While beautiful teeth are the focus of every smile, healthy gums are just as important. Healthy gums help promote healthy teeth, keep the teeth in place, and reduce the risk of issues such as shifting and tooth loss.
Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to restoring optimal gum health and minimizing the risk of advanced issues often associated with gum diseases, such as bone degeneration and tooth loss.
At Morristown Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Victor Gittleman offers a complete range of solutions for patients with gum disease. Our goal is to help our patients prevent gum disease, treat the effects of gum disease, and reduce the chance of re-infection. In addition to treating gum disease, Dr. Gittleman provides numerous restorative dentistry treatments in Morristown, NJ, dental office.
Signs of Gum Disease
The earliest stage of gum disease is gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums typically caused by plaque bacteria.
Symptoms of gum disease may include:
- Swelling or tenderness in the gums
- Bleeding gums
- Redness and soreness in the gums
When left untreated, gingivitis can advance into a more complex stage of gum disease called periodontitis. During periodontitis, the gums begin to recede from the teeth, leaving pockets or gaps in the gum line where bacteria can hide and eat away at the gum tissue, tooth roots, and supporting bone structure. When left untreated, periodontitis can lead to advanced oral health complications.
Poor oral hygiene, smoking, and dental negligence are some of the leading factors that contribute to gum disease. In some cases, pregnancy, hormonal changes, and genetics can increase a patient’s risk of gum disease.
We recommend that patients visit our Morristown dentist office near you at least twice a year for routine gum disease screenings. When gum disease is identified early, patients may forgo the need for advanced treatment.
Diagnosing Gum Disease
At every routine appointment, our Morristown dentists screen for signs of gum disease. Preventive dental care is one of the best tools to prevent gum disease. During your routine checkup, Dr. Gittleman will assess your teeth and gums for signs of gum disease, such as:
- Bad breath
- Loose, shifting teeth
- Receding Gums
- Pockets of plaque
- Gums that bleed easily
Sometimes, we use our CBCT scanner to gain a more comprehensive view of the gums, teeth, and supporting bone structure. This advanced technology allows us to check for signs of bone loss in the jaw.
Periodontal Therapy Treatments For Gum Disease
Learning the proper ways to prevent gum disease is one of the best tools patients can have. We recommend that patients floss daily, brush twice daily, and visit our office regularly for routine screenings and cleanings. By adopting healthy oral health habits, you can reduce your risk of gum disease.
At Morristown Cosmetic Dentistry. We offer a full range of gum disease treatments for patients of all ages. After a thorough dental health exam, Dr. Gittleman can create a comprehensive treatment plan to address your dental health needs.
Treatments for gum disease may include:
- Scaling and root planing: After numbing the affected areas, tartar and plaque are carefully removed from above and below the gum line. This procedure is best for patients with gingivitis before they develop gum disease.
- Laser gum disease treatment: Dental lasers can gently remove disease and damaged gum tissue. Laser dentistry promotes faster healing, reduces the risk of infection, and improves patient comfort during and after treatment.
- Periodontal Surgery: In advanced cases of gum disease, an oral surgeon may perform gum surgery to remove the size of periodontal pockets and help promote healthier teeth and gums.
Periodontal Therapy FAQs
Here, we aim to address common concerns and provide answers to frequently asked questions about periodontal disease. Whether you are seeking information about its causes, symptoms, or treatments, we hope to provide you with some insight that will help you. Understanding gum disease is vital to maintaining good oral health and to helping you make informed decisions about your dental health.
Is gum disease contagious?
No. Gum disease can not be contracted like a virus. Gum disease develops over time when a dentist leaves your bleeding gums untreated. You can not contract gum disease by kissing or sharing food with someone with it.
Why is periodontal therapy necessary to cure gum disease?
Gum disease does not go away on its own without medical intervention. Only your dentist or periodontist can help you treat your symptoms once it has been determined that your gingivitis has become gum disease. The best thing to do is address your bleeding gums as soon as possible to avoid developing gum disease and periodontitis.
What treatment will I require in the early stages of gum disease?
If it has been determined that you are in the early stages of gum disease, a comprehensive scaling and root planing procedure will be conducted. Most patients who get this done avoid developing more severe symptoms. Some patients only need a scaling and root planing treatment to reverse their periodontal issues.
Can gum disease be reversed?
Yes, we can reverse gum disease in its early stage, known as gingivitis. Through good oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing and flossing, along with professional dental cleanings, we can help you get your oral hygiene back on track. However, in its more advanced stage, periodontitis, we can only help you manage your gum disease. Further damage is prevented but not fully reversed.
How do you diagnose gum disease?
Dr. Gittleman will diagnose your gum disease through a comprehensive examination. This may include assessing symptoms, inspecting gum tissues, measuring the depth of gum pockets, reviewing dental records, taking X-rays, and performing other tests. These will help him evaluate your overall oral health and the presence of any periodontal disease.
Can gum disease affect my overall health?
Yes, gum disease can affect your overall health. The bacteria from gum disease can enter the bloodstream, increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other health conditions. Regular dental check-ups and oral hygiene are vital to preventing and managing gum disease for overall health.
Schedule a Screening For Gum Disease in Morristown, NJ
If you notice any inflammation or swelling in the gums, contact our team at Morristown Cosmetic Dentistry. To schedule an appointment, call (973) 287-3337 or request an appointment online.
During your appointment, Dr. Gittleman can discuss your treatment options for gum disease. We proudly serve patients in Morristown, Madison, Chatham, and surrounding communities. Visit our dental practice for the dentistry you deserve.