Periodontics
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Periodontics
Periodontal or gum disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It is a leading cause of tooth loss in American adults. It has also been linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other health problems.
Good oral hygiene and regular dental examinations are essential in the prevention and early detection of gum disease – especially since you can have it without experiencing any warning signs.
Signs That You May Have Gum Disease Include
- Gums that are red, swollen, tender, bleed easily, or pull away from the teeth
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste
- Loose or separating teeth
- A change in the way your teeth fit together
- A change in the fit of partial dentures.
At Dental Health Associates, P.A., you have access to a skilled and experienced periodontist who will treat you with compassion. Our periodontists specialize in periodontal (gum) surgery and soft tissue management, a non-surgical approach to gum disease.
Periodontal (Gum) Surgery
Healthy gum tissue protects your teeth from disease and is cosmetically important to ensure a naturally beautiful smile. Gum tissue loss or “gum recession” can cause you to have tooth sensitivity as well as make it harder for you to clean the area. In addition, you may look older than your age because your teeth appear to be too long (“long in the tooth”).
When gum tissue recedes due to periodontal disease, it pulls away from the teeth. Periodontal surgery procedures can restore root coverage and dramatically improve your smile.
Soft tissue grafts and other root coverage procedures cover exposed roots and restore healthy gum tissue. This will reduce further bone loss and recession, make the tooth less sensitive, protect the root from root cavities, make crowns or implants look more natural, and make your smile look younger.
Soft Tissue Management (Non-Surgical Approach to Gum Disease)
Our soft tissue management program is a structured approach to the diagnosis and treatment of early periodontal disease, including re-evaluation and maintenance. The treatment procedures utilized in soft tissue management are non-surgical, consisting primarily of scaling and root planing, plaque removal, polishing, and where indicated, the use of antimicrobials and antibiotics.
Soft tissue management is the first phase or initial stage of periodontal therapy. Its goals are to eliminate inflammation by removing local irritants and to establish a home care regimen that will assure the daily disruption of plaque.
At the conclusion of this first phase of therapy, your dentist will re-evaluate your periodontal tissues to determine whether you will need surgery or another specialized procedure. This program is based on a close working relationship between you, a general dentist, and possibly with a periodontist for your ultimate therapeutic good.
In New Jersey, Dental Health Associates, P.A. periodontists provide expert care for gum disease, including surgical and non-surgical approaches. We accept most major insurances. Call our central toll-free number (888) 995-8095 for more information or schedule an appointment online with a periodontist near you.