Periodontist in Newark, NJ
Gentle Dental of NJ
Newark, NJ 07105
Gentle Dental of NJ offers comprehensive periodontal care right here in Newark’s Ironbound neighborhood. If you’re searching for a periodontist near me in Newark, our team provides gentle, expert gum treatment to help you achieve a healthy smile. Call 973-817-8888 today to schedule your periodontal consultation and take the first step toward healthier gums and teeth.
Introduction to Periodontics
Periodontics is the dental specialty focused on preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum disease and conditions affecting the soft tissues and bone that support your teeth. In simpler terms, a periodontist is a dentist who specializes in gum health. At Gentle Dental of NJ, our experienced periodontist is dedicated to helping patients maintain strong, healthy gums and treating issues like gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gum disease is extremely common, nearly half of all adults have some degree of it. Early symptoms such as red, swollen, or bleeding gums (gingivitis) can progress to more serious issues that may cause receding gums, loose teeth, or even tooth loss if left untreated. The good news is, with professional periodontal care, these conditions can be managed or even reversed. Our Newark periodontist takes a gentle, personalized approach to restore your gum health, relieve discomfort, and preserve your natural smile.

Benefits of Periodontal Treatment
For patients with gum disease or other periodontal issues, getting timely treatment offers numerous benefits. Here are some key advantages of seeing a periodontist for your gum health:
- Prevent Tooth Loss: Untreated gum disease is a leading cause of adult tooth loss. Periodontal treatment strengthens the support around your teeth, helping you keep your natural teeth longer.
- Healthier Gums: Professional care removes infection and reduces inflammation. You’ll notice less gum bleeding, swelling, and tenderness as your gums become healthier and stronger.
- Fresher Breath: Gum disease often causes chronic bad breath. Treating it eliminates the bacteria and debris responsible for odors, giving you fresher breath and renewed confidence in your smile.
- Better Overall Health: Improving your gum health can have positive effects on your overall health. Studies have linked serious gum infection to systemic issues like heart disease and diabetes. By treating gum disease, you reduce chronic inflammation in your body and potentially lower these health risks.
- Improved Comfort & Aesthetics: Healthy gums fit snugly around your teeth, reducing sensitivity and discomfort. Treatment can stop gum recession from worsening or even correct it with grafts, which not only protects tooth roots but also improves the appearance of your smile.
What to Expect During the Procedure?
We understand many patients feel nervous before a gum treatment. Knowing what will happen can help put you at ease. While each patient’s treatment may vary, here’s a general overview of what to expect during a typical periodontal procedure:
Comprehensive Evaluation
Before any treatment, our periodontist will thoroughly examine your gums and teeth. We measure the spaces between your teeth and gums, take any necessary X-rays, and discuss our findings with you. This ensures we design the right treatment plan for your needs.
Gentle Anesthesia
When it’s time for the procedure, we make sure you’re comfortable. First, a topical numbing gel is applied to your gums, then a local anesthetic is gently administered to fully numb the area. You should feel little to no pain during the treatment thanks to our careful technique.
Deep Cleaning
For most gum disease cases, the main treatment is a deep cleaning. Using special ultrasonic tools and fine hand instruments, we carefully remove plaque and tartar buildup from beneath your gum line and then smooth the root surfaces of your teeth to help your gums reattach. You might feel slight pressure or vibration, but the numbing ensures it isn’t painful.
Post-Treatment Care
Once the procedure is done, we will give you instructions to care for your healing gums at home. You may be advised to use an antibacterial mouthwash or take a prescribed antibiotic to aid healing. Some mild soreness or sensitivity is normal for a day or two after a deep cleaning. We’ll schedule a follow-up visit to check your progress and, if needed, plan any additional steps.
How Long Does Periodontal Treatment Take?
The duration of treatment can vary depending on the severity of your gum condition and the procedures required. For example, a deep cleaning, scaling and root planing might be completed in one visit, but often we schedule it over two visits (cleaning half of the mouth at each visit) to ensure thorough care. Each of those visits usually lasts about an hour or so per side. If you need a surgical procedure like gum grafting or pocket reduction, the procedure itself might also take about an hour, typically done in a single visit for the area being treated. After the active treatment is done, we’ll see you for a follow-up in a few weeks to check healing progress. Keep in mind that periodontal care doesn’t stop at the initial treatment. You will need ongoing maintenance appointments, usually every 3 months to keep your gums healthy and prevent the disease from returning.
Safety and Technology Used
Ultrasonic Cleaning Tools
For deep cleanings and periodontal maintenance, our team utilizes ultrasonic scalers. These high-frequency devices comfortably break up plaque and tartar below the gum line more effectively than manual tools alone. The result is a thorough cleaning with less time and discomfort.

Advanced Diagnostic Imaging
We use digital X-rays and, when necessary, 3D imaging (CBCT scans) to get a clear, detailed picture of your teeth, bone levels, and gum health. Digital imaging is fast and minimizes radiation exposure. It helps us pinpoint problem areas and plan treatments with precision.
Laser Therapy
In certain cases, our office may incorporate dental laser technology for treating gum disease. Lasers can be used to gently remove infected tissue and bacteria from gum pockets or to aid in gum recontouring. Laser periodontal therapy is minimally invasive, often requires no stitches, and can promote faster healing.
Strict Sterilization & Infection Control
We maintain hospital-grade sterilization standards for all instruments and treatment rooms. Our team adheres to rigorous infection control protocols recommended by the ADA and CDC. This means you can feel confident that everything from our tools to our exam chairs is thoroughly disinfected and safe.
Patient Comfort Options
True to our name, we strive to make every visit gentle and stress-free. Our office atmosphere is calm and friendly. If you feel anxious, let us know. We offer amenities and techniques to help you relax. This includes using numbing gels before injections, taking breaks during longer procedures, and even sedation options like nitrous oxide if needed. Your comfort is very important to us.
Don’t let gum problems compromise your smile or health. Gentle Dental of NJ is conveniently located in Newark’s Ironbound neighborhood, and our periodontist is ready to provide the expert gum care you need. Call us now at (973) 817-8888 to book your appointment or request a visit online. We look forward to helping you regain healthy gums and a confident smile!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does periodontal treatment hurt?
We make your comfort a priority. Before starting any periodontal procedure, we thoroughly numb your gums with a local anesthetic, so you shouldn’t feel pain during treatment. You might feel some pressure or vibrations during a deep cleaning, but it shouldn’t be painful. After the numbness wears off, you could have mild soreness or tenderness for a short time, but this is typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. Many patients are pleasantly surprised by how easy and pain-free the experience is! Our gentle approach and caring team make a big difference, especially if you’re anxious about dental pain.
How do I know if I need to see a periodontist?
If you’re noticing any warning signs of gum trouble, it’s wise to get evaluated. Symptoms like frequent gum bleeding, persistent gum soreness or swelling, and gum recession are all red flags best addressed by a periodontist. You should also seek a periodontist’s care if you have loose adult teeth or unexplained bad breath, as these can indicate advanced gum disease. Sometimes, patients have periodontal issues without much pain, so don’t wait for severe discomfort to see a specialist. Additionally, if your dentist has mentioned deep pockets around your teeth or has treated you for gum problems that aren’t improving, that’s a clear sign to see a periodontist. When in doubt, it’s better to have a specialist check your gums, catching problems early can save your teeth.
Is periodontal treatment covered by insurance?
In many cases, yes. Most dental insurance plans provide coverage for periodontal procedures because gum disease treatment is considered a necessary dental service. For instance, deep cleanings and periodontal surgeries are commonly covered, though the amount covered (percentage or co-pay) depends on your specific insurance plan. Our office staff will gladly help you review your insurance benefits before starting treatment. We’ll provide a detailed estimate of what your insurance is expected to cover and what your out-of-pocket portion would be. If you don’t have dental insurance or if there’s a balance to pay, we also offer flexible payment options and financing plans to make sure finances don’t stand in the way of getting healthy gums. Your oral health is our priority, and we’ll work with you to make treatment as affordable as possible.
What Is the recovery period after periodontal treatment?
Recovery from periodontal treatments is usually quick and manageable. After a deep cleaning, you might experience mild soreness or tooth sensitivity for a day or two, but most patients resume their normal activities immediately. We’ll advise you on gentle brushing, flossing, and perhaps using a special mouth rinse while your gums heal. For surgical gum treatments (if needed), initial healing typically takes one to two weeks. You may need to stick to softer foods for a few days and keep the area clean as instructed. Any post-procedure discomfort can often be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, and swelling is usually minimal. Our team will provide detailed after-care instructions and remain available to answer any questions during your recovery. The goal is to help you heal comfortably and successfully, so you can enjoy healthy gums again.