How is Gum Disease Treated Gum disease is a serious oral health condition and often requires comprehensive treatment approaches, especially in its advanced stages. As a leading periodontist practice, Westwood Periodontics specializes in the prevention and treatment of periodontal issues such as gum disease.Our approach is tailored to each patient's needs, ensuring the best possible outcomes. For minor to moderate cases, we typically recommend non-surgical treatment options, such as scaling and root planning. For more severe cases of periodontal disease, we may recommend surgical intervention, such as pocket reduction surgery, or bone grafting. Non-Surgical Treatments for Gum Disease in mild to moderate stagesDental Cleanings and MaintenanceAs the old adage goes, “The best defense is a good offense.” If you want to avoid gum disease altogether, it’s best to be proactive. Regular professional periodontal cleanings are vital in preventing the onset and progression of gum disease. Periodontal cleanings are different then the routine dental cleanings with the general dentist. We remove plaque and tartar from under the gum, that is where the focus lies. This type of cleaning requires much more skill and knowledge in order to make it painless. Our team of three hygienist have 25-40 years of experience. Scaling and Root PlaningProcedure: Scaling and root planning, commonly known as “deep cleaning,” is a two-part process. Scaling involves removing plaque and tartar from the root surfaces and beneath the gum line. Root planning then focuses on smoothing the tooth roots to help the gums reattach to the teeth. This treatment is more intensive than a regular dental cleaning and targets the areas affected by gum disease. Benefits: This treatment is essential for stopping the progression of gum disease. It reduces inflammation, decreases the depth of periodontal pockets, and helps prevent further oral health complications, including tooth loss. Recovery Time: Typically, patients can resume normal activities immediately after scaling and root planning. Some may experience mild sensitivity or discomfort for a few days, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Reason for Procedure: Scaling and root planning is recommended for patients exhibiting signs of gum disease, such as bleeding gums, deep periodontal pockets, and inflammation. It is particularly effective in the early to moderate stages of gum disease. Determination: The periodontist will assess the need for scaling and root planning through a comprehensive oral examination, which includes measuring the depth of the gum pockets and evaluating the extent of gum inflammation and tartar buildup. Surgical Treatments for Gum DiseasePocket Reduction Surgery or Osseous SurgeryProcedure: Pocket reduction surgery, also known as osseous surgery, involves folding back the gum tissue to remove disease-causing bacteria and smooth areas of damaged bone. This allows the gum tissue to reattach to healthy bone. Benefits: This procedure reduces the depth of the gum pockets, making it easier to clean these areas and maintain oral hygiene, thus preventing further progression of gum disease. Recovery Time: Recovery typically takes one week. Patients may experience some discomfort, which can be managed with medication prescribed by the periodontist. Reason for Procedure: Pocket reduction surgery is recommended when deep pockets between teeth and gums have formed due to advanced gum disease, and they cannot be adequately cleaned with regular hygiene practices. Determination: Dr. Gupta will perform a thorough examination, including measuring pocket depths and evaluating bone loss, to determine if this procedure is appropriate. Bone GraftingProcedure: Bone grafting involves replacing or encouraging new growth of bone lost due to periodontal disease. This can involve using fragments of a patient's own bone, donated bone, or synthetic materials. Benefits: The primary benefit of bone grafting is to regenerate lost bone, which can provide better support for teeth and improve the aesthetics of the facial structure. Recovery Time: Recovery from bone grafting can vary, generally taking several months for the bone graft to fuse and fully integrate with the existing bone. Reason for Procedure: Bone grafting is necessary when periodontal disease has destroyed the bone surrounding a tooth root, compromising the stability of the tooth and overall oral health. Determination: The need for bone grafting is assessed through detailed dental x-rays and a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's oral health, focusing on the degree of bone loss and the overall condition of the teeth and gums. Use A Specialist Like UsAt Westwood Periodontics, the decision to proceed with these advanced surgical treatments is made with careful consideration as it relates to the patient's overall oral health, the severity of the gum disease, and the specific goals for treatment. We approach both surgical and non-surgical with world-class expertise, and a commitment to providing the best possible care—not only to treat gum disease but to enhance your quality of life and long-term oral health. Ready to learn more? Call (551) 751-2024 to speak with one of our trained specialists and schedule your consultation. |
Contact Information354 Old Hook Rd #201 Westwood, NJ 07675 (551) 751-2024 info@westwoodperiodontics.com Office HoursMon - Thur: 8am to 5pmFollow UsRequest an Appointment |
