What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal or gum disease is a dangerous infection of the gums and soft tissues surrounding the teeth.
Medford Periodontics offers non-surgical periodontal procedures in Medford, NJ. To schedule an initial appointment or learn more about how we treat gum disease, please call our office at
.
What Is Non-Surgical Periodontics?
Non-surgical periodontics refers to procedures that manage gum disease. These non-invasive steps for dental health can help slow the progress of periodontal disease and support your overall well-being.
The treatments aim to control gum infections by removing plaque, calculus, and toxic bacterial byproducts from the root surface. Healthy gums serve as the foundation for a healthy smile — and for long-term oral health outcomes, including the success of dental implants.
Benefits of Non-Surgical Periodontics
- Highly effective in treating chronic periodontal disease
- Helps to shrink periodontal pockets, leaving fewer areas for plaque and calculus build-up that damages gums and teeth
- Reduce the chance of losing teeth, bone mass, and other oral tissues as chronic periodontal disease progresses
Why Choose Medford Periodontics?
Our team has the skills, knowledge, and experience to help you manage periodontal disease and preserve as many natural teeth as possible. We understand that periodontal care can be intimidating. Our entire care team is dedicated to helping patients feel comfortable and at ease.
Procedures Offered
We approach every visit with attention to detail and a commitment to delivering an amazing patient experience. Dr. Calem creates a personalized treatment plan for each patient, tailored to their unique needs and goals — because we believe great dentistry means treating the whole person, not just the condition.
Scaling
The first step in a periodontal maintenance appointment is applying a topical or injectable anesthetic since the gums may be tender.
The dentist carefully scrapes away every trace of plaque and tartar above and below the gum line. This procedureis performed using a tool called a scaler. Scalers are simple metal implements, or in some cases, water-powered or ultrasonic handheld wands—advanced technology that improves both precision and patient comfort.
The dentist carefully scrapes away every trace of plaque and tartar above and below the gum line. This procedureis performed using a tool called a scaler. Scalers are simple metal implements, or in some cases, water-powered or ultrasonic handheld wands—advanced technology that improves both precision and patient comfort.
Planing
After scaling the teeth, the dentist smooths (planes) the roots, eliminating rough areas and promoting the reattachment of healthy gum tissue. Together, scaling and root planing work to restore the health of your gums and the foundation that supports your teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Non-Surgical Periodontal Care
What causes periodontal disease?
Inadequate home care is often the primary cause of periodontal disease. Common risk factors occur when plaque and food particles stay on the teeth, they harden into calculus or tartar. This substance builds up on the teeth above and below the gum line. Bacteria in plaque and tartar produce toxic waste products, which, over time, can damage the gums and even the bone supporting your teeth.
What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease starts with symptoms that may not cause alarm. However, they progress as the disease worsens.
- Gums that bleed during brushing and flossing
- Puffy, swollen gums
- Red or dark purple gums
- Tender gums
- Development of periodontal pockets between the teeth and gums where bacteria and plaque collect affecting oral health
- Persistent bad breath
- Pus between the gums and teeth
- Loose teeth
- Painful chewing
- New spaces between teeth, which may sometimes appear as black triangles
- Receding gums
- Altered dental bite
- Lost teeth
Are scaling and root planing uncomfortable?
Some patients may find scaling and root planing uncomfortable, so periodontists commonly use an anesthetic for this method of deep cleaning. After the procedure, you may experience some minor soreness, but an over-the-counter pain reliever should help.
Why do I need scaling and root planing? I brush my teeth every day.
Even patients with robust home care routines can sometimes develop periodontal disease and need treatment. A solid home care routine can help to prevent periodontal disease. Brushing at least twice daily for two minutes is vital. Flossing removes plaque above and below the gum line before it becomes calculus or tartar.
Can you reverse periodontal disease?
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. It is characterized by red, swollen gums that bleed during brushing and flossing. Gingivitis can be reversed. The best way to reverse the disease is to catch it in its earliest stages and continue with an improved home care routine. If you have gingivitis, follow your family dentist's directions for home care and keep all cleaning appointments. Your dentist may also prescribe an antibacterial mouth rinse. Periodontists can only control the later stages of gum disease, but many patients' gums stabilize enough to prevent tooth loss.
How can I make my gums healthy again?
Fortunately, periodontists can often slow or halt the progression of gum disease. With careful attention to home care and regular scaling and root planing, you may be able to stop the progression of this disease and save your teeth.
Call Medford Periodontics
To learn more about periodontal care and how we can help slow gum disease’s progress, please call our Medford, NJ, office at
. We can schedule an initial appointment and create a treatment plan that works for you. As a team, we can work together to save your natural teeth and provide excellent care.