Gum disease is one of the most common oral health conditions in the country, yet many people don’t realize they have it until it’s already advanced. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 42% of adults aged 30 and older in the United States have some form of periodontitis. The good news is that with the right treatment, gum disease can be managed, progression can be stopped, and your oral health can be restored.
At Legacy Oral Surgery Group, we provide periodontal and gum disease treatment for patients in Union City and the surrounding communities. Our Union City oral surgery treatments are delivered with care and precision, backed by over 35 years of combined professional experience. Drs. Nancy Herbst, David Farkas, and Hillel Kaye lead our team, and we serve over 7,000 patients per year across our New Jersey and Staten Island locations.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It begins as gingivitis, a mild inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup along the gum line. When gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more serious condition in which the infection spreads below the gum line and begins to damage the bone and connective tissue that support your teeth.
Signs You May Have Gum Disease
Many patients in Union City are surprised to learn they have gum disease because the early stages are often painless. Knowing what to look for can make a significant difference in how quickly treatment begins.
Common signs of gum disease include:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums: Healthy gum tissue should appear pink and firm, not puffy or discolored
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing: Occasional bleeding is often the first noticeable symptom
- Persistent bad breath: Bacteria beneath the gum line can cause an odor that doesn’t go away with brushing
- Receding gums: Gums pulling away from the teeth can expose more of the tooth and its roots
- Loose or shifting teeth: In advanced cases, bone loss may cause teeth to feel unstable, and periodontal splinting can sometimes stabilize the affected teeth while the underlying infection is treated
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, seeking care as soon as possible gives you the best chance at preserving your teeth and preventing further damage.
How We Treat Gum Disease in Union City
Treatment for periodontal disease depends on how far the condition has progressed. Our team at Legacy Oral Surgery Group evaluates each patient individually and recommends a treatment plan based on the severity of the disease and your overall oral health.
Scaling and Root Planing
For early to moderate cases of gum disease, scaling and root planing is often the first line of treatment. This is a deep-cleaning procedure performed below the gum line to remove plaque and tartar buildup from the root surfaces. Smoothing the root surfaces also makes it harder for bacteria to reattach, allowing the gums to heal and reattach to the teeth more effectively.
Soft Tissue Grafting
When gum recession has already occurred, soft tissue grafting may be recommended to restore the gum line and protect exposed roots. This procedure involves placing graft tissue along areas where the gums have pulled back, improving both function and appearance.
Osseous Surgery
In more advanced cases of periodontitis, osseous surgery may be necessary. This procedure reshapes the bone around the teeth to eliminate deep pockets where bacteria collect. Reducing these pockets makes it much easier to maintain oral hygiene and slows the progression of the disease. Our Union City oral surgery office is equipped with the latest technology to perform these procedures with a focus on patient comfort.
Why Early Treatment Matters
The longer gum disease goes untreated, the more damage it can cause. Advanced periodontitis is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults, and the effects can extend beyond your mouth. Research has linked periodontal disease to systemic health concerns, including an increased risk of heart disease and complications for patients with diabetes. Treating gum disease promptly protects not only your teeth and jawbone but also your overall health.
Getting regular checkups and acting quickly when symptoms appear gives you the strongest foundation for long-term oral health.
Life After Gum Disease Treatment: What to Expect
Completing periodontal treatment is a major step, but maintaining your results requires consistent follow-up care. Gum disease is a chronic condition, which means the bacteria responsible for it do not disappear permanently. Without proper maintenance, the infection can return and cause further damage to the gums and bone.
Periodontal Maintenance Appointments
After active treatment is complete, most patients transition to a periodontal maintenance schedule rather than standard dental cleanings. These appointments are typically recommended every three to four months and are more thorough than routine cleanings. Our team removes bacteria and buildup from below the gum line, monitors pocket depths, and evaluates how well the gum tissue is healing. Staying consistent with this schedule is one of the most important things you can do to protect the results of your treatment.
Daily Habits That Support Gum Health
What you do at home matters just as much as what we do in the office. Brushing twice daily, flossing once a day, and using an antimicrobial rinse if recommended can all reduce the bacterial load in your mouth and slow the return of infection. Patients who manage chronic health conditions like diabetes and those who smoke need to be especially attentive, as these factors are closely linked to the progression of periodontal disease. With the connection between gum health and heart health, consistent oral hygiene habits contribute to your overall wellness.
Choose Legacy Oral Surgery Group for Gum Disease Treatment in Union City
Legacy Oral Surgery Group is a trusted choice for periodontal care in Union City, New Jersey. Drs. Nancy Herbst, David Farkas, and Hillel Kaye bring more than 35 years of combined oral and maxillofacial surgery experience to every patient they treat, offering a level of care rooted in precision, compassion, and a commitment to long-term outcomes. We treat patients of all ages and work with your insurance provider to help make sure coverage meets your needs.
Whether you are dealing with early gingivitis or more advanced periodontitis, our team is here to help you restore your gum health and protect your smile. We set ourselves apart by being with our patients before, during, and after their surgical experience. To schedule a consultation for periodontal/gum disease treatment in Union City, please contact our office today.
