Army veteran honored at North Brunswick street sign ceremony
Periodontal Treatment
Periodontal treatment refers to the procedures used to treat periodontal disease, also better known as gum disease. While many people understand the effects plaque has on the teeth, few realize that plaque is also detrimental to the gums. When you don’t floss on a regular basis and remove plaque and food bits from between the teeth, the gums can become infected.
Infected gums lead to a host of issues, including permanent tooth loss, gaps between the teeth, and trouble chewing and swallowing. If you are seeking reliable, friendly, and competent dental treatment to help you manage your condition, look no further than KK Dental.
The Types of Treatment Available
We have discovered there is no “one size fits all” treatment that suits all of our patients. Instead, our staff will customize a treatment for you that addresses your particular stage of periodontal disease. At present, the dental field offers the following procedures:
- Antibiotics to treat the infection
- Scaling and root planing
- Flap surgery
- Bone or tissue grafts
- Tooth extraction
- Dental implants
Scaling and Root Planing
Many of our patients express their concern about scaling and root planing, but the procedure is actually simple, painless, and effective. Our dentist will address the issue of gum disease directly by cleaning out the pockets of plaque and bacteria that develop in the gums. Once it is all removed, the gums are sanitized and planed so that they are no longer swollen and covering the teeth.
We care about patient comfort, so we offer local anesthetic for patients who worry about pain or discomfort during treatment.
Future Care
At KK Dental, we believe that proper dental care does not end when you leave our office. To help prevent a resurgence of periodontal disease, our staff will educate you on proper oral care and hygiene, provide samples of tubes of toothpaste and mouthwashes, and can discuss proper brushing techniques and what foods to avoid.
If you have any questions during your periodontal treatment, feel free to ask before or after your appointment. Our friendly staff is always glad to help and can clear up any confusion about treatment or aftercare.
FAQs
Gum bleeding is often one of the earliest signs of inflammation around the teeth. Because gum disease may progress slowly, many people notice bleeding during brushing or flossing before they experience discomfort, swelling, or visible changes in the gums.
Yes, advanced gum disease can weaken the bone and connective tissues that support the teeth. As support gradually decreases, teeth may begin to shift, loosen, or feel different when biting and chewing.
Plaque can collect beneath the gumline when bacteria are not fully removed during daily oral hygiene. After plaque hardens into tartar, it may further irritate the gums and increase the risk of infection if left untreated.
Routine cleanings mainly focus on healthy areas above the gums, while periodontal treatment targets infection deeper around the tooth roots. Treatment may involve cleaning below the gums to remove bacteria, tartar, and inflamed tissue affecting gum health.
Yes, gum disease can return if bacterial buildup develops again over time. Maintaining regular periodontal maintenance visits, daily brushing and flossing, and closely monitoring gum health may help reduce the risk of progression of future infections.
As gum disease progresses, inflammation may damage the tissues supporting the teeth and contribute to gum recession. Receding gums can expose sensitive root surfaces and create spaces where bacteria collect more easily around the teeth.
Yes, inflammation around the gums can affect both natural teeth and certain dental restorations. Healthy gum tissue and stable bone support remain important for maintaining the long-term function of implants, crowns, and surrounding oral structures.
Not always. Persistent bad breath can sometimes develop from bacterial buildup deep below the gums, especially when periodontal infection is present. In some cases, odor may continue even when brushing habits appear consistent.
People who have had gum disease in the past may require more frequent follow-up visits because bacteria can reaccumulate below the gums over time. More frequent maintenance visits help assess gum stability and remove buildup before deeper inflammation recurs.
A periodontal evaluation may be recommended if you notice bleeding gums, gum recession, loose teeth, or ongoing bad breath that does not improve. At KK Dental, treatment recommendations are based on gum measurements, oral examination findings, and long-term gum health goals.
