis. Once the disease has reached this stage patients gums begin to recede, and teeth may become loose. Teeth have begun to decay, however with treatment we can minimize further damage and slow the progression of the disease. 

Advanced Periodontitis– The last stage of periodontal disease is advanced periodontitis. This stage of the disease is the most severe and may result in tooth loss and bone deterioration. At this point the infection has spread to patients jawbone and potentially the bloodstream. Any damage that has already occurred is irreversible at this point, however treatment is necessary in order to prevent the disease from spreading and causing further damage. 

Periodontal Disease Treatment FAQs

Do you have further questions about how periodontal disease treatment can preserve and save your smile? Continue reading to find answers to frequently asked questions in our office. 

How long does it take to reverse periodontal disease?

The time it takes to reverse periodontal disease varies based on severity and patient. It may take anywhere from three weeks to six months. The process may be lengthy, however, it is necessary to preserve and restore gum health.

Can gums grow back after periodontal disease?

Gum tissue cannot grow back after periodontal disease. Gum grafting surgery can be used to replace missing tissue but your gums are not able to grow back naturally after damage.

What do gums look like with gum disease?

Most patients with gum disease have gum tissue that appears red and irritated. It is also common for patients with periodontal disease to experience bleeding when brushing and flossing. If this is how your gum are, you need to seek help from a dentist. Early intervention will yield the best results with gum disease.

Can brushing reverse periodontal disease?

In its earliest stages of gum disease, gingivitis, a change in your oral care routine can reverse periodontal disease. This change involves a regimented brushing and flossing routine at least twice daily. Additionally, using an antiseptic mouthwash can also help remove plaque and prevent gingivitis from worsening. However, some patients may require a professional dental cleaning to remove tartar, a hardened form of plaque that will not come off with regular brushing. 

Can gum disease affect your brain?

Recent research has suggested that gum disease can affect other aspects of your health. Untreated gum infection may increase your risk for cognitive decline which results in diseases such as Alzheimer’s and cancer. Periodontal disease has the potential to release harmful bacteria into your bloodstream where it can reach other parts of your body including your brain. While this is still being studied and researched, maintaining good oral health could potentially reduce your risk of certain neurological disorders. If you think you may have gum disease call us today to schedule a consultation.

Can a dentist save my teeth if I have periodontal disease?

Yes, your dentist can save your teeth from periodontal disease by catching the symptoms early. Visit your dentist on a regular basis for cleanings and checkups. We can detect early signs of gum disease and take action to prevent it from progressing. It is only if you let gum disease progress without treatment, that it may result in tooth loss.


Request a Consultation for Treatment for Gum Disease in Succasunna, NJ

Do you have gums that have been receding or are you unhappy with the appearance of your smile? Call Morris County Dental Associates today at 973-298-5893 to explore your treatment options with Dr. Goldberg. You may also request an appointment online.