Periodontal Therapy

Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It's typically caused by poor oral hygiene, which allows plaque — a sticky film of bacteria — to build up on the teeth and harden. In advanced stages, periodontal disease can lead to sore and bleeding gums, painful chewing problems, and even tooth loss.

Stages of Periodontal Disease in Harrison, NJ

Gingivitis

This is the earliest stage of gum disease, characterized by inflammation of the gums. Common signs include redness, swelling, and bleeding during brushing or flossing. Gingivitis is reversible with good oral hygiene and professional cleanings.

Periodontitis

If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. At this stage, the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth and form pockets, which can become infected. The body's immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. Toxins produced by the bacteria and the body's "good" enzymes fighting the infection both start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. Without treatment, the bones, gums, and tissue that support the teeth will be destroyed. Then, the teeth could become loose and must be removed.

Risk Factors for Periodontal Disease in Harrison, NJ

Several factors can increase the risk of developing periodontal disease, including:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Smoking or chewing tobacco
• Hormonal changes in women
• Diabetes
• Certain medications
• Genetic susceptibility

Importance of Periodontal Therapy in Harrison, NJ

Periodontal therapy is essential for maintaining healthy gums and preventing the progression of gum disease. It involves various treatments designed to restore and preserve the health of the gums and the supporting structures of the teeth. Contact us to learn more.

Benefits of Periodontal Therapy

• Prevents tooth loss: Advanced periodontal disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults. By treating gum disease early, periodontal therapy helps prevent tooth loss and preserves your natural teeth.
• Reduces systemic health risks: Gum disease has been linked to several systemic health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. Periodontal therapy reduces these risks by eliminating the infection and inflammation associated with gum disease.
• Enhances oral health: Healthy gums are essential for overall oral health. Periodontal therapy improves the health of your gums, making it easier to maintain good oral hygiene and keep your teeth and gums in optimal condition.
• Improves aesthetic appearance: Healthy gums contribute to a beautiful smile. Periodontal therapy can improve the appearance of your gums, making your smile look healthier and more attractive.

Types of Periodontal Therapy

At Harrison Implant and Family Dentistry, Dr. Jonathan Daniels offers a comprehensive range of periodontal therapies tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient. The type of therapy recommended depends on the severity of the gum disease and the specific needs of the patient.

Non-Surgical Treatments

• Professional dental cleaning: The first step in treating periodontal disease is professional dental cleaning. During cleaning, all the plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) above and below the gum line are removed. If you show signs of gum disease, you may be advised to have cleanings more than twice a year.
• Scaling and root planing: This is a deep-cleaning, nonsurgical procedure done under a local anesthetic, whereby plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line are scraped away (scaling), and rough spots on the tooth root are made smooth (planing). Smoothing the rough spots removes bacteria and provides a clean surface for the gums to reattach to the teeth.

Surgical Treatments

• Flap surgery: For advanced periodontitis, flap surgery (pocket reduction surgery) may be required. During this procedure, the gums are lifted back, and the tartar is removed. In some cases, irregular surfaces of the damaged bone are smoothed. The gums are then placed so that the tissue fits snugly around the tooth. This method decreases the size of the space between the gum and tooth, thereby decreasing the areas where harmful bacteria can grow and decreasing the chance of serious health problems associated with periodontal disease.
• Bone grafts: This procedure involves using fragments of your own bone, synthetic bone, or donated bone to replace bone that deteriorated because of periodontitis. The grafts serve as a platform for the regrowth of bone, which restores the stability of teeth.
• Soft tissue grafts: This procedure reinforces thin gums or fills in places where gums have receded. Grafted tissue, most often taken from the roof of the mouth, is stitched in place, adding tissue to the affected area.
• Guided tissue regeneration: Performed when the bone supporting your teeth has been destroyed, this procedure stimulates bone and gum tissue growth. Done in combination with flap surgery, a small piece of mesh-like fabric is inserted between the bone and gum tissue. This keeps the gum tissue from growing into the area where the bone should be, allowing the bone and connective tissue to regrow to better support the teeth.
• Bone surgery: Bone surgery smooths shallow craters in the bone due to moderate to advanced bone loss. After flap surgery, the bone around the tooth is reshaped to decrease the craters. This makes it harder for bacteria to collect and grow.

The Periodontal Therapy Process

The periodontal therapy process at Harrison Implant and Family Dentistry involves several steps, each designed to ensure the best possible outcome for our patients.

Step 1: Initial Consultation

The process begins with an initial consultation with Dr. Jonathan Daniels. During this visit, your medical and dental history will be reviewed, and a thorough examination of your gums and teeth will be conducted. X-rays may be taken to assess the health of the bone supporting your teeth.

Step 2: Diagnosis and Treatment Planning

Based on the findings from the initial consultation, Dr. Daniels will diagnose the extent of your periodontal disease and develop a personalized treatment plan. The plan will outline the recommended therapies and the expected timeline for treatment.

Step 3: Treatment

The treatment phase involves implementing the recommended therapies. This may include a combination of nonsurgical and surgical treatments, depending on the severity of the gum disease. Throughout the treatment process, our team will provide detailed instructions on how to care for your gums and teeth at home.

Step 4: Maintenance

After the initial treatment phase, regular maintenance visits are crucial to ensure the long-term success of periodontal therapy. During these visits, Dr. Daniels will monitor your gum health and provide professional cleanings to prevent the recurrence of gum disease.

Post-Treatment Care

Proper post-treatment care is essential for maintaining the health of your gums after periodontal therapy. Here are some tips to help you care for your gums at home:

Oral Hygiene

• Brush twice daily: Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Be sure to brush along the gum line to remove plaque and prevent gum disease.
• Floss daily: Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and along the gum line. Use a gentle sawing motion to avoid injuring your gums.
• Use antibacterial mouthwash: An antibacterial mouthwash can help reduce plaque and bacteria in your mouth, promoting healthy gums.

Healthy Diet

• Eat a balanced diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains supports overall oral health. Avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks that can contribute to plaque buildup.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep your mouth moist and washes away food particles and bacteria.

Regular Dental Visits

• Schedule regular checkups: Regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential for maintaining periodontal health. Dr. Daniels will monitor your gums and provide professional cleanings to prevent the recurrence of gum disease.
• Attend follow-up appointments: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to ensure your gums are healing properly and to address any concerns promptly.

Conclusion

Periodontal therapy is a vital component of maintaining optimal oral health. At Harrison Implant and Family Dentistry, Dr. Jonathan Daniels and our team are dedicated to providing comprehensive periodontal care tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient. By addressing gum disease early and implementing effective treatments, we help our patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles.

Ready to enhance your smile and oral health? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Jonathan Daniels at Harrison Implant and Family Dentistry today! Visit us at 6 Frank E Rodgers Blvd N, Harrison, NJ 07029, or call (973) 484-3443 to book your consultation.