Periodontal Disease Treatment in Totowa, NJ
Periodontal disease is a serious infection that affects millions of adults and is a leading cause of tooth loss. The good news is that it is treatable. At Dental Arts of Totowa, we help patients in Totowa, NJ control gum disease through thorough professional care and personalized home care guidance, so you can keep your natural teeth for a lifetime.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Gum disease begins when plaque and tartar build up along and below the gumline, causing inflammation. In its early stage, called gingivitis, gums may be red, swollen, or bleed easily. Without treatment, it can progress to periodontitis, where infection damages the bone and tissues that support your teeth.
Signs of Gum Disease
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gums or teeth that appear longer
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Pus between the teeth and gums
How We Treat Periodontal Disease
Removing calculus, or tartar, is a major component of treating periodontal disease. Depending on the severity of your condition, treatment may include:
- Professional cleanings to remove plaque and tartar above the gumline
- Scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning that removes tartar and bacteria from below the gumline and smooths root surfaces so gums can reattach
- Periodontal maintenance visits on a more frequent schedule to keep infection under control
- Referral to a specialist for advanced cases that require surgical treatment
Your Role in Treatment
Changes in your daily habits are just as important as professional care. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, quitting tobacco, and keeping your scheduled visits are critical to managing periodontal disease. Your teeth are meant to last a lifetime, so if you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease, don’t feel hopeless. It is a treatable condition, but one that requires you to stay aware and active in your dental care.
Gum Health and Overall Health
Research has linked periodontal disease to heart disease, diabetes, and other health conditions. Treating gum disease protects both your smile and your overall wellbeing. Learn more about our periodontal services, and if gum disease has caused tooth loss, explore dental implants and other restorative options.
Periodontal Disease FAQs
What causes periodontal disease?
Gum disease is caused by bacteria in plaque and tartar. Smoking, diabetes, genetics, and poor oral hygiene increase the risk.
Is periodontal disease curable?
Gingivitis can often be reversed. Periodontitis can’t be fully cured, but it can be successfully controlled with treatment and maintenance.
What is scaling and root planing?
It is a deep cleaning that removes tartar and bacteria below the gumline and smooths root surfaces to help gums heal.
Does deep cleaning hurt?
The area is numbed for comfort, and most patients experience only mild tenderness afterward.
How often will I need cleanings with gum disease?
Patients with periodontal disease often need maintenance cleanings every three to four months.
Can gum disease cause tooth loss?
Yes. Untreated periodontitis destroys the bone that supports teeth and is a leading cause of adult tooth loss.
How can I prevent gum disease?
Brush twice daily, floss every day, avoid tobacco, and keep regular cleanings and exams.
Take Control of Your Gum Health
Don’t ignore bleeding or swollen gums. Call Dental Arts of Totowa at (973) 942-3233 or request an appointment online.