Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is caused by excessive plaque and bacteria buildup, typically leading to sensitive, red, swollen gums. Later stages of the disease can result in loose teeth, bleeding gums, tooth decay, and other symptoms. Gum disease can also lead to more serious overall health risks if not treated, including stroke and heart disease.
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is caused by excessive plaque and bacteria buildup, typically leading to sensitive, red, swollen gums. Later stages of the disease can result in loose teeth, bleeding gums, tooth decay, and other symptoms. Gum disease can also lead to more serious overall health risks if not treated, including stroke and heart disease. With advanced periodontal treatments, we are able to help reduce the effects of gum disease and prevent the progression of the condition. At Dental Professionals of Fair Lawn, we use non-surgical methods to treat periodontal disease. Using scaling and root planing, we can remove pockets of bacteria and disinfect your gums without the need for surgery. Plus, our laser techniques can provide a good seal between the teeth and gums in a quick, virtually painless treatment. The laser can also help to promote regrowth of healthy tissue in affected areas, which can ultimately improve your oral health.
Non-surgical periodontal care represents a foundational approach for managing gum disease, especially in its early to moderate stages. This care regimen focuses on controlling the infection and halting progression without the need for surgical intervention. For dental professionals in Fair Lawn, it’s pivotal to understand the various non-surgical therapies available, including scaling and root planing, antimicrobial therapies, and host modulation, as these treatments form the bedrock of periodontal care in preventive dental practice.
Scaling and root planing, often referred to as deep cleaning, is the initial step in non-surgical periodontal treatment. This procedure involves the meticulous removal of plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces and beneath the gumline. Root planing smoothens the root surfaces, discouraging further plaque and tartar buildup and facilitating the reattachment of the gums to the tooth surfaces. Dental professionals in Fair Lawn must emphasize patient comfort and use of appropriate anesthetics to ensure a pain-free experience.
Following scaling and root planing, antimicrobial therapies may be employed to reduce bacterial populations in the periodontal pockets. These therapies can include the use of topical antibiotics or antiseptics as adjuncts to mechanical cleaning. The use of such treatments should be tailored to the individual patient's needs, based on the severity and extent of their periodontal disease. Keeping abreast of the latest advancements in antimicrobial therapies allows Fair Lawn dental professionals to offer the most effective care.
Host modulation therapy aims to adjust the body's response to periodontal pathogens, reducing the destructive processes associated with periodontal disease. This might include the use of systemic medications, such as low-dose doxycycline, which can help control the enzyme activity associated with gum tissue destruction. By incorporating host modulation therapy into their non-surgical periodontal care arsenal, dental professionals can offer a more comprehensive approach to managing periodontitis, potentially improving long-term outcomes for their patients.
A critical component of non-surgical periodontal care is patient education and the emphasis on continuous maintenance. Dental professionals should ensure that patients understand the importance of maintaining optimal oral hygiene practices at home, including proper brushing, flossing, and the use of recommended mouthwashes. Regular check-ups and cleanings are vital to monitor the patient's periodontal health and prevent the recurrence of disease. For those in Fair Lawn, providing personalized education and maintenance plans can significantly enhance patient adherence and satisfaction with their periodontal care regimen.
Dr. Mendia is a Dentist Anesthesiologist and the founder of the Advanced Dental Anesthesia Services Group. A New Jersey native, he attended Rutgers University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Nutrition. He then earned his Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
Directly following Dental School, Dr. Mendia completed a rigorous postdoctoral residency program in Dental Anesthesiology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). Dr. Mendia’s anesthesia training involved hospital rotations through various specialties providing general anesthesia in the areas of dentistry, general surgery, otolaryngology (ENT), pediatrics and obstetrics. Lastly, he received specialized training for office-based anesthesia.
Today, Dr. Mendia has found his niche in ambulatory anesthesia with pediatric and special needs patients. He is also a local, national and international guest lecturer who provides continuing education courses on sedation and medical emergencies in the dental office.
Dr. Mendia is a Diplomate of the National Board of Dental Anesthesiology and a Fellow of the American Society of Dental Anesthesiology. In addition, he is also a part of the following: American Dental Society of Anesthesiology, American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists,
New Jersey Dental Association, and American Dental Association. He holds certifications in Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and is a Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider, training local dental offices for certification.
Get to Know Dr. Mendia:
Dr. Mendia resides in northern New Jersey with his wife and three children, all of which keep him very busy! A fun fact about Dr. Mendia, is that he loves following the weather and when he was younger, he wanted to be a meteorologist! His personal interests vary; he enjoys taking the kids to the zoo and Central Park; in the Fall you’ll find him at sporting events. He enjoys traveling to Long Beach Island and to warmer climates in the Winter.
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