Gum Disease Treatment – West Orange, NJ

What is Gum Disease?

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 2 in 5 adults are affected by some form of gum disease. In the early stages, the symptoms associated with this infection are relatively minor, such as swelling and sensitivity. However, if it’s left alone to progress, it can lead to severe consequences, including tooth loss. That’s why it’s so important to visit our team at D & G Dental of West Orange every six months for a checkup (or sooner, if you suspect that you may have gum disease).

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Here are a few common warning signs of gum disease:

• Bleeding gums
• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Bad breath
• Loosening or separating teeth

Other symptoms (such as pus forming along the gumline) don’t generally occur until much later in the disease. If this occurs, visit us at D&G Dental of West Orange to find out more about your gum health.

How Do We Treat Gum Disease?

If we determine that there is an active infection in your gums, then we will move on to the next step of the process: reviewing your treatment options. You can learn a little more about the different solutions that we offer below, starting with scaling and root planing.

Scaling & Root Planing

For those suffering from gum disease, a two-step treatment called scaling and root planing is sometimes recommended. The goal of this deep-cleaning procedure is to remove harmful bacteria, get rid of active infections, and allow the gums to heal. It is a non-surgical approach that can help in cases of mild, moderate, or even severe gum disease.

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Do I Need Scaling & Root Planing?

Some mild cases of gum disease can be reversed with at-home care, including improvements to your brushing and flossing routine. However, other situations require professional therapy along with daily habit changes. You should visit us for an evaluation if:

• Your gums bleed easily when you brush and floss
• You struggle with persistent bad breath
• Your gums are receding
• Your gums are red, puffy, or swollen
• There is visible plaque buildup along your gumline

The Process of Scaling & Root Planing

Scaling and root planing is a two-part process that amounts to a deep cleaning of the mouth. During scaling, we use special instruments to remove plaque and tartar from both above and below the gumline. We reach into the pockets between the teeth and gums in order to remove accumulations of bacteria that may be hiding there.

During root planing, we smooth out the roots of the teeth so bacteria can no longer easily collect on them.

We typically perform scaling and root planing on just one quadrant of the mouth at a time, so the entire process could take up to four appointments.

Aftercare Tips for Scaling & Root Planing

Scaling and root planing can be a fairly intensive process, so proper aftercare is very important! Your mouth may feel normal within a few weeks, but in the meantime, you should:

• Regularly rinse your mouth with warm salt water to reduce irritation and promote cleanness.
• Be gentle but thorough when you brush and floss.
• Eat a soft diet for at least 48 hours, and avoid foods that are too hot or spicy. Cool foods may feel soothing on sore tissues.
• Avoid strenuous physical activity for a few days.
• Visit us for all recommended follow-up care.

Antibiotic Treatment

After an initial periodontal cleaning, we may choose to apply slow-release antibiotic medication within the pockets of the gums, called Arestin. Over the course of two weeks, small microspheres will gradually release the medication to target the source of the bacteria within the gum pockets. This will enable the powerful medicine to reach and kill any remaining bacteria still hidden deep beneath the gums. Once this process is over, a patient should come in for regular dental cleanings more often to ensure that the infection doesn’t come back.

Gum Grafting

Gum recession is a common issue among patients, and it can occur for a number of reasons, including the presence of periodontal disease, brushing technique, bruxism, and simple genetics. At D&G Dental of West Orange, Dr. Dawoud can correct the placement of your gums and recreate your symmetrically beautiful smile. This revolutionary service doesn’t involve any cutting or grafting – instead, a very small opening will be created with a pointed tool so that the soft tissue can be slid down and adjusted into the proper position over the roots.

Our team won’t need to use a scalpel for incisions or sutures afterwards – in fact, patients shouldn’t experience any bleeding or discomfort in general. The results will be visible right away, and the recovery period is usually much shorter and simpler. Contact our dental office today to schedule your first appointment!