Suffering from tooth pain is not fun however understanding the cause and treatment options for resolving the pain is crucial. It is important to schedule a consultation with your periodontist to understand the source of your pain, so that you can pursue the best course of action for your needs.
 
The third set of molars, wisdom teeth, often emerge in the late teens or early 20s and can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort depending on the size of the patient’s mouth and position of the teeth. Impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth can result in a number of problems including pain and trauma to nearby teeth and gums.

When the teeth emerge properly and are aligned with other teeth, and the surrounding gum tissue is healthy, wisdom teeth can be left in place. Unfortunately, in most cases, wisdom tooth extraction is necessary when the teeth are restricted from suitably emerging within the mouth. Wisdom teeth can erupt in a number of ways including growing in sideways, only partially protruding from the gum, and in some cases, remaining below the gum and bone, causing pain and pressure in the mouth.
 
Although there are a number of reasons why patients experience pain, the most common symptoms associated with wisdom teeth removal are continued wisdom tooth pain, stiffness of the jaw, sensitive gums in the area where wisdom teeth are found, repeated tooth infections, tooth decay and damage, or shifting and or/crowding of the teeth. When wisdom teeth grow in, they can fully emerge, causing an overcrowding of the teeth, partially erupt potentially causing infection, or grow in sideways below the gums, also known as impacted wisdom teeth, causing the teeth to shift and misalign.

​ For some patients, the teeth may not cause any harm or complications and in some cases can be left untouched. For other patients, wisdom teeth emerging can be a painful process that can cause serious complications. If you believe you need your wisdom teeth removed contact us to schedule a visit to learn if wisdom teeth removal is necessary for you.

Article written by Written by Zawn Villines on CareDash.com

Time, gum disease, low access to dental care, and lifestyle habits can destroy teeth and gums. About 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, and 40 million are missing all of their teeth. Missing teeth can make chewing difficult, and they can affect a person’s appearance and self-esteem. They can also change the structure of the jaw.
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For centuries, people with missing teeth had to resort to dentures. The advent of bridges offered a more permanent solution. Both strategies left people missing teeth with holes in their gums where the roots of teeth might otherwise be. Dental implants fill these holes with permanent fake teeth that do not decay like real teeth. They boast a 98% success rate, making them a good option for many people who are missing teeth or struggling with jaw issues related to lost teeth.

Dental implants replace missing teeth with permanent fake teeth that look just like real teeth. Unlike dentures or bridges, implants are anchored into the gums by a titanium screw. This screw acts like the natural tooth root.

By replacing the missing tooth with a synthetic tooth and root, it may be possible to prevent surrounding bone structures from changing with time. Doing so can preserve the structure of the face, prevent jaw pain, and even help with issues such as grinding teeth. For most people, however, the primary benefit of dental implants is that they replace missing teeth, restoring their appearance and making it easier to chew.
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“Dental implants are not susceptible to decay but are susceptible to periodontal disease,” said Dr. Ayad. “They need the same home care as natural teeth, and also professionally maintained at regular dental visits, and checked with x-rays annually.”

​The process of getting dental implants begins with a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan with your specialized dentist, such as an oral surgeon, periodontist, or prosthodontist.

“Preparation has several steps,” said M. George Ayad, DDS, a Diplomate for the American Board of Periodontology and periodontist in Hackensack, NJ. “First a review of medical history to insure the patients' medical conditions or medications don't create a contraindication to routine dental implant placement.”

Your medical history may also affect the type of anesthesia the doctor uses, so it’s important to disclose everything.

“Next, a CT scan of the jaw bone to determine if there's adequate bone volume or need for augmentation prior to placement,” said Dr. Ayad. “Finally and probably most importantly, a consultation with the restoring dentist to determine the position to place the implant(s) to receive the crown(s) that works best with the patients' bite.”

Your dentist will discuss with you whether any teeth need to be removed and which procedures must be done before the implant surgery. For instance, some people may need to remove old dental crowns, while others may need treatment for chronic gum disease. If you need a bone graft, this procedure will be done before surgery. It can take several months for the bone graft to heal.

On the day of surgery, you’ll need to avoid food and drink. Depending on the method of anesthesia you choose, you’ll either be awake but unaware and in no pain, or totally unconscious. Your surgeon will make a cut into your gums to place the dental implant. When you wake up, there will still be a gap where the tooth was. The doctor can place a temporary denture. You’ll get a permanent implant when bone grows around the screw, which can take several weeks or months. After the bone grows in and the permanent implant is put in place, you’ll have new, permanent teeth.

“Immediate post-op care includes the use of anti-inflammatory medication, antibiotics, and an antimicrobial rinse as outlined by most accepted protocols,” said Dr. Ayad.
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After the screw is placed, you may have pain and sensitivity for several days. Some people experience jaw pain or get headaches radiating from the jaw. Medicine provided by your dentist can help control these symptoms.

Dental implants make it easier to chew, and they can boost self-esteem by replacing missing teeth.
“Success rates are high,” said Dr. Ayad. “Depending on the area of the mouth they're placed, the long term success rates are 92-98% at 35 years. [They are] slightly lower for smokers and some uncontrolled medical conditions.”
In addition to the benefits of replacing lost teeth, many people prefer dental implants to bridges and dentures because:

• Unlike dentures, dental implants are unlikely to break off.
• Dental implants do not decay with time and
• Unlike a bridge, dental implants do not have to be secured to other teeth, which can protect dental health and reduce the need for future corrective procedures.
• Dental implants often fit better than bridges or dentures, reducing discomfort and creating a more natural appearance.
• Unlike dentures, dental implants don’t have to be removed to be cleaned.
• Dental implants are a permanent solution and offer long-lasting results for most patients.
• For some patients, dental implants reduce costs over time. Dentures and bridges may eventually need to be replaced or modified.

Dental implants are implanted directly into the bone underneath the gums. The procedure is more invasive than other options for treating tooth loss, which presents several drawbacks, including:
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• A risk of infection at the site where the implants are inserted.
• A risk of damage to the nerve, gums, or surrounding structures. Any such damage may require more surgery, or it can lead to bone damage or ongoing pain.
• The need for anesthesia. To get dental implants, you must be sedated. Some people opt for general anesthesia. Though anesthesia is very safe, it does present some risks. It also requires that someone drive you home.
• Sinus damage. Dental implants in the upper jaw can damage or even puncture the sinuses, causing chronic sinus pain and potentially necessitating more medical procedures.

To be eligible for dental implants, a person must have healthy gums. For people with gingivitis, it may be necessary to undergo many months of treatment first, which can mean spending more time with missing teeth. A patient must also have enough bone to support the dental implant. Those without enough bone must either choose another option or have a bone graft.
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For many consumers, the most significant drawback of dental implants is the cost. Costs typically range from $3,000 to $6,000 per implant. Insurance plans rarely cover dental care, especially implant dentistry, which is typically classified as a cosmetic procedure. Even people with dental insurance may not have coverage for implants, since most dental insurance programs operate as discount cards, not actual insurance.

Affording dental implants can be difficult since most insurance plans won’t cover the implants as this is typically considered an elective procedure. Some providers will, however, cover removal of damaged teeth, x-rays, and other procedures to assess oral health.

“Cost can be a limiting factor especially if dental insurance carriers don't cover some of the cost,” said Dr. Ayad. “That is something that patients may influence by asking their employers to include implants as a covered expense in their dental plans.”

Many dental implant providers offer payment plans, which allows you to pay off the implants over time. For people who can’t afford to make upfront payments, this option may be a good one. Some dental implant providers offer discounts for multiple dental implants at once. So if you have several missing or damaged teeth, it’s often best to get them replaced at the same time.

You may also be eligible to receive dental implants at a lower cost at a dentistry school, where dental specialists in training can perform the procedure under the supervision of professionals in an oral surgery clinic. However, not everyone is eligible to receive lower-cost dental implants from a dentistry school, and there may be a long wait list. Inquire at a dental school near you to find out if you are eligible and how long the wait might be.

If the cost of dental implants is out of reach for you, you may consider cheaper alternatives. Partial dentures and bridges are more affordable and more likely to be covered by dental insurance. It is important to remember that these options are impermanent and tend to require replacement and maintenance. Over time, implants may be the cheaper tooth replacement method depending on what your insurance covers.
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Dental implants offer a chance to replace missing or broken teeth, often with a single surgery. They can protect bone health, and they may last a lifetime. But they’re not for everyone. Talk to a dentist, prosthodontist, or oral surgeon about whether this option may be right for you.

​Reviewed by Dr. M. George Ayad, DDS — Written by Anna Marden on CareDash.com 

​If your teeth and gums are sore, and it's been a while since you've had a visit to the dentist, you might need extensive work done to restore your smile. After your routine exam and cleaning, your general dentist might recommend that you see a periodontist for any necessary specialized oral care. "Periodontal" is a medical term that refers to the gums and other parts of the mouth that surround the teeth. This type of specialist has more training than a general dentist but takes care of many of the same issues.

“Periodontists repair and regenerate damage to supporting structures of the teeth (bone and gum), and replace missing teeth with dental implants,” said M. George Ayad, DDS, a Diplomate for the American Board of Periodontology and periodontist in Hackensack, NJ.

Often, seeing a periodontist is the next step after your regular dentist has diagnosed you with advanced dental disease or if you require intervention beyond general dental care.
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“Periodontists are well informed about the oral and systemic disease associations which have a significant impact on overall health,” said Dr. Ayad.

You might see a periodontist if your mouth condition is severe or if your medical history is complex. If your gum disease has significantly progressed, for example, your dentist might refer you to a periodontist.

Periodontists do many procedures that go beyond what your general dentist is trained to do. For example, you may see a periodontist for a deep cleaning. Other common procedures performed by periodontists include:

• Removal of the infected surface of a tooth root (root planing)
• Removal of damaged tissue (root surface debridement)
• Gum surgery
• Dental implant placement, repair, and maintenance

The role of a periodontist is similar to that of an oral surgeon. “While there is an overlap of services provided by both, [oral surgeons] typically don't treat infections around diseased natural teeth and dental implants,” said Dr. Ayad.
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Depending on your location and specific circumstances, a periodontist may be able to provide the expertise you need to achieve optimal oral health.

​A periodontist is a dentist with additional training in the specialty of periodontology. To understand the full certification held by your periodontist, you must look first to the training required of a general dentist.

To become a dentist, candidates in each state must complete an educational program leading to a DDS or DMD degree. In addition to completing this coursework, prospective dentists must pass written and oral examinations. State-specific requirements may also include a demonstration of good moral character, vaccinations, malpractice insurance, and CPR and/or life support certification.

To become a periodontist, dentists must complete an accredited postdoctoral program that lasts from 30 to 36 months. This specialized training is what distinguishes a general dentist from one qualified to practice periodontology.

It is, therefore, possible for a dentist to specialize in periodontology upon completion of the postdoctoral program. Your general dentist, however, may have referred you to a professional who is a "Board Certified" periodontist.

Board certification is not necessary to practice as a periodontist. However, some specialists choose to pursue this additional level of certification, issued by the American Board of Periodontology. Board certification means your periodontist has demonstrated advanced proficiency at placing dental implants and excellent knowledge of periodontal disease, including phases and treatment options.
To be Board certified, periodontists must:

• Be certified as a dentist
• Be certified as a periodontist
• Complete an oral examination

​Board certification must be repeated every six years. You can discover if your periodontist is Board certified by visiting the database on the American Board of Periodontology website.

You may want to start your search for a periodontist by asking your general dentist to recommend a trusted local specialist. To confirm that your dentist is licensed to practice in your state, you should have access to an online database that allows you to search by last name or license type. Locate your local database by conducting an online search, or use the CareDash dentist finder to find a certified specialist.
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To discover if a periodontist is right for you, assess their qualifications. You can call their office in advance of the appointment and ask how many years they've been in practice and how long they have been doing periodontology. If your periodontist is Board-certified, you may want to ask how recently that certification was renewed, since it expires every six years.

​As with any medical specialist, it's important to ask your periodontist any questions you have on your mind. During your first meeting, however, you may want to cover the basics by asking things such as:

• What can I expect from my dental treatment?
• Is there a chance you might refer me to an oral surgeon?
• Who will be the primary contact during my care, you or a dental assistant or nurse?
• Should I still visit my regular dentist?
• Given my medical history, are there any concerns about this treatment?

​“Explore treatment options and alternatives, including doing nothing,” Dr. Ayad advised. “[Ask your periodontist about] the typical success rate of treatments, and long term prognosis.”
Depending on your particular circumstances, you may have additional questions to ask. For example, if you do not have insurance but need dental implants, you may ask about financing options. If your dental disease affects your ability to consume certain types of food, you may want to ask about nutritional requirements and options while you are under a periodontist's care.

A periodontist is an important part of your dental care team. They are specially qualified not only to diagnose your periodontal disease but also to assess your gum health and recommend a treatment plan. Your periodontist will likely communicate with your general dentist to make sure you receive appropriate medical care.
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To find a periodontist that's right for you, research their qualifications using online tools and by speaking to your general dentist. Once you are under the care of a new dental professional, ask any questions on your mind to make sure you get the care you and your gums need.

​Dr. M. George Ayad of Periodontal & Implant Solutions located in Hackensack, New Jersey has been recognized for two consecutive years as Best Periodontist in BERGEN Magazine. Dr. Ayad who has been in practice for over 20 years and the most recent President of Bergen County Dental Society was honored to be recognized by his Peers. “I am deeply pleased and honored to have received this recognition,” said Dr. Ayad.
BERGEN Magazine Professional Research Services conducted its annual “Bergen County’s Top Dentists” list. All final honorees were fact-checked with the State of New Jersey and the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs License Verification System. The highest vote getters within each specialty who are in good standing with the state are included in the annual “Bergen County’s Top Dentists” list.!
 

(Hackensack NJ – October 16, 2018) Periodontal & Implant Solutions, Dr. M. George Ayad, Bergen County Dental Hygienists’ Association recently held a successful education event discussing two topics Gen Z Challenges and If You Don’t Snooze, You Lose: Uncovering Sleep Disordered Breathing for area hygienists.  Not only did hygienists gain new knowledge at the meeting but the event’s success allowed Periodontal & Implant Solutions, Dr. M. George Ayad, and the Bergen County Dental Hygienists’ Association to make a donation to Saint Peter’s Orphanage in Denville, NJ.
 
St. Peter’s Orphanage is a residential treatment program for abused, abandoned or neglected adolescent boys (aged 9-17), with mild to moderate emotional, behavioral, social and/or learning problems. The New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services (D.Y.F.S.) refers all placements. St. Peter’s philosophy is to provide specialized care, including on-site therapeutic counseling, designed to prepare the boys to become productive and self-sustaining citizens, while maintaining a warm and supportive, family-like atmosphere.  

​We often think of gum disease as a condition exclusive to adults, but this is not true. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums surrounding your teeth that can affect both children and adults. It is also virtually pain free, which is why many patients do not know they have the disease.  
 
M. George Ayad, D.D.S, Ph.D. of Bergen County specializes in dental implants, regenerative and resective periodontal surgery, cosmetic periodontal surgery, gum tissue grafts, and laser periodontal surgery. Dr. Ayad expressed, “Educating my patients on the benefits of healthy gums is an important part of my practice philosophy.” There are three types of gum disease in children: Chronic gingivitis (which is common in children), aggressive periodontitis and generalized aggressive periodontitis (which may begin around puberty and involve the whole mouth).”
 
There are four basic signs that will alert you to periodontal disease in your child which include bleeding gums, puffiness, recession and bad breath that does not clear up with brushing and flossing. Dr. Ayad wants parents to know that early diagnosis is important for successful treatment of periodontal diseases, which is why it is important that children receive a comprehensive periodontal examination as part of their routine dental visits.
 
The most important preventive step against periodontal disease is to establish good oral health habits with your child with these basic preventive steps: establish good dental hygiene habits early (starting when your child is 12 months old), serve as a good role model, schedule regular dental visits, and check your child’s mouth for the signs of periodontal disease.

Periodontal and Implant Solutions, LLC is committed to offering clients high standards, education and prevention, uncompromising safety, and training and expertise that result in a positive experience. Dr. Ayad looks forward to serving patients at his new location.