Periodontal &​Implant Solutions
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When to See a Periodontist

​A periodontist is a dentist specializing in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of infections and diseases in the soft tissues surrounding the teeth, and the jawbone to which the teeth are anchored.  Periodontists have to train an additional three years beyond the four years of regular dental school, and are familiar with the most advanced techniques necessary to treat periodontal disease and place dental implants.  Periodontists also perform a vast range of cosmetic procedures to enhance the smile to its fullest extent.

Periodontal disease begins when the toxins found in plaque start to attack the soft or gingival tissue surrounding the teeth.  This bacterium embeds itself in the gum and rapidly breeds, causing a bacterial infection.  As the infection progresses, it starts to burrow deeper into the tissue causing inflammation or irritation between the teeth and gums.  The response of the body is to destroy the infected tissue, which is why the gums appear to recede.  The resulting pockets between the teeth deepen and if no treatment is sought, the tissue which makes up the jawbone also recedes causing unstable teeth and tooth loss.

Referrals from General Dentists and Self Referral
There are several ways treatment from a periodontist may be sought.   In the course of a regular dental check up, if the general dentist or hygienist finds symptoms of gingivitis or rapidly progressing periodontal disease, a consultation with a periodontist may be recommended.  However, a referral is not necessary for a periodontal consultation.
If you experience any of these signs and symptoms, it is important that you schedule an appointment with a periodontist without delay:
  • Bleeding while eating or brushing – Unexplained bleeding while consuming food or during the course of daily cleaning is one of the most common signs of periodontal infection.
  • Bad breath – Continued halitosis (bad breath) which persists even when a rigorous oral hygiene program is in place, can be indicative of periodontitis, gingivitis or the beginnings of an infection in the gum tissues.
  • Loose teeth and gum recession – Longer looking teeth can signal recession of the gums and bone loss due to periodontal disease.  As this disease progresses and attacks the jawbone, (the anchor holding the teeth in place) the teeth may become loose or be lost alltogher.
  • Gangrene in the tissues – Gangrene is hard to self diagnose but the general dentist and periodontist will check for its presence in the soft tissues, alveolar bone and periodontal ligament.
  • Related health conditions – Heart disease, diabetes, osteopenia and osteoporosis are highly correlated with periodontitis and periodontal infections.  The bacteria infection can spread through the blood stream and affect other parts of the body.

Diagnosis and Treatment
Before initiating any dental treatment, the periodontist must extensively examine the gums, jawbone and general condition of the teeth.  When gingivitis or periodontal disease is officially diagnosed, the periodontist has a number of surgical and non surgical options available to treat the underlying infection, halt the recession of the soft tissue, and restructure or replace teeth which may be missing.
  • Gingivitis/mild periodontal disease – When the gum pockets exceed 4mm in depth, the periodontist or hygienist may perform scaling and root planing to remove debris from the pockets and allow them to heal.  Education and advice will be provided on an effective cleaning regime thereafter.
  • Moderate periodontal disease – If the gum pockets reach 4-6mm in length a more extensive scaling and root planning cleaning might be required.  This cleaning is usually performed under local anesthetic.
  • Advanced periodontal disease – Gum pockets in excess of 6-7mm are usually accompanied by bone loss and gum recession.  Scaling and root planning will always be performed as the initial nonsurgical treatment.  In addition to tose nonsurgical treatments, the periodontist may recommend surgical treatment to reduce pocket depth.
  • Tooth loss – Where one or several teeth are missing due to periodontal disease, dental implants are an effective option.  If the bone is strong enough to provide a suitable anchor for the prosthetic tooth, the implant can be placed.  However, if the bone is severely eroded, bone grafts may be performed by the periodontist to provide a suitable anchor for the new tooth/teeth.
    ​

Ask your periodontist if you have questions about periodontal disease, periodontal treatment or dental implants.

Location

62 Summit Avenue 

Hackensack, NJ 07601

What Our Clients Are Saying

Every experience was excellent. I appreciate the calls after surgery to make sure I am ok.  Not many doctors take the time. I’d rather be on vacation, but the experience always went well. Thank You."
- Malina Newman

​"Thank you for all the things you and your staff have done for me. I really appreciate your kindness. I couldn't have been a nicer experience” - L. Joyce

"I want you to know for someone like myself who was scared to death everyone from the time I walked in to the time I left I was so relieved. Everyone was wonderful from start to finish." - Carol

"I've been to many offices where I left feeling horrible about my teeth but here I was explained everything in detail and given the time to ask all questions I had. The staff was helpful and all were super nice. I will be recommending this dentist office whenever someone is looking for one." - Jillian

"Dr. Ayad and his crew were very professional, kind and explained my procedure and costs thoroughly. They held themselves to a high standard, especially when dealing with COVID. I highly recommend them!" - Ollie Falzone

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  • Home
  • Our Practice
    • Meet Dr. Ayad
    • Meet The Staff
    • Testimonials
  • Procedures
    • Cleanings & Prevention >
      • Dental Exams & Cleanings
      • Dental X-Rays
      • Home Care
      • How To Properly Brush & Floss
    • Periodontal Disease >
      • Diagnosis
      • Treatment
      • Maintenance
      • Causes of Periodontal Disease
      • Types of Periodontal Disease
      • Signs & Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
      • Mouth - Body Connection
      • Periodontal Disease, Heart Disease and Stroke
      • Periodontal Disease and Pregnancy
      • Periodontal Disease and Osteoporosis
      • Periodontal Disease and Respiratory Disease
      • What is Periodontal (Gum) Disease?
    • Periodontics >
      • What is a Periodontist?
      • When to See a Periodontist
      • Antibiotic Treatment
      • Bone Grafting
      • Bruxism
      • Crown Lengthening
      • Gum & Jawbone Corrective Treatments
      • Gum Grafting
      • Gum Recession
      • Oral Cancer Exam
      • Periodontal Scaling & Root Planing
      • Pocket Irrigation
      • Pocket Reduction Surgery
      • Prophylaxis (Teeth Cleaning)
      • Regenerative Procedures
      • Ridge Modification
      • Sinus Augmentation
      • Soft Tissue Grafting
    • Immediate Implant Replacement
    • Sedation
    • FAQs
  • Patient Login/ Forms
    • Patient Forms
  • payment
    • Financial Options
  • Events
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • COVID-19