Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a prevalent condition affecting a significant portion of the population, especially adults over 65. Left untreated, gum disease can lead to serious health problems, including cardiovascular disease, pancreatitis, and certain cancers. Factors such as advanced age, bruxism, family history, oral bacteria, poor nutrition, and oral hygiene habits contribute to its development.
Early intervention is crucial in reversing the early stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis before it causes irreversible damage. At Blooming Dental & Implant Center, we prioritize early detection and treatment of gum disease to protect oral health, reduce systemic disease risks, and maintain a beautiful smile.
Early intervention is crucial in reversing the early stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis before it causes irreversible damage.
The good news is that gum disease is easily preventable in most cases. Even better, it can be fully reversible in its early stages! Every time you visit Bloomin Dental & Implant Center for your biannual exam and cleaning, we’ll carefully evaluate your gums using several screening methods. We’ll measure the depth of your gum tissue and examine the health and height of the supporting bone tissue using X-rays and other diagnostics.
If you have gum disease, our team delivers treatments outside the scope of what most dentists can offer. We have the experience and technology to perform targeted procedures to stop gum disease in its tracks, from early-stage gingivitis treatment in West Caldwell, NJ to advanced, minimally invasive periodontitis treatment. Of course, your health is our primary concern. When appropriate, we can also refer you to a periodontist for surgical needs that fall outside what we can offer. To ensure you’re comfortable during treatment, you can choose from several sedation options.
To prevent recurrent gum disease, it’s crucial to follow a good oral hygiene routine at home and follow your maintenance recommendations as closely as possible. Following some treatments for gum disease, we may recommend professional teeth cleanings more than twice per year at first to ensure your best outcome. Once your gum health stabilizes, it may be possible to return to a routine of twice-yearly cleanings. With regular professional care, maintenance, and good oral health habits, gum disease doesn’t have to damage your smile ever again!
Scaling and root planing is a highly effective treatment for gum infection and periodontitis. This deep cleaning procedure targets bacteria below the gum line and smooths out tooth roots to prevent future plaque buildup. It can often stabilize advanced gum disease without the need for additional interventions or a visit to a periodontist.
Gum recession is a common condition caused by factors such as periodontitis and teeth grinding. To address this issue, gingival grafts can be performed to stabilize the gums and restore lost gum coverage. This procedure involves transplanting healthy tissue to enhance the health of affected areas.
Our minimally invasive approach to gum grafting, known as PST, eliminates the need for tissue harvesting and stitching. Using specialized instruments, Dr. Chang repositions healthy gum tissue to cover exposed root surfaces through a small hole in the gum tissue. This effective procedure can enhance the aesthetics of your smile, improve oral health, and potentially prevent the need for more invasive treatments or specialist referrals.
Your lips and tongue are attached to the gums with thin strips of connective tissue called frena. When these frena are too short or too tight, they put pressure on the gums and can damage their integrity as support structures for the teeth. They can also cause functional problems and even speech impediments. A frenectomy involves carefully releasing these tight bands of tissue, allowing proper movement of the lips and tongue, and preventing further damage to the attachment of the gums. Using our advanced laser technology, your frenectomy will heal quickly with minimal discomfort.
Gingivectomy is a procedure that involves removing and reshaping overgrown gum tissue, commonly caused by medications or prolonged gingivitis. This excess tissue can harbor plaque and worsen gum inflammation, posing a risk to your oral health. Using advanced lasers, we perform gingivectomy to efficiently reduce periodontal pockets, improve gum health, and promote fast healing for patients with healthy underlying bone tissue.
Prolonged gum disease and certain medications can cause overgrown gum tissue, resulting in a “gummy” smile. Crown lengthening, performed with advanced laser technology, aims to make the teeth appear larger by removing excess gum tissue. This procedure can also address plaque buildup and improve gum health. Crown lengthening may be combined with other treatments like crowns or veneers for optimal aesthetic results, enhancing both the appearance and health of your smile.
