Dr. Raj Upadya of the Metropolitan Center for Complete Dentistry in the Summit, NJ, area offers periodontal therapy to prevent and treat the signs and symptoms of gum disease. Gum disease treatment is one of the dental concerns we treat in Summit, New Jersey. Gum disease can damage the integrity of the health and function of the smile. Dental cavities and gum disease are among the leading causes of tooth loss.
About three out of every four Americans are affected by gum disease, which is mostly caused by bacterial plaque build-up. Other contributing factors to gum disease may include teeth grinding, TMJ dysfunction, tobacco use, hormonal changes (as in pregnancy or menopause), and poor nutrition.
What Happens When You Get Gum Disease?
A gum infection starts with bacteria that build up around your gums and teeth. In many cases, the sugars and starches from leftover food attract harmful bacteria to the gums. As plaque, a thin film, covers the gums, it hardens. Left untreated, the infection spreads deeper into the gums and can even reach the bone supporting your teeth.
Gum disease doesn’t just affect your mouth—it can also impact your overall health. Studies show a link between gum disease and health issues like heart disease and diabetes. Regular dental checkups, cleanings, and a good brushing and flossing routine can help keep gum disease under control.
The Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease has two key stages, each of which can have a progression of symptoms. Learn more about each stage below:
Gingivitis
This is an early form of gum disease that causes red and swollen gums. A person develops gingivitis when plaque, a sticky substance that contains bacteria, builds up on your teeth and causes inflammation to the gums surrounding the teeth. If gingivitis is not properly treated, it will develop into periodontitis.
Dr. Upadya can treat and reverse gingivitis at his Summit, NJ dentist office. Since it does not often cause pain, you should know the symptoms of gum disease, which include:
- Red gums
- Swollen gums
- Sore gums
- Tooth pain or sensitivity
- Loose teeth
- Bad Breath
Periodontitis
Advanced gum disease is referred to as periodontitis. In the later stages of gum disease, the gums begin to pull away from the teeth and create pockets between the gums and teeth. Bacteria will get trapped in those pockets, leading to infections that put a person at risk for losing their teeth. It can also harm the mouth and jaw tissue, ligaments, and bone.
Advanced gum disease needs intensive treatment to address damage and restore oral health. The symptoms of advanced gum disease can include:
- Pain when eating
- Receding gums
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Mouth sores or pus between gums and teeth
- Pockets between mouth and gums
- Loose and sensitive teeth
If you already have heart problems, gum disease can worsen your symptoms. The inflammation in your gums can spread through the bloodstream. In untreated patients, this inflammation can increase the risk of heart attacks, stroke, and heart disease. We welcome you to contact us for an exam.
Gum Disease Treatment in Summit, NJ
We focus our gum disease treatment on removing harmful bacteria from the gums, often in the form of plaque and tartar. After he evaluates your oral health at our Summit, NJ, dentist office, Dr. Upadya will recommend the right treatment for you.
Depending on your specific condition, there are many gum disease treatment options. Dr. Upadya uses both conservative therapies and advanced dental technology to address many periodontal concerns:
Scaling and Root Planing
This deep cleaning procedure helps remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line. During scaling, the dentist carefully cleans the surfaces of your teeth and the areas around your gums. Root planing smooths out the roots of your teeth, making it harder for bacteria to attach. This treatment helps reduce inflammation and promotes healing in your gums.
Radiosurgery
This technique uses focused radiation to treat gum disease. It can effectively remove diseased tissue while minimizing damage to the surrounding healthy tissue. This method provides a precise way to address gum issues. It can lead to quicker recovery times compared to traditional surgery.
Laser Dentistry
This advanced treatment option uses focused light energy to target and treat gum disease. Lasers can help remove infected tissue, reduce bacteria, and promote healing. This technique often results in less pain and a shorter recovery than traditional methods. Many patients appreciate laser dentistry because it can be more comfortable and less invasive.
What is Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation?
Gum recession is when the tooth roots are exposed, and the gums shift upwards. Gum recession is commonly caused by gum disease. Pinhole gum rejuvenation is a great treatment to correct the issue if you suffer from gum disease and gum recession. The Pinhole gum rejuvenation is a scalpel-free, suture-free, microsurgical procedure that California dentist Dr. John Chao invented.
Only 150 dentists worldwide have the Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation certification, making Dr. Upadya one of the few dentists on the East Coast experienced in this type of gum recession treatment. Dr. Upadya was a member of Dr. Chao’s inaugural class of dentists who undertook training and certification in the procedure.
What if I Lose My Teeth?
If you have loose or missing teeth due to gum disease, we offer several options for replacement. Dr. Upadya will recommend the most conservative treatment with long-term results. Treatment for missing teeth may include dental implants, dental bridges, and dentures.
Implants are small metal posts that restore missing tooth roots. They can restore one or more lost teeth and can support a single crown, bridge, or denture. We can provide a single implant and crown if you lose a tooth. If you lose more than one tooth, we will recommend implant-supported bridges or dentures.
Heal Your Gums
If you have sore or bleeding gums, schedule a periodontal screening and consultation appointment. We offer treatment for gum disease in the Summit, NJ, and Florham Park, NJ, areas. Our office gladly welcomes new patients. If you have questions, please let us know at your next visit.