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 is a disease that can damage the integrity of the health and function of the smile. Along with dental cavities, periodontal disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss.
About 3 out of every 4 Americans are affected by gum disease, 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.
Stages of Gum Disease
There are two key stages of gum disease, each of which can have a progression of symptoms:
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a 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 gingivitis does not often cause pain, it’s important to 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. With periodontitis, the gums begin to pull away from the teeth, creating pockets between the gums and teeth. Bacteria will get trapped in those pockets, creating infections that put a person at risk for losing their teeth. It can also harm the mouth and jaw tissue, ligaments, and bone.
This often requires intensive treatment to address damage and restore oral health. The symptoms of periodontitis 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
Gum Disease Treatment in Summit, NJ
Gum Disease treatment is focused on removing harmful bacteria from the gums, often in the form of plaque and tartar. After evaluating your oral health at our Summit, NJ, dentist office, Dr. Upadya will recommend appropriate and necessary treatment for restoring healthy gums.
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
- Radiosurgery
- Laser Dentistry
If you have loose or missing teeth due to gum disease, there are several options for replacement. Dr. Upadya will recommend the most conservative treatment with the best esthetic and long-term results. Treatment for missing teeth may include dental implants, dental bridges, and dentures.
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 to undergo training and certification in the procedure.
Schedule an Appointment Today
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. We gladly welcome new patients.