Welcome to Pecoraro Periodontics
Expert treatment for gum health and dental implants in a comfortable, professional environment.
A Healthier Smile Starts Here
We aim to give your mouth more reasons to smile.
A beautiful smile is a powerful tool that boosts your physical health, elevates your mental state, and transforms your social interactions. Smiling triggers your brain to release endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, which act as natural mood lifters and pain relievers.
State-of-the-Art Periodontics
Comfort & Compassion
Your comfort is our top priority. We provide a warm, professional environment where every treatment plan is customized to your unique oral health goals and needs.
We leverage cutting-edge diagnostic tools and evidence-based laser treatments like LANAP to provide precise, minimally invasive care for optimal gum regeneration.
Clinical Excellence
Led by Dr. Melissa L. Pecoraro, a former Chief Resident and Clinical Professor at UMDNJ, our team is dedicated to the highest standards of modern dental science.
LANAP trained surgeon in non-invasive periodontal surgery
Dr. Pecoraro remains deeply connected to her alma mater, serving as a Clinical Professor and the Alumni Representative for her dental school class. Throughout her academic career, she consistently held executive leadership positions.
Clinical Research & Community Education
Dr. Pecoraro prioritizes staying at the forefront of clinical advancements to deliver exceptional outcomes for her patients: Published Researcher: Primary author of published clinical research evaluating digital versus conventional radiography in detecting periodontal bone loss; Keynote Speaker: Invited lecturer on periodontal disease at the annual New York University symposium; Public Health Educator: Guest speaker on local television broadcasts to raise public awareness about periodontal disease; Peer Educator: Actively sponsors and leads continuing education courses for fellow dental professionals.
Meet Dr. Melissa L. Pecoraro, DMD
Periodontist & Implant Specialist
Born and raised in New Jersey, Dr. Melissa L. Pecoraro always aspired to follow in the footsteps of her father, Dr. Frank Pecoraro. Before beginning her formal dental training, she spent more than six years assisting her father in his practice—gaining invaluable hands-on insight into patient care and clinical excellence. In 2004, Dr. Pecoraro officially joined her father as a practicing periodontist. Following his retirement, she stepped into his leadership role to carry on the family tradition: offering patient-first, compassionate periodontal care paired with the highest standards of modern dental science.
Education & Academic Leadership
Dr. Pecoraro’s path toward periodontics began with a strong background in biological sciences: Undergraduate Degree: B.S. in Biology from Lafayette College (Easton, PA); Master’s Degree: M.S. in Biology from Fairleigh Dickinson University (Madison, NJ); Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD): University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ), Class of 2001; Specialty Residency: Advanced Program in Periodontics and Implantology at UMDNJ (2004), where she was honored to serve as Chief Resident.
"Healthy gums serve as the vital bedrock for a radiant smile and complete vitality. I am dedicated to empowering my patients with the expertise and treatment essential to preserving their oral health for years to come."
- Dr. Melissa L. Pecoraro
A brighter, healthier smile is just a visit away
Periodontal Care for a Lifelong Smile
Keeping your gums strong, daily brushing, and regular professional care. A periodontist focuses on the foundation of your teeth by preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum disease.
Expert treatment for gum health and dental implants in a comfortable, professional envioronment. Advanced periodontics combines medical science and aesthetic artistry to rebuild gum and bone tissue, using key procedures like soft tissue grafting, crown lengthening, and guided tissue regeneration.
Professional Organizations
New Jersey Monthly Top Dentist
American Dental Association
Castle Connolly Top Dentist since 2012 &
Top Dentist-Consumer Research Council of America
Chief Resident
UMDNJ Periodontics Residency
Active Member
Specialist in Periodontics
Accolades & Professional Associations
Recognition & Awards
AAP: American Academy of Periodontalogy (www.perio.org)
ADA: American Dental Association (www.ada.org)
NJDA: New Jersey Dental Association (www.njda.org)
UCDS: Union County Dental Society
A longtime NJ Monthly Top Dentist honoree,
16 Years As A Top Dentist (every year since 2011)
Rutgers University of Medical & Dental - Clinical Professor
Your Health is Our Priority
Kimberly developed her professional foundation in New York City, balancing academic studies in biology at Lafayette College with summer internships at the Sally Jessy Raphael show. She then worked with Stan Lee at Marvel Entertainment. She transitioned into the premium skincare sector at Peter Thomas Roth. Her strategic acumen led to a rapid ascent to Executive Vice President within 18 months. Over the next eight years, she directed the organization’s human resources, domestic and international sales, and marketing divisions. Her leadership was instrumental in expanding the brand's presence into major retailers such as Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, and Sephora, as well as establishing international markets across Europe, Australia, and Asia. Furthermore, she played a key role in the launch of the June Jacobs Spa Collection and the establishment of the company’s manufacturing facility, June Jacobs Laboratories. After growing the workforce from three to over 100 employees, Kimberly sought a new entrepreneurial challenge.
In 2006, she founded and served as CEO of a│MEN│ity, a specialized men’s grooming line. She managed all corporate facets, including product innovation, international logistics, and public relations. Under her stewardship, a│MEN│ity became a significant competitor in the luxury men's market. Despite a challenging economic climate, she secured domestic placement in Nordstrom, the Venetian Las Vegas, and Fred Segal, while also achieving global distribution through SpaceNK in the United Kingdom. By 2008, Kimberly successfully localized the brand across the Asia-Pacific region, including Japan, South Korea, and Singapore.
Today, she brings her extensive executive experience and dedication to operational excellence to Pecoraro Periodontics, where she is proud to collaborate with her sister and best friend, Dr. Melissa Pecoraro.
Kimberly Pecoraro
Quality Service & Exceptional Results
Examination and Consultation:
Your first appointment in our office is an examination and consultation. This appointment consists of a detailed review of your medical and dental history, full mouth examination, review of x-rays and a preliminary treatment plan customized to suit your individual needs. Dr. Pecoraro will explain to you in detail the procedures and rationale for the treatment needed. The goal of the initial visit is to educate you about the causes of your periodontal disease and to provide you with the information to treat your case.
Scaling & Root Planing: The removal of plaque and calculus (tartar) deposits from the crowns and roots of the teeth both above and below the gumline. The purpose of scaling and root planing is to reduce the “pockets” and inflammation around the teeth. This procedure is usually performed with a local anesthetic to ensure patient comfort.
Polishing: The removal of any remaining stains and plaque from the crowns and exposed root surfaces once scaling and root planing have been completed. This is performed in some but not all cases.
Overhang Removal: This is the smoothing of improperly contoured margins.
Oral Rinsing: An antibacterial rinse may be used in conjunction with Initial therapy and is by prescription only.
Dental Implant
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that a dentist places into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants are an ideal option if you have good general oral health and have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason.
While high tech in nature, dental implants are actually more tooth-saving than traditional bridgework, since implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support.
Dental implants are so natural looking and feeling, you may forget you ever lost a tooth. You know that your confidence about your teeth affects how you feel about yourself, both personally and professionally. Perhaps you hide your smile because of spaces from missing teeth. Maybe your dentures don’t feel secure. Perhaps you have difficulty chewing if you are missing one or more teeth and would like to smile, speak and eat again with comfort and confidence. There is good news! Dental implants are teeth that can look and feel just like your own! Under proper conditions, such as placement by a dentist and diligent patient maintenance, implants can last a lifetime.
Crown Lengthening
When getting a crown, your dentist must prepare your tooth to receive the crown. Sometimes there is not enough tooth surface above the gumline to accomplish this. A periodontist can do crown lengthening to provide more tooth surface. This ensures a more stable crown with less gum irritation. Also, if you have a “gummy” smile or an uneven gum line, crown lengthening can make your teeth look longer and more even. Often on maxillary anterior teeth orthodontic therapy is performed prior to the actual crown elongation procedure to maintain an attractive smile line and keep the gum tissue even.
Lanap & Cosmetic Surgery
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that affects the holding apparatus of our teeth: the bone, gums (gingiva) and fibers. This bacterial infection can be chronic or aggressive. The loss of the bone and fibers around the tooth causes the formation of a “pocket”. If left untreated these gum pockets accumulate more bacteria causing the disease to progress leading to further bone loss and possibly tooth loss.
Osseous surgery is a pocket reducing procedure. The gum is reflected to remove diseased tissue and tartar and to contour the bone to emanate health. This procedure allows the gums to re-attach to healthy bone and reduce or even eliminate gum pockets.
LANAP is a specialized, FDA-cleared, laser treatment designed to treat moderate-to-advanced gum (periodontal) disease and regenerate lost bone and tissue, rather than change appearance for aesthetic reasons.
We aim to provide healthcare to everyone
Dr. Pecoraro believes that giving back is a core responsibility of her practice. Her ongoing pro bono work includes:
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Providing comprehensive dental care to survivors of domestic abuse through the WISE Woman’s Shelter.
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Conducting oral health screenings for athletes participating in the Special Olympics.
What our patients say
Dr. Melissa Pecoraro and her staff are fabulous. The office staff always is pleasant and friendly every time I go. Truly a friendly atmosphere. Most important is the exceptional care Dr. Pecoraro gives. I cannot thank her enough!
I get very nervous in the dentist's office. Dr. Melissa Pecoraro is so kind and caring. She does a wonderful job of making me feel at ease by explaining every step of what she is going to do and what I should expect. Her staff is accommodating, friendly, helpful and outgoing while at the same time being efficient. I’m always greeted by smiling faces and the waiting room is a comfortable place to relax.
I have always been impressed with the professionalism and courtesy of Dr. Pecoraro’s staff. I think it is particularly impressive the way all parts of the practice are coordinated and that Dr. Pecoraro works so well with other dental professionals. I actually enjoy going to the dentist because I know I will receive quality dental care in the hands of Dr. Pecoraro.
Thank you Dr. Melissa Pecoraro! It is with great pleasure that I can write a testimonial to the wonderful quality of dental work which I have experienced over the past eight (8) years as a patient of your practice. I feel certain, with a less skilled practitioner, I would not be sporting this dazzling smile full of implants. Thank you! William
Both my wife and I are patients of Dr. Melissa Pecoraro. Our experience was a joy. From the first shot of novacaine to the last stitch, there was never pain or a moment of discomfort. In our opinion, Dr. Pecoraro is the best dentist!
Samantha, Scotch Plains, NJ
Samuel, Berkeley Heights, NJ
Linda, Fanwood, NJ
William, Warren, NJ
Phil & Jessica, Clark, NJ
I definitely recommend the office of Dr. Melissa Pecoraro. Everyone is very cordial and helpful, whether I or another member of my family has a concern, the doctor and staff are willing to listen and help. I cannot thank Dr. Pecoraro for all she has done for my family and my smile!
Jennifer, Watchung, NJ
Dr. Melissa Pecoraro is extremely patient, considerate and the first doctor I met that takes the time to listen. Every time I have a concern she takes the time to explain the path forward. I wouldn’t go to anyone else. If you’re looking for a periodontist who takes time with her patients and is extremely talented, Dr. Pecoraro is the dentist for you.
Nancy, Westfield, NJ
I am very pleased that I can now SMILE with confidence. I love my new implants! Thank you Dr. Pecoraro!
Sally Jean, Toms River, NJ
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ADRESS
122 Central Ave, Clark, NJ 07066
31-D Mountain Blvd, Warren, NJ 07059
pecoraro.smiles@gmail.com
PHONE
Tel: 732-860-0060
Fax: 908-344-3994
OPEN HOURS
Mon - Front desk open only
Tues,Weds, Thurs - 9:00 am -6:00 pm
Fri - Alternating weeks
Sat-Sun - CLOSED
Our Clark Location
Clark Office
122 Central Avenue
Clark, NJ 07066
Our Warren Location
Warren Office
31-D Mountain Blvd Warren, NJ 07059