Gum infections often advance silently, creating gradual but persistent damage beneath the surface where routine examination cannot detect them. Many individuals experience minimal discomfort during early stages, allowing bacterial colonies to erode supporting structures for months or years before symptoms become obvious enough to warrant professional evaluation.
Middlesex Periodontics & Dental Implants provides advanced periodontal care for Edison residents throughout Menlo Park, Clara Barton, and neighboring communities. Dr. Daniel Reich holds board certification from the American Board of Periodontology and has provided treatment for gum conditions for over 25 years. The practice welcomes patients directly without requiring referrals and offers same-day appointments for urgent periodontal needs.
While tooth decay affects Americans less frequently in adulthood than during childhood, periodontal infections become increasingly prevalent after the third decade of life. Research indicates that approximately 42% of adults aged 30 and older develop periodontitis, with roughly 8% experiencing severe disease progression. Unlike cavities that typically produce noticeable discomfort, gum infections frequently destroy substantial bone volume before generating pain signals.
The oral bacteria responsible for periodontal infections pose risks extending beyond dental health. Studies have established connections between these pathogens and elevated cardiovascular disease risk, complications in diabetes management, stroke, and respiratory conditions. Addressing active periodontal infections may improve outcomes for individuals managing chronic health conditions, particularly diabetes.
Precise diagnosis forms the foundation of successful treatment protocols. During initial examinations, Dr. Reich uses periodontal probes to measure pocket depths surrounding each tooth, identifying locations where gums have detached from tooth surfaces. Measurements exceeding 3 millimeters typically indicate active disease requiring professional intervention.
Digital radiography reveals bone loss patterns and assists in determining disease severity. Clinical assessments include evaluating bleeding response during probing, documenting recession measurements, testing tooth mobility, and assessing inflammation levels throughout the oral cavity. This thorough evaluation enables accurate disease classification and appropriate treatment recommendations based on individual clinical presentations.
Key symptoms demanding professional attention include gum bleeding during oral hygiene routines, which signals inflammation requiring assessment. Persistent breath odor often indicates bacterial accumulation within deep periodontal pockets. Tissue recession causes teeth to appear elongated as root surfaces become exposed, while mobility suggests destruction of the bone and ligament structures anchoring teeth within the jaw. Early recognition of these manifestations improves treatment effectiveness and helps preserve natural dentition.
Scaling and root planing serves as the primary intervention for mild to moderate periodontal disease. This comprehensive cleaning procedure addresses root surfaces below the gumline, eliminating calcified deposits and bacterial toxins that general practitioners cannot access during standard prophylaxis appointments. Dr. Reich smooths root surfaces to discourage subsequent plaque formation and promote gum tissue reattachment.
Local anesthesia typically accompanies this treatment since it addresses subgingival regions. Following scaling and root planing, many patients demonstrate marked improvement through reduced pocket measurements and healthier gum tissue. Follow-up visits allow monitoring of healing progress and determination of whether additional interventions become necessary.
Traditional periodontal surgery involves scalpel incisions to remove diseased tissue, often requiring sutures and extended healing periods. Dr. Reich provides LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) as a less invasive alternative for moderate to advanced periodontitis. This FDA-cleared laser treatment selectively eliminates infected tissue while preserving healthy gum structures.
The procedure employs specific laser wavelengths to target diseased tissue and eliminate bacteria within periodontal pockets. Most patients experience minimal bleeding during treatment and resume regular activities the following day. Unlike conventional surgery requiring tissue excision and suturing, LANAP preserves greater amounts of natural gum tissue and typically eliminates the need for postoperative pain medication.
Certain clinical situations require surgical procedures to achieve stable long-term results. The following approaches address severe periodontal damage:
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these interventions prove necessary when deep pockets continue harboring infections despite non-surgical care. For patients experiencing significant bone loss, regenerative techniques can restore supporting structures that periodontal disease has compromised.
Dr. Reich completed his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree at the University of Pennsylvania in 1991, followed by a three-year research fellowship at Montefiore Medical Center focused on Oral Medicine. He earned his Certificate in Periodontics from SUNY Stony Brook in 1997 and became a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. He serves as Director and Associate Professor of Periodontics at Touro College of Dental Medicine at New York Medical College and was recently inducted into the Omicron Kappa Epsilon National Dental Honor Society.
Located in nearby East Brunswick, Middlesex Periodontics & Dental Implants serves Edison residents without requiring referrals from general dentists. Whether you’ve observed bleeding during brushing, received treatment recommendations from your dentist, or seek additional opinions regarding proposed interventions, you can schedule appointments directly. Same-day emergency appointments remain available for severe infections or uncontrolled bleeding. The practice participates with Delta Dental Premier and Cigna PPO while working with most dental PPO plans, and Cherry Financing provides flexible payment options. Contact our office at 732-257-7300 to arrange your periodontal evaluation.
Dr. Daniel Reich is a board-certified periodontist with over 30 years of specialized experience in periodontal care and dental implantology. As a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, he brings advanced expertise to every procedure at Middlesex Periodontics & Dental Implants. Dr. Reich earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and completed his Specialty Certificate in Periodontics at SUNY Stony Brook. He currently serves as Director and Associate Professor of Periodontics at Touro College of Dental Medicine, where he trains future dental specialists while staying at the forefront of the latest periodontal techniques and technology.
We make quality periodontal care affordable with flexible payment options.
We participate with Delta Dental Premier and Cigna PPO and work with many dental PPO plans. We files claims on your behalf and provides benefit estimates before treatment.
We offer financing through Cherry Financing and other trusted partners, allowing you to break down treatment costs into manageable monthly payments that fit your budget.
Questions? Call us at 732-257-7300 to discuss your insurance coverage and financing options.
Looking for an experienced periodontist in East Brunswick, NJ? Dr. Daniel Reich and our team at Middlesex Periodontics & Dental Implants provide expert periodontal care and dental implant services to patients throughout Middlesex County, including Monroe Township, Old Bridge, Sayreville, and surrounding communities.
We serve patients from East Brunswick, Monroe Township, Old Bridge, Sayreville, South River, Spotswood, and throughout Central New Jersey. Our office schedules most appointments within 10 days, and we offer same-day emergency appointments when available. No referral needed—you can schedule directly with our board-certified periodontist.
We’re dedicated to providing expert periodontal care and dental implant services in a comfortable, welcoming environment. Our advanced technology, experienced team, and patient-centered approach make achieving optimal oral health easier than ever. From gum disease treatment to dental implants, we’re here to help you achieve your healthiest smile.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
The content on this website has been reviewed by Dr. Daniel Reich for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Treatment outcomes vary based on individual needs. Contact our East Brunswick office for personalized care or dental emergencies.
