Periodontics
Periodontics is an area of dentistry with an exclusive focus on the inflammatory disease that can destroy gum tissue and supporting tooth structures. If you are interested in knowing more about Periodontics and knowing what is a periodontist, please contact Aesthetic Dental Centers today to book your initial consultation.
Information on Periodontics
What is a Periodontist?
A periodontist is a highly trained dental specialist who focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum disease (periodontal diesease), as well as placing dental implants. They are experts in addressing complex gum issues, such as severe inflammation and bone loss around teeth. Periodontists perform advanced procedures like scaling and root planing, gum grafting, and regenerative treatments to restore and maintain oral health. With extensive training beyond general dentistry, they are uniquely equipped to provide specialized care for the gums and the structures that support your teeth, ensuring the best outcomes for your smile.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a serious condition that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. The good news is that there are effective surgical treatments to stop its progression and protect your oral health. If you’ve been diagnosed with periodontal disease and need gum surgery, we are here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’d like a referral to a trusted periodontist of your choice or prefer care from the skilled specialist at our sister office, we’ll ensure you receive the expert treatment you deserve. Your health is our priority!
Periodontics Services Explained
Pocket Reduction
When alternative treatments haven’t achieved a snug fit of gum tissue around your teeth or deep pockets remain difficult to clean, a periodontics pocket reduction, also called flap surgery, may be recommended.
During this procedure, your dentist carefully removes harmful bacteria and smooths out damaged bone to create a healthier foundation. This allows your gum tissue to securely reattach to the bone, helping to reduce pocket depth and improve gum health. The result? Stronger gums, a healthier smile, and enhanced overall oral well-being.
Bone Grafting
When periodontics causes bone loss, it can weaken the foundation that supports your teeth. A bone graft can help restore this lost bone and encourage natural regrowth. During the procedure, your dentist removes harmful bacteria and places graft material in the affected area to replace the lost bone. To enhance healing, special proteins may also be used to stimulate your body’s natural ability to regenerate bone and tissue. This treatment not only repairs damage but also strengthens your oral structure, supporting healthier gums and a more robust smile.
Maintaining Periodontal Health
To protect your periodontal health, it’s essential to avoid smoking, as it can slow down your body’s natural healing process. We also recommend staying proactive with regular dental checkups and cleanings. Preventing periodontal disease is much easier—and far less invasive—than treating it. By taking these simple steps, you can significantly lower your risk and enjoy healthier gums and a happier smile for years to come.
Scaling and Root Planning
Scaling and root planing is a highly effective procedure designed to stop the progression of periodontal disease and protect your oral health. This deep-cleaning technique involves carefully removing plaque and tartar from gum pockets and smoothing the tooth roots to eliminate bacteria and harmful toxins.
To further support the treatment, your periodontist may recommend additional therapies, such as antibiotics, localized antimicrobials, or host modulation therapy, enhancing the procedure’s impact and promoting healing.
While many patients experience significant improvement after scaling and root planing, maintaining your results requires regular therapeutic maintenance. By staying proactive, you can preserve your gum health and protect your smile for the long term
Gummy Smile
Losing a tooth can sometimes lead to an indentation in your gum tissue or jawbone where the tooth once was. This happens naturally as the jawbone begins to recede in the absence of a tooth, which can create an uneven appearance and make it challenging to align a replacement tooth properly.
Ridge augmentation is a simple yet effective solution for this issue. This procedure fills in the indentation, restoring the natural shape and contour of your gums and jaw. Not only does this create a more balanced and natural appearance, but it also ensures that your replacement tooth fits perfectly and looks seamless. The result? A beautiful, functional smile that feels like your own and is easy to care for. Your periodontist will work with precision to help you achieve a result that blends effortlessly with the rest of your smile.
Gum and Jaw Bone Indentations
When a tooth is lost, the absence can cause an indentation to form in the gum tissue and jawbone where the tooth was previously located. This occurs due to natural jawbone recession in the absence of a tooth, resulting in an unnatural appearance and potential length discrepancy when a replacement tooth is placed.
Losing a tooth can sometimes lead to an indentation in your gum tissue or jawbone where the tooth once was. This happens naturally as the jawbone begins to recede in the absence of a tooth, which can create an uneven appearance and make it challenging to align a replacement tooth properly.
Ridge augmentation is a simple yet effective solution for this issue. This procedure fills in the indentation, restoring the natural shape and contour of your gums and jaw. Not only does this create a more balanced and natural appearance, but it also ensures that your replacement tooth fits perfectly and looks seamless. The result? A beautiful, functional smile that feels like your own and is easy to care for. Your periodontist will work with precision to help you achieve a result that blends effortlessly with the rest of your smile.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are widely recognized as the gold standard for replacing missing teeth, offering unmatched advantages over other options. Leaving a missing tooth untreated can lead to complications such as teeth shifting, bite problems, and even jawbone deterioration due to a process called resorption.
The dental implant process begins with the precise placement of a titanium post into the jawbone. At our practice, this step is performed by a highly skilled oral surgeon. Once the implant has fully fused with the jawbone, our experienced restorative dentist completes the process by attaching an abutment and a custom crown that looks and functions just like a natural tooth.
One significant benefit we offer is the convenience of conducting both the surgical and restorative phases in one location. Our oral surgeon and restorative dentist collaborate seamlessly, working together as a team to ensure a smooth and efficient experience. With dental implants, you’ll enjoy not only a restored smile but also the confidence and comfort of a long-lasting solution tailored to meet your needs.
FAQs
What is periodontics?
Periodontics is the branch of dentistry focused on preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum disease, as well as maintaining the health of the supporting structures around your teeth. At Aesthetic Dental Centers, our periodontal care ranges from routine deep cleanings to advanced surgical treatments, ensuring patients across New Jersey maintain healthy gums and long-lasting smiles
What are the signs of gum disease?
Common signs include red, swollen, or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, or loose teeth. Gum disease often starts silently, so early detection during dental visits is key. At our centers, we use advanced diagnostic tools to catch periodontal issues in their earliest stages, when treatment is most effective.
How is gum disease treated?
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Early stages (gingivitis) can often be reversed with professional cleanings and improved home care. For more advanced stages (periodontitis), we may recommend scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), laser therapy, or surgical procedures. Our in-house specialists tailor every treatment plan to restore gum health and prevent tooth loss.
Can gum disease affect my overall health?
Yes. Research shows that untreated gum disease has been linked to systemic health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. That’s why we stress the importance of periodontal care at Aesthetic Dental Centers — healthy gums not only protect your smile but also support your overall well-being.
How can I prevent gum disease?
The best prevention is consistent oral hygiene, including brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist every six months for cleanings and checkups. Our periodontal team also offers preventive services such as regular deep cleanings, patient education, and customized maintenance programs.
Why choose Aesthetic Dental Centers for periodontics?
Patients choose Aesthetic Dental Centers because we combine advanced periodontal treatments with compassionate care in one convenient setting. Our in-house specialists provide everything from non-surgical therapy to advanced surgical procedures, ensuring patients receive seamless, coordinated treatment. With locations in Hackensack, Ridgefield Park (Bergen County), and Dover (Morris County), patients across New Jersey trust us to protect their gum health and restore confidence in their smiles.