Board-Certified Periodontist in Hillsborough

If you are dealing with gum disease, gum recession, or other periodontal concerns, our team offers the specialized expertise and advanced technology to protect the foundation of your smile. Dr. Christine Wong is a board-certified periodontist and Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, providing advanced periodontal care and gum disease treatment at Precision Dental Group in Hillsborough, NJ.

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What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is a chronic infection of the gums and supporting bone around the teeth. According to the CDC, nearly 42% of U.S. adults over age 30 have some form of periodontal disease, making it one of the most common, and thus most preventable, oral health conditions. Gum disease is most commonly caused by bacteria that accumulate in plaque and tartar along and below the gumline. Over time, these bacteria trigger inflammation and infection, which damage the gums and the bone that supports the teeth. If left untreated, periodontal disease can result in gum recession, bone loss, and eventual tooth loss.

Gum disease develops in stages, progressing from gingivitis (early, reversible inflammation) to periodontitis and advanced periodontitis, where bone loss and deep pockets put teeth at risk of falling out. At Precision Dental Group, Dr. Christine Wong, our board-certified periodontist, diagnoses and treats every stage of gum disease to stop its progression before it causes lasting damage.

Periodontal treatments and surgeries are performed to treat periodontal disease. The goal of treatment is to stop the progression of the disease, eliminate infection, and preserve the health and stability of your teeth and gums.

Stages of gum disease infographic — healthy gums, gingivitis, periodontitis, advanced periodontitis — Precision Dental Group, Hillsborough NJ

Do I Need Periodontal Care?

Periodontal disease often progresses silently, especially in its early stages. If you notice any of these symptoms, we invite you to visit us for a periodontal evaluation:

  • Red or swollen gums: Gums may look inflamed or feel tender to the touch.
  • Bleeding during brushing or flossing: Frequent bleeding is often an early warning sign.
  • Persistent bad breath: Ongoing odor that doesn’t improve with brushing.
  • Receding gums: Teeth may appear longer as gum tissue pulls back.
  • Gum tenderness or discomfort: Sensitivity along the gumline or between teeth.
  • Changes in bite or tooth alignment: Teeth may feel like they’ve shifted.
  • Loose teeth: Advanced gum disease can weaken the support around teeth.
  • Pus along the gumline: A sign of infection that should be evaluated promptly.
  • Discomfort when chewing: Inflammation can make biting or chewing uncomfortable.

Recognize any of these symptoms? We can plan a periodontal treatment to diagnose your conditions, restore your optimal oral health, and prevent further damage. Schedule your periodontal evaluation with Dr. Wong today.

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Understanding Periodontal Disease

Not all periodontal disease is the same for every person. It may have different symptoms and require different care. On top of that, there are three stages of gum disease.

First, there is gingivitis, which is completely reversible. Many people will experience gingivitis in their lifetime. The first step in treating gingivitis is increasing attention to your oral health habits, by brushing with correct techniques twice a day and flossing. We may also recommend a special mouthwash or toothpaste.

Gingivitis can turn into periodontitis. This may have some permanent, but minor effects on your teeth. It may result in gum recession. We recommend treating periodontitis with a root scaling and planing, a minor dental procedure, also called a dental deep clean. We will scrape away plaque and tartar from around and under your gumline. We may recommend you complete this a couple of times to fully treat your periodontal concerns. Advanced cases of periodontitis may require more intensive surgery.

Once gum disease has advanced to a stage where it is harming your mouth permanently and putting your oral health at great risk, it is called periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can result in lost teeth if not managed properly. We work with you to prevent periodontal disease in the first place, but if it occurs, we offer osseous surgery, which prevents tooth loss from periodontal disease.

Periodontal Treatment Options

We offer a full range of periodontal treatments, from non-surgical deep cleanings to advanced surgical care, so you get the right level of treatment for your gum health.

Scaling & Root Planing

A deep, non-surgical cleaning that removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the tooth roots. Scaling and root planing treats gum disease symptoms like bleeding gums and gum tenderness, helping your gums heal and reattach to your teeth.

Osseous Surgery 

Osseous surgery treats periodontal disease that remains after scaling and root planing, reshaping bone around the teeth to eliminate deep pockets and stop the progression of bone loss.

Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR) 

Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) uses a protective membrane to help lost bone and tissue regrow after advanced gum disease, preserving your natural teeth and their long-term stability.

Crown Lengthening 

Crown lengthening, also called a gum lift, reshapes gum and bone tissue to expose more of the natural tooth, improving the look of a gummy smile or creating space for a crown or veneer to fit properly.

Gum Graft

A gum graft covers exposed tooth roots and rebuilds tissue lost to gum recession, reducing sensitivity and protecting your teeth from further damage.

Laser Gum Surgery

Laser gum surgery uses advanced laser technology to treat gum disease with more precision and less discomfort than traditional methods, offering less bleeding and faster healing for many patients.

Cheerful woman sitting outdoors with a sweater and bright smile.
woman with jaw pain

The Risks of Putting Off Periodontal Treatment

Periodontal disease does not improve on its own. When treatment is delayed, mild symptoms can progress into more serious oral health concerns that require more complex care. Addressing gum disease early helps protect both your smile and your long-term oral health.

  • Progressive Gum and Bone Damage: Ongoing inflammation can gradually damage the gum tissue and bone that support your teeth. As the disease advances, gums may continue to recede, creating deeper pockets where bacteria can collect and multiply.
  • Increased Tooth Sensitivity and Discomfort: As gums pull away from the teeth, exposed tooth roots may lead to heightened sensitivity, tenderness, and discomfort when eating or brushing.
  • Changes in Bite and Tooth Stability: Untreated periodontal disease can weaken the structures that hold teeth in place. Over time, this may cause teeth to shift, feel loose, or change the way your bite comes together.
  • Increased Risk to Overall Health: Research from the American Academy of Periodontology links periodontal disease to serious health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes. Chronic inflammation from gum disease may increase the risk of heart attack and make blood sugar harder to control for people with diabetes.
  • Higher Risk of Tooth Loss: Advanced periodontal disease is one of the most common causes of tooth loss in adults. Without treatment, damage to the supporting bone can make it difficult to preserve natural teeth. If you’ve already experienced tooth loss, we also offer dental implants to restore your smile.
  • More Involved Treatment Over Time: Delaying care can reduce the effectiveness of conservative treatments. Earlier intervention may allow for simpler solutions, while advanced disease may require surgical procedures to stabilize oral health.

Periodontal treatment is focused on preserving the foundation of your smile. Seeking care at the first signs of gum disease helps protect your teeth, maintain comfort, and support long-term oral health.

Our Process

Every periodontal treatment plan follows a clear, personalized path, designed so you always know what to expect.

Your treatment begins with a comprehensive periodontal exam, where Dr. Wong measures gum pocket depths, checks for bone loss, and evaluates the overall health of your gums and supporting bone. Using this information, we’ll diagnose the stage of your gum disease and walk you through your treatment options – explaining what’s involved, the expected timeline, and what to expect at each step – so you can make an informed decision with confidence.

Once your personalized treatment plan is set, we move into care, which may range from a non-surgical deep cleaning to a more advanced surgical procedure, depending on the severity of your gum disease. We use advanced techniques, including laser technology when appropriate, to treat your gum disease as comfortably and effectively as possible.

After treatment, we schedule a follow-up visit to check your healing and gum health. Many patients, especially those with a history of gum disease, transition to periodontal maintenance cleanings, typically every three to four months, to keep your gums healthy and catch any new issues early.

Meet your periodontal specialist

Dr. Christine Wong is a board-certified periodontist at Precision Dental Group in Hillsborough, NJ, and a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology – one of the highest distinctions a periodontist can earn. She completed advanced postdoctoral training in periodontics and dental implant surgery at NYU Lutheran Medical Center, and specializes in treating every stage of gum disease, from non-surgical scaling and root planing to advanced procedures like osseous surgery and gum grafting. Dr. Wong has also pursued specialized training in laser periodontal technology, bringing advanced, minimally invasive treatment options to gum disease care. She believes patient education is key to lasting periodontal health, and takes the time to explain every step of treatment so you feel confident and informed.

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Testimonials

5.0 ★★★★★ 127 Google reviews

  • “The dentists, Dr. Edward Chu and Dr. Christine Wong, are very professional, warm, and very skilled. They also communicate with their patients very well. From cleaning the teeth, filling the cavity, installing crowns, and root canal treatment to implants, I’m very satisfied with their services..”

    Dolly P.

  • “Dr. Wong is very knowledgeable about her profession. I am truly grateful to have her to help with my implant. I’m strongly recommending her to anyone who needs outstanding services”

    Sherry W.

  • I was very pleased with the dentist. He was very thorough in explaining the results of the x-rays that were taken. He took his time and really listened to my concerns.

    Joan A.

Caring for Your Gums After Treatment

Proper aftercare is key to healing well and keeping your results long-term. Recovery looks a little different depending on which treatment you’ve had.


Scaling & Root Planing Recovery: It’s normal to experience mild gum sensitivity or slight bleeding for a day or two after a deep cleaning. Stick to a soft diet initially, rinse gently with warm salt water, and continue brushing and flossing carefully around the treated area. Most patients return to normal activities the same day.


Periodontal Surgery Recovery: Some swelling, tenderness, and minor bleeding are expected in the first few days after surgery. We’ll provide specific instructions on diet, oral hygiene, and any prescribed rinse or medication to support healing. Avoid brushing directly over the surgical site until it’s fully healed, and attend your follow-up visit so we can monitor your progress.”


Laser Gum Surgery Recovery: Laser treatment typically results in less bleeding, swelling, and discomfort than traditional surgery, with many patients returning to normal activities more quickly. Gentle oral hygiene and a soft diet for the first day or two support faster healing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontal Care

Common signs include red or swollen gums, bleeding when you brush or floss, persistent bad breath, receding gums, or loose teeth. If you’re noticing any of these symptoms, it’s worth scheduling a periodontal evaluation – early treatment is much simpler than treating advanced gum disease.

Scaling and root planing is typically done with local anesthesia, so most patients feel little to no discomfort during the procedure. Some mild soreness or sensitivity for a day or two afterward is normal and usually managed with over-the-counter pain relief.

A periodontist is a dental specialist with additional years of training focused specifically on the gums and supporting bone, including the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease and the placement of dental implants. Dr. Wong is a board-certified periodontist, meaning she’s completed advanced training beyond dental school in this specialty.

Recovery time depends on the specific procedure, but most patients experience some swelling and tenderness for a few days, with initial healing typically taking one to two weeks. Laser gum surgery often has a faster, more comfortable recovery than traditional surgical methods.

Many dental insurance plans cover at least part of periodontal treatment, since it’s considered a medically necessary procedure rather than an elective one. Coverage varies by plan, so our front office team can help verify your benefits before treatment.

The earliest stage, gingivitis, can typically be reversed with improved oral hygiene and a professional cleaning. Once gum disease progresses to periodontitis, however, the damage to gum tissue and bone is not reversible; treatment at that stage focuses on stopping further progression and preserving your teeth.

Patients being treated for or recovering from gum disease typically need periodontal maintenance cleanings every three to four months, rather than the standard six-month schedule. This more frequent care helps catch and manage inflammation before it progresses.

A normal cleaning (prophylaxis) is for patients with healthy gums and focuses on removing plaque and tartar above and just below the gumline, typically every six months. Periodontal maintenance is a therapeutic cleaning for patients who’ve been treated for gum disease. It involves removing plaque and calculus below the gumline and around root surfaces that are often more complex to access due to prior bone loss, making it a more technique-sensitive and involved procedure than a standard cleaning. We also perform gingival irrigation as part of every periodontal maintenance visit to help reduce bacteria below the gumline. Periodontal maintenance is typically scheduled every three to four months instead of the standard six-month interval.

Experience Board-Certified Periodontal Care in Hillsborough, NJ

We offer a personalized approach to periodontal care because everyone’s mouth and oral conditions are different. You can be sure that we’ll create a treatment plan that’s best for you and your complete oral health. Don’t wait to protect the foundation of your smile. Call us at (908) 431-0000 or schedule your periodontal consultation with Dr. Wong online today.

Precision Dental Group proudly serves patients from Hillsborough, Bridgewater, Somerville, Montgomery Township, Belle Mead, Raritan, and throughout Somerset County, NJ.

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