Advanced Periodontal Treatment

A good smile requires good foundations throughout your whole mouth and oral health. If you are dealing with gum disease or other periodontal concerns, having a board-certified periodontist on your side can give you the confidence you need to treat your oral health. If you are looking for an experienced periodontist and an office with advanced dental technology for improved results, we invite you to call Precision Dental Group in Hillsborough, NJ, to schedule your periodontics consultation.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is a chronic infection of the gums and supporting bone around the teeth. It 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, leading to damage of 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.

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.

perio disease graphic

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.

Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing further damage. If you have any of these symptoms, we can help plan a periodontal treatment to rejuvenate your smile and restore your optimal oral health.

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.

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning treatment used to treat gum disease and help protect your oral health. This procedure is often recommended when plaque and tartar have built up below the gumline, causing symptoms such as bleeding gums, bad breath, gum tenderness, or pockets around the teeth. By cleaning below the surface and smoothing the tooth roots, scaling and root planing helps reduce inflammation and give the gums a chance to heal and reattach to the teeth.

During treatment, the area is typically numbed for comfort, and the cleaning may be completed over one or more visits depending on the severity of the condition. After your appointment, it is normal to experience mild sensitivity, slight bleeding, or tenderness as the gums heal. Most patients recover within a couple of weeks, and good home care along with regular periodontal maintenance helps support long-term results.

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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Advanced Dental Surgery When Needed

While many gum and oral health concerns can be treated with non-surgical care, some conditions become advanced enough to require a surgical solution. If that happens, our team is fully equipped to provide the specialized treatment you need. From teeth extractions to gum grafts, we offer comprehensive dental surgeries to preserve or improve your oral health. Our goal is always to treat the problem effectively while keeping you comfortable and informed every step of the way.


Learn more about the procedures we offer on our Dental Surgeries page.

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. Contact us to schedule your consultation or to learn more.