Our goal is to help our patients both prevent gum disease and mitigate symptoms of the condition as early as possible. With routine check-ups at the dentist, gum disease can easily be prevented. An estimated 75% of Americans over 35 years old have some form of the disease, which may become worse over time if left untreated.
Gum disease, which is also called periodontitis, is caused by bacteria and often presents as inflammation of the gums and loss of bone around the teeth.
Gum disease begins with gingivitis—an infection caused by bacteria found in plaque. If it is left untreated, the disease can progress to periodontal disease. Gingivitis and periodontal disease are treatable but as with most health issues, the earlier it is treated the better the outcome.
We know that half the fear of seeing a dentist is the clinical environment. We have focused on providing superior care in a friendly and inviting setting at our practice in Weehawken. We have decor designed to soothe and relax you when you have your treatment.
We also want you to feel the least stress possible when having any kind of procedure at our practice. Many people have residual fear from when they went to a dentist as a child. We encourage our patients to embrace a positive change in their mindset so they can leave behind their anxiety about preventative dental treatments. We are compassionate and understanding if you find seeing the dentist a stressful experience.
At Skyline Dental Designs we have Dr. David Greco as part of our expert team — a highly skilled doctor who developed a strong passion for surgical procedures during his dental training. Dr. Greco completed an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Internship at Montefiore Medical Center and trained at the Periodontics and Implant Dentistry program at NYU College of Dentistry.
In the very early stages of gum disease, when it is still considered gingivitis, you may just need professional dental cleaning.
If your gum disease is beyond gingivitis, the first step in treating gum disease usually involves scaling and root planing. When you come in for your appointment we can ascertain if your treatment needs to be performed over more than one visit.
Typically scaling involves removing plaque and tartar down to the bottom of each periodontal pocket.
Root planing is when the root surfaces of your teeth are smoothed or “planed,” to allow your gum tissue to heal and reattach to the teeth.
Certain medications may also be recommended to help control infection and discomfort or to aid your gums in the healing process. Your prescription may be in the form of pills, a mouth rinse or medication placed directly into the periodontal pocket after your treatment.
In some cases, scaling and root planing are not enough to treat your gum disease alone. When pockets do not heal sufficiently after scaling and root planing, additional periodontal treatments or gum surgery may be needed. Surgery can remove plaque and tartar from hard-to-reach areas and can also help to shrink pocket depth and make it easier for you to keep your teeth clean.
We have always seen the mouth as the gateway to overall health. It’s important to us that our patients understand the warning signs of gum disease, which can lead to more serious conditions if not properly treated. At Skyline Dental Designs, we are committed to helping you prevent and treat this largely avoidable disease.