Periodontal Dentistry

Protect Your Smile with Expert Periodontal Care at Essex Dental Professionals in New Jersey

Are your gums red, swollen, or bleeding? These could be signs of a bacterial infection affecting your gum tissues – a condition we address with specialized periodontal treatment at Essex Dental Professionals. If left untreated, this infection can progress, leading to bone loss and weakened support for your teeth.

Regular dental checkups and cleanings are your first line of defense against periodontal disease. At Essex Dental Professionals, we carefully examine your gums to detect any early warning signs. Early detection is key, as it allows for simpler and more successful treatment options.

Our experienced dental professionals are dedicated to providing the highest quality periodontal care to combat gum infections, preserve your bone structure, and ensure your teeth remain healthy and stable.

Understanding Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is an infection that damages the soft tissue and bone supporting your teeth. It typically begins with plaque buildup; a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth daily. When plaque isn’t removed through brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings, it hardens into tartar, creating an environment where bacteria thrive and irritate your gums.

In the earliest stage, gingivitis, you may notice bleeding or swelling when brushing or flossing. Fortunately, this stage is reversible with proper hygiene and professional care. However, if left untreated, the infection can advance to periodontitis, where the gums pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that trap more bacteria. 

Over time, these pockets deepen, leading to bone loss and potential tooth loss if not treated promptly. Understanding the signs and stages of gum disease helps patients take proactive steps to protect their oral health before irreversible damage occurs.

Comprehensive Periodontal Services

Our periodontal care is designed to treat every level of gum disease; from mild inflammation to advanced bone loss. We start by evaluating your gum health and bone structure using detailed measurements and imaging. From there, we create a customized plan that targets the infection, restores health, and prevents future issues.

Our treatment approach combines proven techniques with advanced technology for precise, comfortable results. Whether you need a deep cleaning, ongoing maintenance, or regenerative treatment, our goal is to provide the most effective care possible. Every patient’s case is unique, and our team takes the time to explain each step so you feel confident in your treatment plan.

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing, often called deep cleaning, is one of the most effective non-surgical methods for controlling gum disease. During this procedure, plaque and tartar are removed from below the gumline, and the roots of your teeth are smoothed to eliminate rough areas where bacteria tend to collect. This allows the gums to heal and reattach more securely to the teeth, reducing inflammation and preventing bacteria from returning.

This treatment is typically performed under local anesthesia for maximum comfort. While the process may take more than one visit depending on severity, it provides long-term benefits for both your gums and overall oral health. After scaling and root planing, patients often notice reduced bleeding, fresher breath, and firmer gum tissue; all signs of recovery and improved oral hygiene.

Periodontal Maintenance

After completing initial periodontal treatment, consistent maintenance is essential for keeping your gums healthy. Periodontal maintenance involves routine cleanings every few months to remove plaque and bacteria that can reaccumulate below the gumline. These visits also include gum measurements to monitor healing progress and ensure the infection has not returned.

Unlike standard dental cleanings, maintenance visits focus specifically on preserving your gum and bone health. They play a crucial role in preventing reinfection and avoiding the need for more intensive treatment later. Regular visits also provide an opportunity for your dental team to reinforce home care habits, so you can maintain the results of your periodontal therapy and enjoy a stable, healthy smile.

Laser Gum Therapy

For patients with more advanced gum disease or deep pockets that don’t respond fully to scaling and root planing, laser gum therapy offers a minimally invasive solution. Using precise laser energy, we can remove infected tissue, sterilize the area, and stimulate natural healing; all while preserving healthy gum tissue. This approach reduces discomfort, minimizes bleeding, and shortens recovery time compared to traditional surgery.

Laser therapy can also help regenerate bone and soft tissue around affected teeth, promoting long-term stability. Because the treatment is so precise, it often requires less anesthesia and results in minimal swelling. For many patients, laser gum therapy provides an ideal balance between comfort and effectiveness, helping them restore gum health and confidence in their smile without extensive downtime.

Gum Grafting and Recession Treatment

Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue around the teeth wears away or pulls back, exposing the tooth roots. This can make your teeth appear longer, increase sensitivity, and leave your roots vulnerable to decay. Gum grafting is a restorative treatment that rebuilds the gumline using tissue from another part of your mouth or a specialized grafting material, providing both protection and aesthetic improvement.

Beyond restoring appearance, gum grafting strengthens the support around your teeth and prevents further tissue loss. It also reduces sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, allowing you to eat and drink comfortably again. 

With modern techniques and gentle care, this procedure offers predictable, natural-looking results that enhance both your oral health and your smile’s overall harmony.

Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening is a periodontal procedure designed to expose more of the natural tooth structure by reshaping or removing a small amount of gum and bone tissue. It’s often performed when a tooth doesn’t have enough visible surface above the gumline to support a filling, crown, or other restoration. By carefully adjusting the gumline, our dentists create the space needed to restore your tooth properly and ensure that your final restoration fits securely and looks completely natural.

This procedure can also enhance the appearance of your smile. For patients with a “gummy” smile, where excess gum tissue covers too much of the teeth, crown lengthening helps achieve better balance and symmetry. The result is a more proportionate, aesthetically pleasing look that complements your facial features. 

At Essex Dental Professionals, our team performs crown lengthening with precision and attention to detail, ensuring both functional and cosmetic benefits while maintaining your comfort throughout the process.

Your Partner in Periodontal Health in Essex, New Jersey 

At Essex Dental Professionals, we believe that periodontal care is not just about treating disease; it’s about preserving the foundation of your smile for life. Our team is committed to helping you achieve and maintain strong, healthy gums through a combination of advanced treatment, patient education, and personalized care.

If you’ve noticed signs of gum disease such as bleeding, swelling, or gum recession, early intervention is the best defense. 

Schedule a consultation today and let us help you protect your gums, restore your confidence, and maintain a lifetime of healthy smiles.