Gum disease affects nearly half of American adults over age 30, yet many people don’t realize they have it until significant damage has occurred. Left untreated, this progressive infection destroys the soft tissue and bone supporting your teeth, eventually leading to tooth loss and systemic health complications.
At Middlesex Periodontics & Dental Implants, Dr. Daniel Reich provides comprehensive periodontal care to diagnose, treat, and manage gum disease at every stage. As a board-certified periodontist with over 28 years of experience, Dr. Reich offers same-day emergency appointments and accepts patients directly without requiring a referral, utilizing advanced treatment methods including LANAP laser therapy to restore gum health and preserve your natural teeth for patients throughout New Brunswick and the surrounding New Jersey communities.
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, begins as gingivitis with symptoms that are often subtle and easy to overlook. Red, swollen, or bleeding gums during brushing or flossing signal early-stage inflammation caused by bacterial plaque accumulation along the gumline. As the condition progresses to periodontitis, the infection spreads deeper beneath the gums, destroying the connective tissue and bone that anchor your teeth in place.
According to data from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, approximately 42 percent of adults aged 30 years and older in the United States have periodontitis, with 7.8 percent experiencing severe periodontitis. Advanced symptoms include persistent bad breath, receding gums that make teeth appear longer, loose or shifting teeth, changes in your bite, and the formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums where bacteria thrive.
Dr. Reich offers a range of evidence-based treatments tailored to the severity of your condition and your individual needs. Treatment selection depends on factors including the depth of periodontal pockets, the amount of bone loss, overall health status, and personal preferences. For early to moderate gum disease, non-surgical approaches often effectively control infection and restore gum health.
Scaling and root planing serve as the foundation of periodontal therapy, involving deep cleaning beneath the gumline to remove bacterial plaque and tartar deposits. Dr. Reich smooths the root surfaces to discourage future bacterial accumulation and promote tissue reattachment. For patients seeking a minimally invasive alternative to traditional gum surgery, Dr. Reich offers LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure), an FDA-cleared treatment that uses precisely calibrated laser energy to target and eliminate diseased tissue while preserving healthy gums.
LANAP offers several advantages over conventional surgery:
Patients can typically return to work the same day or the next day following LANAP treatment.
When gum disease has progressed to advanced stages with significant bone loss, surgical intervention may be necessary to restore periodontal health. Osseous surgery reshapes the bone around teeth to eliminate deep pockets where bacteria accumulate.
Gum grafting procedures address severe recession by covering exposed root surfaces with healthy tissue, protecting teeth from sensitivity and further damage. For patients with extensive bone destruction, bone regeneration techniques using growth factors and bone grafting materials can stimulate new bone growth, helping to stabilize teeth and restore lost support structures.
Advanced periodontal and implant treatments with financing options that make specialized care accessible to everyone.
The impact of periodontal disease extends far beyond your mouth. The chronic inflammation and bacteria associated with gum disease can enter the bloodstream, contributing to systemic health problems. Research has established connections between periodontal disease and the following conditions:
For individuals with diabetes, the relationship is particularly significant. Gum disease can make blood sugar levels more difficult to control, while uncontrolled diabetes increases susceptibility to periodontal infections. Managing gum disease effectively contributes to better overall health outcomes and may reduce your risk for serious medical conditions.
Serving patients from New Brunswick’s diverse neighborhoods, including downtown areas near Rutgers University, the hospital district, and residential communities throughout the city, Middlesex Periodontics & Dental Implants, provides convenient access to advanced periodontal care. You can schedule your periodontal evaluation directly without waiting for a referral from your general dentist, ensuring prompt attention when gum disease symptoms arise.
For urgent periodontal problems such as severe infections, uncontrolled bleeding, or acute pain, same-day emergency appointments are available. Dr. Reich’s nearly three decades of clinical experience and board certification from the American Board of Periodontology ensure you receive the highest standard of care backed by the latest evidence-based treatment protocols. The practice maintains a strong connection to the academic dental community through Dr. Reich’s faculty position at Touro College of Dental Medicine at New York Medical College, keeping treatment approaches current with the latest advances in periodontal therapy.
Dr. Reich’s extensive educational background includes his dental degree from the University of Pennsylvania and specialized periodontal training from SUNY Stony Brook. His board certification and role as a faculty member at Touro College of Dental Medicine at New York Medical College demonstrate his commitment to providing evidence-based care informed by the latest research and clinical techniques.
Whether you’re experiencing gum disease symptoms or need preventive periodontal care, Middlesex Periodontics & Dental Implants welcomes New Brunswick residents without requiring referrals. Our office works with Delta Dental Premier, Cigna PPO, and many other dental insurance plans, and Cherry Financing helps make treatment fit your budget. Call 732-257-7300 to schedule your appointment and protect your oral health.
732-257-7300
