Periodontal Treatment

Protecting Your Gums, Preserving Your Smile

At Union Family Dental, Dr. Hogan understands that gum disease can feel overwhelming. The good news is that with the right care, we can stop the progression of periodontal disease and restore your gum health. We serve patients throughout Union, Maplewood, Short Hills, Millburn, and the surrounding areas with compassionate, effective periodontal treatment.

Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums that, if left untreated, can lead to serious problems including tooth loss. We use the most innovative and gentle methods to treat all stages of gum disease, from early gingivitis to more advanced periodontitis.

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What Causes Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease usually develops from a combination of factors, but the underlying cause is bacterial growth. Bacteria, along with mucus and other particles, form plaque on your teeth. While brushing and flossing help remove this plaque, poor oral hygiene allows it to harden into tartar.

Unlike plaque, tartar cannot be brushed away. This hard buildup harbors bacteria and irritates your gums, causing them to swell and become inflamed. Without treatment, this inflammation progresses from gingivitis to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease.

In periodontitis, gums begin to pull away from the teeth, creating pockets that become infected. At its worst, the disease can loosen the bone and connective tissue that hold your teeth in place, ultimately leading to tooth loss.

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Recognizing the Signs

Many people don't realize they have gum disease until it has progressed. Watch for these common symptoms:

• Stubborn bad breath that won't go away
• Inflamed and red gums
• Uncomfortable chewing
• Sensitive teeth
• Sore or bleeding gums, especially when brushing
• Receding gums that make teeth look longer
• Teeth that feel loose

If you notice any of these signs, please call us right away. Early treatment makes all the difference.

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How We Treat Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is fundamentally an infection, and our treatment focuses on managing that infection and preventing further damage. The extent of treatment depends on how much damage has occurred, but all treatment plans require your commitment to good oral hygiene at home.

Deep Cleaning: Scaling and Root Planing

For most patients, we begin with a thorough deep cleaning called scaling and root planing. This is more comprehensive than a regular cleaning:

• Scaling removes tartar from above and below the gum line, eliminating the bacteria-harboring buildup
• Root planing smooths the roots of your teeth, removing rough spots where germs can hide and helping your gums reattach to the teeth

Laser-Assisted Treatment

In some cases, we use advanced laser technology to remove plaque and tartar. Laser treatment can minimize bleeding, reduce discomfort, and speed healing following the procedure.

Ongoing Maintenance

After your initial treatment, we'll work with you on a maintenance plan to keep your gums healthy. This typically includes more frequent cleanings and careful monitoring to ensure the disease doesn't return.

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Your Partner in Gum Health

We know that dental anxiety is real, especially when facing a diagnosis of gum disease. Dr. Hogan and our team will walk you through every step of your treatment, answer all your questions, and make sure you feel comfortable and informed. Our goal is not just to treat disease, but to help you maintain healthy gums for life.