Periodontics
We’ll help you keep your gums healthy so that your mouth and body stay healthy too
Did you know that the effects of periodontal (gum) disease can spread to the rest of your body if left unattended? The pockets lying under teeth are attractions for infection and disease-causing bacteria. We’re here to help you fight gum disease!
Why choose us for your dental care?
PREVENT GUM DISEASE WITH PERIODONTICS
PREVENT COSTLY FUTURE TREATMENTS
DIGITAL, STATE-OF-THE-ART DENTAL OFFICE
Gum Disease Treatment in Ho-Ho-Kus NJ
Periodontal disease cannot be cured; it can only be controlled. That is why we need to examine the health of your gums at least every three months or sooner. If periodontal disease is not closely monitored and controlled, the disease can quickly worsen, destroy bone and soft tissue, and eventually cause you to lose teeth.
Frequent maintenance visits are important
When we first find periodontal disease, we treat it with scaling and root planing to remove plaque and calculus, and to disrupt the bacteria from beneath your gumline.
Removing Plaque below the gumline
This treatment disrupts the growth of the bacteria, but some bacteria remain and may settle back into the pocket where they reproduce. In fact, the number of bacteria doubles every time they reproduce, reaching destructive levels in as few as 90 days.
Periodontal disease is unpredictable
It can be challenging to predict where in your mouth the symptoms of periodontal disease may recur or when, and frequently, it does not hurt. This also means that a twice-a-year cleaning schedule is not adequate for those who have periodontal disease. The only way to find and control periodontal disease is with a professional exam that specifically looks for the disease. The dental hygienist will make notations and measurements during the exam to calculate and assess your periodontal condition.
The maintenance appointment
It is important that you come in every three months, or more, for a periodontal maintenance appointment which may include:
- taking radiographs to check bone levels
- measuring and monitoring the depth of periodontal pockets
- checking for loose teeth or bleeding gums
- removing plaque and buildup of calculus above and below the gumline, which disrupts the bacteria
- evaluating the effectiveness of your homecare and making recommendations
If necessary, we may also re-treat the teeth with scaling and root planing, apply a medication or add antimicrobial rinse to your home care routine. If your disease has progressed, we may refer you to a periodontal specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Periodontal disease is another word for gum disease. It is an infection of the gums and bone that surrounds the teeth. Gum disease is recognized as the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
Regular brushing and flossing combined with semi-annual checkup/hygiene appointments will get you well on your way to fighting and preventing gum disease.
Bleeding and sensitive gums are the most common signs of gum disease. Come see us if you are worried that you may be experiencing symptoms of gum disease.
Depending on the condition of your gums, treatment will vary. We will work with you to ensure your comfort as we customize a treatment plan just for you. Please don’t hesitate to communicate any concerns with us so that we may better provide more comfortable and pain-free treatment options.
Most insurance companies will cover a portion of your periodontics treatment. However, insurance varies on a case-by-case basis. For this reason, we recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to get a full explanation of coverage.