PERIODONTAL GUM TREATMENT IN RED BANK, NJ

Understanding The Stages Of Periodontal Disease

Usually, periodontal (gum) disease is broken into four stages, known as gingivitis, early or slight periodontal disease, moderate periodontal disease, and advanced periodontal disease. Each stage has different implications for your oral health and only one can be treated. If suspect you have gum disease, don’t hesitate to call our Red Bank dentists at (732) 530-1003 today.

Gingivitis

In this first stage of gum disease, the buildup of plaque and tartar between your teeth is causing inflammation and infection of your gums, but it has not yet caused irreversible damage to the structures of your mouth. Common signs of gingivitis include gum swelling, discoloration, inflammation and tenderness, as well as bleeding when brushing, and occasional halitosis (bad breath). 

With timely intervention and periodontal care from the Red Bank team at Santo Dental Group, as well as good at-home oral hygiene habits, gingivitis can be reversed and eliminated. However, if you do not seek help, your condition will progress to periodontal disease. Good news: With proper oral hygiene and professional periodontal gum treatment in Red Bank, NJ, gingivitis can be fully reversed.

Early or Slight Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease at this second stage is irreversible because the infection has spread to the bone. Although it can’t be eradicated, it can be controlled. Patients will experience enhanced gingivitis symptoms along with gum recession of depths between four and five millimeters.

Moderate Periodontal Disease 

Moderate periodontal disease symptoms will be similar to earlier stages with gum recession depths reaching six to seven millimeters. Because these depths are so great, bacteria is potentially reaching the bloodstream which can affect your immune system and overall health.

Advanced Periodontal Disease

This final stage of gum disease is the most severe. Because of a dramatic increase in the risk of bone loss, patients at this stage often experience shifting or loose teeth, tooth and gum sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages, pain and tenderness when chewing, severe halitosis, pus forming between your teeth and gums, and even the complete loss of one or more teeth. 

At this stage of gum disease, surgical intervention is almost always required to save your teeth and restore your oral health, and it may be better to have your teeth extracted and replaced with dental implants or dentures.

Our Periodontal Care Options At Santo Dental Group in Red Bank, NJ,

At Santo Dental Group in Red Bank, we offer a wide variety of procedures that can be used to treat gingivitis and early cases of periodontitis, including:

• Deep cleaning – During a deep cleaning, your doctor will numb your mouth and use special tools to clean plaque and tartar away from the teeth and gums. Dental tools are also used to smooth out the roots of your teeth, eliminating periodontal “pockets” where bacteria collect. Along with antibiotics, deep cleanings are often helpful at controlling minor-to-moderate cases of gum disease.
• Curettage – Curettage is similar to a deep cleaning. A curette is used to remove some of the damaged, infected soft tissue from your periodontal lining. As your mouth heals, new, healthy tissue will grow.
• Three month recalls/maintenance – If your gum disease is irreversible, you will need to come into our office for regular three month recalls. Dr. Santo will use these appointments to check your oral health and ensure that your gum disease has not progressed further. He will also clean between your teeth and gums to remove any plaque or tartar buildup, keeping your smile healthy.

In some cases, these treatments may not be enough to resolve your case. If you have a serious case of periodontal disease, we will refer you to a periodontal specialist so that you can explore further periodontal treatments, such as surgery.  

Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth Pain and Swollen Gums

What causes tooth pain?

Tooth pain can be caused by tooth decay, a cracked or damaged tooth, an infection, exposed tooth roots, gum disease, or teeth grinding. Because several dental problems can feel similar, an examination is the best way to identify the source and prevent it from getting worse.

Some toothaches are sharp and sudden, while others cause a dull, persistent ache or sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure. Pain may come from inside the tooth, the tissues surrounding it, or inflammation elsewhere in the mouth. Contact a dentist when discomfort persists, interferes with eating or sleeping, or is accompanied by swelling, fever, drainage, or a bad taste in your mouth.

Why are my gums swollen or bleeding?

Swollen or bleeding gums are often an early sign of inflammation caused by plaque collecting around the gumline. They may also become irritated by aggressive brushing, inconsistent flossing, trapped food, certain medications, hormonal changes, or other health conditions.

Occasional minor irritation may improve with gentle brushing, daily flossing, and professional dental care. However, gums that bleed repeatedly, remain red or tender, or appear puffy should be evaluated. Persistent inflammation may indicate gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, which can often be reversed when treated promptly.

When does gum swelling signal periodontal disease?

Gum swelling may signal periodontal disease when it is persistent, keeps returning, or occurs with bleeding, gum recession, chronic bad breath, tenderness, pus, changes in your bite, or loose teeth. These symptoms can mean that inflammation has progressed below the gumline and is affecting the tissues and bone that support your teeth.

Periodontal disease does not always cause significant pain, so visible swelling or bleeding should not be ignored. A periodontal evaluation can measure the spaces between your teeth and gums, check for bone loss, and determine whether professional cleaning, periodontal maintenance, or additional treatment is needed.

Have Tooth Pain or Swollen Gums?

Early care can relieve discomfort and help protect your teeth, gums, and supporting bone. Schedule an appointment with Santo Dental Group in Red Bank, NJ, or call 732-530-1003 to have your symptoms evaluated.