Is Periodontal Disease Management Painful?

Periodontal disease management is typically not painful if it is addressed in its early stages. For advanced surgical treatments, patients can manage any pain or discomfort with over-the-counter pain medication. Depending on the procedure, patients may need to recover for at least two to three weeks before resuming their normal diet and activities. Please note that compared to experiencing advanced tooth decay and loss, periodontal disease management may be relatively painless! Dr. Weiselberg aims to provide her patients with relief and comfort in their oral health.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

The number of appointments in your customized periodontal management plan will vary depending on the stage of your disease progression as well as the treatments required to properly address the periodontal disease and reverse its impact on your oral health. Patients undergoing advanced treatment can expect several appointments covering their examination, their procedure, and a follow-up appointment to ensure no further complications have occurred during their recovery period. Dr. Weiselberg recommends regular dental care follow-ups to monitor the condition and prevent periodontal disease.

How Long Until I See the Results?

Every patient will heal on their own timeline, depending on the initial condition of their periodontal disease. Most patients may experience relief several weeks after undergoing a procedure treating advanced periodontal disease. However, regular maintenance and checkups will be required to maintain proper oral hygiene and ensure periodontal disease does not return. During your initial consultation, Dr. Weiselberg will be able to give you guidance regarding the long-term oral care required to prevent periodontal disease from recurring.

Periodontal Disease Management

Fort Lee, NJ

Introduction to Periodontal Disease Management

Unlike other gum diseases, periodontal disease may not present with symptoms until the gum tissue becomes so inflamed that it causes the beginning stages of tooth loss. Once this bacterial infection colonizes in the gum pockets between the teeth, removing and treating it becomes much more difficult. When left untreated, periodontal disease can progressively deteriorate the connective tissue and jawbone. At North Jersey Dental Group in Fort Lee, NJ, Dr. Ali Weiselberg has several advanced surgical and non-surgical techniques for treating periodontal disease. If you are struggling with symptoms of periodontal disease, please contact our office today to schedule an appointment.

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What is Periodontal Disease Management?

Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults in the developed world and should always be promptly treated. Periodontal disease (also known as periodontitis and gum disease) is a common inflammatory condition that affects the supporting and surrounding soft tissues of the tooth, eventually affecting the jawbone itself in the disease’s most advanced stages.

Periodontal disease is most often preceded by gingivitis (mild gum inflammation). When the gums become irritated by the toxins contained in plaque, a chronic inflammatory response causes the body to break down and destroy its own bone and soft tissue. Deepening pockets between the gums and teeth are generally indicative that soft tissue and bone are being destroyed by periodontal disease

Periodontal disease can present in the following types:

Chronic periodontitis – The most common form of periodontal disease. It is characterized by progressive loss of attachment interspersed with periods of rapid progression. The inflammation within supporting tissues causes deep pockets and gum recession. It may appear the teeth are lengthening, but in actuality, the gums (gingiva) are receding.
Aggressive periodontitis – This form of gum disease occurs in otherwise clinically healthy individuals. It is characterized by rapid loss of gum attachment, chronic bone destruction, and familial aggregation.
Necrotizing periodontitis – This form of periodontal disease most often occurs in individuals suffering from systemic conditions such as HIV, immunosuppression, and malnutrition. Necrosis (tissue death) occurs in the periodontal ligament, alveolar bone, and gingival tissues.
Periodontitis caused by systemic disease – This form of gum disease often begins at an early age. Medical conditions such as respiratory disease, diabetes, and heart disease are common cofactors.

Fortunately, proper periodontal disease management can stop the progression of periodontal disease. Dr. Weiselberg will evaluate your teeth, gums, and jawbone to determine if specialized treatment is necessary and develop a periodontal disease management plan, along with oral care support and guidance to address your specific condition.

What Are the Benefits of Periodontal Disease Management?

Proper periodontal disease management can help stop periodontal disease in its tracks and even reverse the progression of the disease, allowing for healthier gums and teeth stability. This may lead to the following benefits:

Improved dental health: Periodontal disease management can prevent gingivitis, which will further prevent swollen gums, bleeding after brushing or flossing, and gum recession.
Prevention of tartar buildup: Tartar, or hardened plaque, can infect the gum and lead to tenderness. Preventing tartar also prevents bacterial growth, supporting teeth and gums’ stability.
Reduced gum sensitivity: The pronounced effects of periodontal disease often cause tenderness and bleeding in the gums. This sometimes leads patients to avoid brushing or flossing as often, which, unfortunately, helps the disease progress even further. Periodontal disease management can reduce gum sensitivity, allowing for proper oral care and disease prevention.
Oral comfort: Patients with periodontal disease often also struggle with bad breath due to the presence of increased bacterial growth in their gum pockets. Periodontal disease management can help reduce or eliminate this growth, helping you feel more comfortable with your oral hygiene.

Who Are the Best Candidates for Periodontal Disease Management?

If you are in North New Jersey or any of the surrounding areas and experiencing gum and tooth sensitivity or pain, please consider scheduling a consultation with North Jersey Dental Group. You may be a strong candidate for periodontal disease management if you share some or all of the following characteristics:

Bad breath
Tender or swollen gums that bleed after brushing or flossing
Gum recession, or “lengthening” teeth
Tooth sensitivity or sharp pain
Tartar buildup

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Let’s Get Started

What’s the
first step?

Please come into our Fort Lee, NJ office for a periodontal disease management consultation. A complete periodontal exam of the mouth will be done before any treatment is performed or recommended. Dr. Ali Weiselberg will review your medical history and carefully evaluate your teeth, gums, and jaw to determine the stage of periodontal disease affecting your oral hygiene. Dr. Weiselberg will then develop a personalized periodontal disease management plan to address your current condition and prevent further disease progression. Once you and Dr. Weiselberg have agreed on the treatment plan, our patient coordinator will schedule you for your next appointment and provide pre-surgical instructions if required.

What to Expect on the Day of Periodontal Disease Management Treatment

Depending on the condition of the teeth, gums, and jawbone, there are several treatment methods Dr. Weiselberg may use to address periodontal disease. Some of the more common treatments for periodontal disease include:

Scaling and root planing – To preserve the health of the gum tissue, the bacteria and calculus (tartar) that initially caused the infection must be removed. The gum pockets will be cleaned and treated with antibiotics as necessary to help alleviate the infection. A prescription mouthwash may be incorporated into daily cleaning routines.
Tissue regeneration – When the bone and gum tissues have been destroyed, regrowth can be actively encouraged using grafting procedures. A membrane may be inserted into the affected areas to assist in the regeneration process.
Pocket elimination surgery – Pocket elimination surgery (also known as flap surgery) is a surgical treatment that can be performed to reduce the pocket size between the teeth and gums. Surgery on the jawbone is another option that eliminates indentations in the bone that foster the colonization of bacteria.
Dental implants – When teeth have been lost due to periodontal disease, the aesthetics and functionality of the mouth can be restored by implanting prosthetic teeth into the jawbone. Tissue regeneration procedures may be required prior to the placement of a dental implant to strengthen the bone.

During your consultation, Dr. Weiselberg will recommend the best procedure or combination of procedures for managing your periodontal disease. Please feel free to ask any questions regarding your symptoms or treatment plan prior to scheduling your procedure.

Periodontal Disease Management Recovery

Dr. Weiselberg advises patients undergoing surgical procedures for their periodontal disease management to limit their consumption of sugary foods and avoid alcohol, as this can impact their healing progression. She also strongly discourages smoking, as it will interfere with the prevention of and recovery from periodontal disease.

Please follow all post-surgical instructions to ensure the success of your periodontal disease management plan. Patients are encouraged to change their toothbrushes every two to three months and schedule regular dental checkups to practice good oral care.

Fair & Transparent Pricing

How Much Does Periodontal Disease Management Cost in North Jersey?

The cost of Periodontal Disease Management in Fort Lee and the Northern New Jersey area may range from $100 to $1,000 per quadrant, depending on the stage of periodontal disease as well as the surgical and/or non-surgical treatments required. Dr. Weiselberg will be able to provide you with an estimate for your customized periodontal disease management plan at the time of your consultation.

Why Choose North Jersey Dental Group?

As a lifelong resident of Fort Lee, New Jersey, and the owner of and primary dentist at North Jersey Dental Group, P.A., Dr. Weiselberg’s mission is to provide high-quality, comprehensive dental services on a personalized level to the adults and children of northern New Jersey and surrounding areas. Dr. Weiselberg graduated from New York University College of Dentistry and has served on the Board of Directors of New York University’s College of Dentistry’s Alumni Association since September 2009.

In addition to her practice, Dr. Weiselberg is a clinical instructor at Hackensack University Medical Center, where she volunteers to oversee and train residents. In 2010, the Center for Dentistry at Hackensack University Medical Center awarded her a Certificate of Commendation in recognition of her years of commitment to assisting in the quality education of dental residents.

Dr. Ali N. Weiselberg, D.D.S., F.I.C.O.I have been licensed to practice in New Jersey and New York since 2006. Dr. Weiselberg has received advanced certification in Invisalign technology and training in Core Disaster Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life Support. She is an active member of the American Dental Association (ADA), the North Jersey Dental Association (NJDA), the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD).

Periodontal Disease Management FAQ’S

Periodontal disease management is typically not painful if it is addressed in its early stages. For advanced surgical treatments, patients can manage any pain or discomfort with over-the-counter pain medication. Depending on the procedure, patients may need to recover for at least two to three weeks before resuming their normal diet and activities.

Please note that compared to experiencing advanced tooth decay and loss, periodontal disease management may be relatively painless! Dr. Weiselberg aims to provide her patients with relief and comfort in their oral health.
The number of appointments in your customized periodontal management plan will vary depending on the stage of your disease progression as well as the treatments required to properly address the periodontal disease and reverse its impact on your oral health. Patients undergoing advanced treatment can expect several appointments covering their examination, their procedure, and a follow-up appointment to ensure no further complications have occurred during their recovery period. Dr. Weiselberg recommends regular dental care follow-ups to monitor the condition and prevent periodontal disease.
Every patient will heal on their own timeline, depending on the initial condition of their periodontal disease. Most patients may experience relief several weeks after undergoing a procedure treating advanced periodontal disease. However, regular maintenance and checkups will be required to maintain proper oral hygiene and ensure periodontal disease does not return. During your initial consultation, Dr. Weiselberg will be able to give you guidance regarding the long-term oral care required to prevent periodontal disease from recurring.

Schedule your
consultation

Periodontal disease is best treated early before it can take root and cause further damage to the underlying bone structure of the jaw. If you believe you are experiencing symptoms of periodontal disease and are located in the greater North Jersey area, please schedule a periodontal disease management consultation at North Jersey Dental Group in Fort Lee, New Jersey, by calling us at 201-461-4800 or using our online request form. A concierge team member will be happy to answer any questions and schedule your appointment.