Gum Disease Treatment – Phillipsburg, NJ
Renew Gum Health for a Lifetime of Flawless Smiles
Gum disease is the leading causes of tooth loss for adults over the age of 30, and researchers estimate that between 50% and 80% of adults over the age of 35 have some level of gum disease. Perhaps more significantly, gum disease is closely linked to numerous systemic illnesses, including heart disease and diabetes. It’s safe to say that gum disease is a serious oral health concern. For these and many more reasons, the DeMartino Dental Group takes the time to screen for gum disease as part of every six month exam in our dental office. Regular screening can help us find and treat gum disease in the earliest stages, and we can even partner with patients to avoid gum disease altogether. If you want to learn more about gum disease or schedule an appointment to visit our Phillipsburg dental office, give our team a call today. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an oral health condition that occurs when acidic plaque buildup at and below the gums irritates and damages the soft tissue, breaking down connective structures. In the earliest stages, gum disease may be referred to as gingivitis. This mild form of the condition has few if any side effects, and it is not likely to be recognized by an untrained observer. However, your dentist will be able to recognize the warning signs and provide effective treatment to prevent gum disease from becoming more severe. If gum disease is not treated in the earliest stages, it will develop into the more severe form of the condition, called periodontitis, that has been linked to serious oral and overall health concerns. Severe gum disease is much more difficult to treat, and it will require regular maintenance for the rest of your life to prevent recurrence.
Is Professional Gum Disease Treatment Necessary?
Whether you have a mild case of gingivitis or the most severe case of periodontitis, you need help from your dentist and dental hygienist to achieve and maintain renewed oral health. For mild cases of gingivitis, more frequent professional cleanings and improved at-home hygiene may be all you need to renew your oral health. For more advanced cases, we will likely use scaling and root planing in addition to more frequently professional teeth cleanings.
Treatment Options
We offer both traditional and laser assisted scaling and root planing treatments for those patients who are struggling with poor oral health due to gum disease.
Traditional Scaling & Root Planing
For moderate or advanced cases of gum disease, combined scaling and root planing services may be necessary in addition to more frequent professional teeth cleanings. Scaling is the removal of the existing plaque and tartar buildup as well as damaged dental structures. Root planing is the smoothing of tooth roots to avoid or limit potential plaque buildup and risk for reinfection. These treatments are traditionally performed using metal tools to remove tissue, and stitches to repair any damage to the soft tissue. While this treatment is effective, it can lead to an increased risk for reinfection for those patients who are already struggling with gum disease.
Laser Scaling & Root Planing
This is a much gentler treatment method. It allows us to remove plaque and tartar buildup while simultaneously cauterizing soft tissue and smoothing tooth roots. This treatment can be completed quickly with less discomfort and little to no bleeding. Additionally, most people make a complete recovery within just a few days of treatment. Best of all, those with gum disease have significantly less risk for reinfection following laser scaling and root planing.