Your gums are the framework for a picture-perfect smile. Periodontics focuses on the health and treatment of gums and bones, working to correct and prevent damage caused by gingivitis, periodontitis or other gum diseases.
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Periodontics (Healthy Gums)
Your gums are the framework for a picture-perfect smile. Periodontics focuses on the health and treatment of gums and bones, working to correct and prevent damage caused by gingivitis, periodontitis or other gum diseases.
Dr. Mark Pakan is a periodontist who has received 3 additional years of extensive training beyond dental school. He specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease as well as the placement of dental implants, and he is also trained in performing cosmetic periodontal procedures.
In the first visit, Dr. Pakan examine the gums, checks to see if there is any gum line recession, assesses how the teeth fit together when biting, and checks the teeth to see if any are loose. The periodontist will also take a small measuring instrument called a probe and place it between the teeth and gums to determine the depth of those spaces, known as periodontal pockets. This helps the periodontist assess the health of the gums. X-rays will also be taken to observe the health of the bone below the gum line.
Untreated gingivitis, the mildest form of periodontal disease, can advance to periodontitis and eventually lead to tooth loss and other health problems.
In the first visit, Dr. Pakan examine the gums, checks to see if there is any gum line recession, assesses how the teeth fit together when biting, and checks the teeth to see if any are loose. The periodontist will also take a small measuring instrument called a probe and place it between the teeth and gums to determine the depth of those spaces, known as periodontal pockets. This helps the periodontist assess the health of the gums. X-rays will also be taken to observe the health of the bone below the gum line.
Untreated gingivitis, the mildest form of periodontal disease, can advance to periodontitis and eventually lead to tooth loss and other health problems.
Dr. Mark Pakan is a periodontist who has received 3 additional years of extensive training beyond dental school. He specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease as well as the placement of dental implants, and he is also trained in performing cosmetic periodontal procedures.
In the first visit, Dr. Pakan examine the gums, checks to see if there is any gum line recession, assesses how the teeth fit together when biting, and checks the teeth to see if any are loose.
The periodontist will also take a small measuring instrument called a probe and place it between the teeth and gums to determine the depth of those spaces, known as periodontal pockets. This helps the periodontist assess the health of the gums. X-rays will also be taken to observe the health of the bone below the gum line.
Untreated gingivitis, the mildest form of periodontal disease, can advance to periodontitis and eventually lead to tooth loss and other health problems.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene and is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care.
Factors that may contribute to gingivitis include, diabetes, smoking, aging, genetic predisposition, systemic diseases and conditions, stress, inadequate nutrition, puberty, hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy, substance abuse, HIV infection, and certain medication use.
Periodontitis
Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. The toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body, in essence, turns on itself.
The tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed. Gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums) that become infected.
As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Often, this destructive process has very mild symptoms. Eventually, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.
The main cause of periodontal (gum) disease is plaque, but other factors affect the health of your gums.
Age
Studies indicate that older people have the highest rates of periodontal disease.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that over 70% of Americans 65 and older have periodontitis.
Smoking/Tobacco use
Tobacco use is linked with many serious illnesses such as cancer, lung disease and heart disease, as well as numerous other health problems.
Tobacco users also are at increased risk for periodontal disease. Studies have shown that tobacco use may be one of the most significant risk factors in the development and progression of periodontal disease.
Genetics
Research has indicated that some people may be genetically susceptible to gum disease.
Despite aggressive oral care habits, these people may be more likely to develop periodontal disease. Identifying these people with a genetic test before they even show signs of the disease and getting them into early intervention treatment may help them keep their teeth for a lifetime.
Stress
Stress is linked to many serious conditions such as hypertension, cancer, and numerous other health problems.
Stress also is a risk factor for periodontal disease. Research demonstrates that stress can make it more difficult for the body to fight off infection, including periodontal diseases.
Medications
Some drugs, such as oral contraceptives, antidepressants, and certain heart medicines can affect your oral health.
Just as you notify your pharmacist and other health care providers of all medicines you are taking and any changes in your overall health, you should also inform your dental care provider.
Clenching or grinding your teeth
Clenching or grinding your teeth can put excess force on the supporting tissues of the teeth and could speed up the rate at which these periodontal tissues are destroyed.
Other systemic diseases
Other systemic diseases that interfere with the body’s inflammatory system may worsen the condition of the gums.
These include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Poor nutrition
A diet low in important nutrients can compromise the body’s immune system and make it harder for the body to fight off infection.
Because periodontal disease begins as an infection, poor nutrition can worsen the condition of your gums. In addition, research has shown that obesity may increase the risk of periodontal disease.
Root planing and scaling
Scaling and root planing is a careful cleaning of the root surfaces to remove plaque and calculus [tartar] from deep periodontal pockets and to smooth the tooth root to remove bacterial toxins.
Scaling and root planing is often followed by adjunctive therapy such as local delivery antimicrobials and host modulation, as needed on a case-by-case basis.
Most periodontists would agree that after scaling and root planing, many patients do not require any further active treatment. However, the majority of patients will require ongoing maintenance therapy to sustain health.
Gum graft surgery
Exposed tooth roots are the result of gum recession. Gum graft surgery will repair the defect and help to prevent additional recession and bone loss.
Gum grafts can be used to cover roots or develop gum tissue where it is absent due to excessive gingival recession. During gum graft surgery, your periodontist takes gum tissue from your palate or another donor source to cover the exposed root. This can be done for one tooth or several teeth to even your gum line, reduce sensitivity, and improve the aesthetics of your smile. Whether you have a gum graft to improve function or aesthetics, patients often receive the benefits of both: a beautiful new smile and improved periodontal health – your keys to smiling, eating, and speaking with comfort and confidence.
Gum surgery
Your periodontist may recommend a regenerative procedure when the bone supporting your teeth has been destroyed due to periodontal disease.
These procedures can reverse some of the damage by regenerating lost bone and tissue.
During this procedure, your periodontist folds back the gum tissue and removes the disease-causing bacteria. Membranes (filters), bone grafts or tissue-stimulating proteins can be used to encourage your body’s natural ability to regenerate bone and tissue.
Eliminating existing bacteria and regenerating bone and tissue helps to reduce pocket depth and repair damage caused by the progression of periodontal disease. With a combination of daily oral hygiene and professional maintenance care, you’ll increase the chances of keeping your natural teeth – and decrease the chances of other health problems associated with periodontal disease.
Dental crown lengthening procedure
You may have asked your periodontist about procedures to improve a “gummy” smile because your teeth appear short. Your teeth may actually be the proper lengths but are covered with too much gum tissue.
To correct this, your periodontist can perform a dental crown lengthening procedure
During the dental crown lengthening procedure, excess gum and bone tissue is reshaped to expose more of the natural tooth. This can be done to one tooth to even your gum line or to several teeth to expose a natural, broad smile.
Your dentist or periodontist may also recommend dental crown lengthening to make a restorative or cosmetic dental procedure possible. Perhaps your tooth is decayed, broken below the gum line, or has insufficient tooth structure for a restoration, such as a crown or bridge. Crown lengthening adjusts the gum and bone level to expose more of the tooth so it can be restored.
Dental implants
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge.
Dental implants may be an option for people who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason.
Sinus augmentation
A key to implant success is the quantity and quality of the bone where the implant is to be placed.
The upper back jaw has traditionally been one of the most difficult areas to successfully place dental implants due to insufficient bone quantity and the close proximity to the sinus. Sinus augmentation can help correct this problem by raising the sinus floor and developing bone for the placement of dental implants.
Ridge modification
Deformities in the upper or lower jaw can leave you with inadequate bone in which to place dental implants. To correct the problem, the gum is lifted away from the ridge to expose the bony defect.
The defect is then filled with bone or bone substitute to build up the ridge. Ridge modification has been shown to greatly improve appearance and increase your chances for successful implants that can last for years to come
After treatment, your periodontist will work closely with you and your dentist to develop the best care plan for you. Periodic follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor your implant, teeth, and gums to make sure they are healthy.
Periodontal pocket reduction procedures
After your periodontist has measured the depth of your pocket(s), a periodontal pocket reduction procedure might be recommended if you have pockets that are too deep to clean with daily at-home oral hygiene and a professional care routine.
During this procedure, your periodontist folds back the gum tissue and removes the disease-causing bacteria before securing the tissue into place. In some cases, irregular surfaces of the damaged bone are smoothed to limit areas where disease-causing bacteria can hide. This allows the gum tissue to better re-attach to healthy bone.
Reducing pocket depth and eliminating existing bacteria are important to prevent damage caused by the progression of periodontal disease and to help you maintain a healthy smile. Eliminating bacteria alone may not be sufficient to prevent disease recurrence. Deeper pockets are more difficult for you and your dental care professional to clean, so it’s important for you to reduce them. Reduced pockets and a combination of daily oral hygiene and professional maintenance care increase your chances of keeping your natural teeth – and decrease the chance of serious health problems associated with periodontal disease.
Gummy smile or uneven gum smile
If you feel your teeth look too short and your smile is too gummy or your gums cover too much of some teeth while leaving the others the right length, dental crown lengthening might be the solution for you.
During this procedure, excess gum tissue is removed to expose more of the crown of the tooth. Then your gum line is sculpted to give your new smile just the right look.
Long teeth/expose roots
Sometimes gum recession causes the tooth root to become exposed, which makes your teeth look long and can make you look older than you are.
This recession can happen as a result of a variety of causes, including periodontal diseases.
Gum graft surgery and other root coverage procedures are designed to cover exposed roots, to reduce further gum recession and to protect vulnerable roots from decay.
Indentation in the gums and jawbone
Tooth loss can cause an indentation in the gums and jawbone where the tooth used to be. This happens because the jawbone recedes when it no longer is holding a tooth in place.
Not only is this indention unnatural looking, it also causes the replacement tooth to look too long compared to the adjacent teeth.
Ridge augmentation can fill in this defect recapturing the natural contour of the gums and jaw. A new tooth can then be created that is natural looking, easy to clean and beautiful
The main cause of periodontal (gum) disease is plaque, but other factors affect the health of your gums.
Age
Studies indicate that older people have the highest rates of periodontal disease.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that over 70% of Americans 65 and older have periodontitis.
Smoking/Tobacco use
Tobacco use is linked with many serious illnesses such as cancer, lung disease and heart disease, as well as numerous other health problems.
Tobacco users also are at increased risk for periodontal disease. Studies have shown that tobacco use may be one of the most significant risk factors in the development and progression of periodontal disease.
Genetics
Research has indicated that some people may be genetically susceptible to gum disease.
Despite aggressive oral care habits, these people may be more likely to develop periodontal disease. Identifying these people with a genetic test before they even show signs of the disease and getting them into early intervention treatment may help them keep their teeth for a lifetime.
Stress
Stress is linked to many serious conditions such as hypertension, cancer, and numerous other health problems.
Stress also is a risk factor for periodontal disease. Research demonstrates that stress can make it more difficult for the body to fight off infection, including periodontal diseases.
Medications
Some drugs, such as oral contraceptives, antidepressants, and certain heart medicines can affect your oral health.
Just as you notify your pharmacist and other health care providers of all medicines you are taking and any changes in your overall health, you should also inform your dental care provider.
Clenching or grinding your teeth
Clenching or grinding your teeth can put excess force on the supporting tissues of the teeth and could speed up the rate at which these periodontal tissues are destroyed.
Other systemic diseases
Other systemic diseases that interfere with the body’s inflammatory system may worsen the condition of the gums.
These include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Poor nutrition
A diet low in important nutrients can compromise the body’s immune system and make it harder for the body to fight off infection.
Because periodontal disease begins as an infection, poor nutrition can worsen the condition of your gums. In addition, research has shown that obesity may increase the risk of periodontal disease.
Endodontics (Root Canal)
Root canal therapy is performed when the tooth’s root becomes infected due to cavities or cracks, causing discomfort and swelling in the area.
The procedure involves cleaning out the root canal to prevent further damage and save your tooth.When performed by professional endodontist, Dr. Khimiya Paryani, you can be sure that your smile is restored to show healthy and beautiful results.
Orthodontics (Braces/Invisalign)
At Gentle Dental, we know that straighter teeth and a perfectly aligned bite can dramatically improve your appearance. The goal of Orthodontic treatment is not only the cosmetic improvement of your smile but also the very practical one of a functionally improved bite.
Braces
Of the many aspects of treatment that Orthodontics includes, probably the most familiar are Dental Braces. Braces are typically made from stainless steel or more aesthetically pleasing ceramic materials and Invisilign. There are different stages of treatment. Typically, after an active corrective stage there will be what is called a retention stage. The familiar appliance associated with this stage is the retainer.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a series of clear, removable teeth aligners that both orthodontists and dentists use as an alternative to traditional metal dental braces.
An Orthodontist is a dental specialist who has completed an orthodontic residency in addition to their dental degree. They dedicate their lives to correcting misaligned, crooked or crowded teeth and making your smile the best it can be.
An Orthodontist is a dental specialist who has completed an orthodontic residency in addition to their dental degree. They dedicate their lives to correcting misaligned, crooked or crowded teeth and making your smile the best it can be.
Dental Implants
Missing permanent teeth can be embarrassing, but it no longer has to deter you from showing off your smile. Missing teeth can be uncomfortable and make it more difficult for you to chew food. If you’re interested in regaining your beautiful smile, count on Gentle Dental of NJ for dental implants. Newark, NJ-based, we offer quality implants to patients across Essex County, including Irvington and Kearny.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are small posts placed beneath the gum to work as the roots of missing teeth. A crown, or artificial tooth, is then fitted to match your teeth and mouth and improve your smile. An implant can replace one tooth or multiple teeth for a full, healthy smile that looks and feels natural. Once the implants are in place, you’ll be able to comfortably eat, drink and talk. For more information on dental implants, Newark, NJ, residents should call Gentle Dental of NJ to schedule a consultation.
Crowns
When a tooth is severely damaged or missing, dental restorations are necessary to preserve your dental health. A dental crown is designed to save an existing tooth, while a dental bridge replaces missing teeth. Not only do these restorations improve your dental health, but dental crowns and bridges resemble real teeth! If you need dental treatment and a tooth filling won’t suffice, talk to your dentist about your options. Dental crowns and dental bridges are two of the most successful dental procedures done today.
Laminates
A smile makeover improves the appearance of the smile through one or more cosmetic dentistry procedures.
Cosmetic Dentistry and Smile Makeovers
A smile makeover involves consideration of your facial appearance, skin tone, hair color, teeth, gum tissue, and lips to develop a customized smile. Smile makeovers are performed for many reasons and are customized according to your unique considerations.
Porcelain Laminates
Laminates are very thin pieces of durable, tooth-shaped porcelain that are custom made (for shape and color) by a professional dental laboratory. They are bonded onto the front of each tooth to create a beautiful and attractive smile.
Laminates can completely reshape your teeth and smile. They can cover worn tooth enamel, uneven tooth alignment, spacing and chips or cracks. They create a bright, white smile with beautifully aligned, shapely teeth.
Laminates can completely reshape your teeth and smile. They can cover worn tooth enamel, uneven tooth alignment, spacing and chips or cracks. They create a bright, white smile with beautifully aligned, shapely teeth.
Fillings
One of the most common diseases known to man, tooth decay is second only to the common cold. Cavities are still plaguing the nation — and once it starts, the only way to stop a cavity from destroying your tooth is with a tooth filling. There are now several types of dental fillings available, from tried and true amalgam fillings to a variety of natural-looking tooth-colored dental fillings. Keep cavities from ruining your dental health with dental fillings!
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a simple non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of the natural tooth enamel and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile.
In-office whitening
In-office whitening produces an immediate and often dramatic effect. Typically, your teeth can be whitened by several shades within 90 minutes, dramatically improving your appearance in the shortest possible time.
Zoom! In-Office Whitening System
The Zoom! In-Office Whitening System can make your teeth dramatically whiter within 90 minutes while you relax in our office. Teeth typically become an average of eight shades lighter, sometimes more. It’s ideal for anyone who wants immediate results.
Take-Home Treatment System
The Take-Home Treatment System can make your smile brighter in just two weeks, giving you a whiter, brighter smile.
The procedure is simple. An impression is taken to make a specialized tray that holds the bleach against the teeth. You’ll fill the tray with the whitening gel and place the tray over your teeth, keeping it in place for several hours each day. Used correctly, patients may whiten their teeth by two shades within two weeks. You can wear the carrier anytime you choose- while sitting in your car, watching television at home or while you sleep.
Teeth whitening is a simple non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of the natural tooth enamel and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile. Teeth whitening is the most commonly requested cosmetic dental procedure. It’s designed to enhance your appearance by reducing tooth discoloration and staining to elicit a brighter, whiter smile.
Teeth whitening is a simple non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of the natural tooth enamel and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile. Teeth whitening is the most commonly requested cosmetic dental procedure. It’s designed to enhance your appearance by reducing tooth discoloration and staining to elicit a brighter, whiter smile.
Dental CT Scan
The SCANORA® 3D digital Cone Beam dental X-ray provides a new and innovative way of seeing dent maxillofacial anatomy and solving diagnostic problems. At Gentle Dental of NJ, we take full advantage of our state-of-the-art dental X-ray. Irvington, NJ patients should head to our practice in Newark.
With Cone Beam 3D imaging the image layer, angle and type of visualization can be freely selected after exposure within the cylindrical volume. Compared to conventional tomography this provides a huge advantage: all diagnostic information in the region of interest can be clearly seen, examined and exploited.
The flat-panel detector is a masterpiece of modern CMOS technology. Compared to traditional image intensifiers, flat-panel detectors offer superior image quality due to their large dynamic range, better contrast and lack of image distortion. Additionally they are insensitive to electromagnetic interference, are compact in size and have a long service life.
The SCANORA 3D has been designed from the ground up using the very latest 3D imaging technology. It is a versatile Cone Beam 3D dental X-ray machine, capable of variable size volume imaging of the dent maxillofacial area as well as high-resolution classic digital panoramic dental imaging.
After scanning and image reconstruction, a full range of diagnostic options can be exploited. The diagnostic information can be thoroughly examined with the many powerful software tools and features. For instance, a complete set of cross-sectional views of the jaw can be automatically generated by drawing a center line along the axial slice.
GD-Dental Plan makes it easy for you to save on dental care without the paperwork hassle and annual limits of individual dental insurance.
For more information on our high-powered dental X-ray, Irvington, NJ, residents should contact our local practice. We’re happy to serve patients from Irvington, Kearny, and other cities across Essex County.
If you need urgent care, simply call our 24 hour emergency hotline.