Periodontal Treatment Specialist

Union Family Dental -  - Family & General Dentist

Union Family Dental

Family & General Dentists located in Union, NJ

Dr. Hogan helps those in Union, Maplewood, Short Hills and Millburn, NJ and throughout the other surrounding areas with all their periodontal, or gum, health and treatment needs. At Union Family Dental, Dr. Hogan treats all types of periodontal disease using the most innovative methods including root planing and scaling.

Periodontal Treatment Q&A

What Causes Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal, or gum disease usually develops as the result of a number of varying factors. The underlying cause of the disease however, is the growth of bacteria. Bacteria, along with mucus and other particles, cause the development of plaque on the teeth’s surface. Brushing and flossing help to stop this plaque from building up however, if hygiene habits are poor and the plaque is not removed it can harden and form tartar. Tartar can not be brushed away. This hard tartar houses bacteria and it can make the gums swell and become aggravated. If this is left alone without treatment it can cause inflammation of the gums, or gingivitis, and eventually periodontitis. Periodontitis is a more severe type of periodontal disease where the gums start to pull away, or recede, from the teeth. The pockets created between the gums and teeth can become diseased and at its worst loosen the bone and connective tissue which holds the tooth in place, ultimately leading to tooth loss.

What are Common Symptoms of Periodontal Disease? gums

Signs and symptoms of periodontal disease include: 

  • Stubborn bad breath
  • Inflamed and red gums
  • Uncomfortable chewing
  • Sensitive teeth
  • Sore or bleeding gums
  • Receding gums
  • Teeth which are loose

How is Periodontal Disease Treated?

Periodontal disease is fundamentally an infection of the gums and managing that infection is where treatment will begin. The amount of damage which the disease has caused will determine what treatment will be used. All types of treatment however will need the patients to sustain good oral hygiene on their own. The dentist might also have the patient undergo a deep cleaning of the teeth and gums via a scaling and root planing. Scaling is the process where the tartar is scraped off from above and beneath the gum line. Root planing is where the roots of teeth are smoothed of any rough spots where germs and bacteria can hide. In some instances, a laser can be employed to remove plaque and tartar which can assist to minimize bleeding and discomfort following the procedure.

Insurance Options

We accept many insurance plans; please call our office to confirm eligibility for your specific plan. Please note that we do not accept Medicaid.

Aetna
Aetna PPO
Ameritas
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
Assurant Health
CareCredit
Careington PPO
Cigna
Cigna PPO
Delta Dental
DenteMax
Guardian
Guardian PPO
Horizon BCBS
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
Meritain Health