If you have bleeding, painful gums, or loose teeth, you may have periodontal disease. With periodontics, we can treat these issues and help you restore your oral health.
Periodontics is a specialized discipline in dentistry that focuses on treating and healing gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. Gum disease is an inflammatory disease that causes gums to recede, which can destroy teeth and bone in the mouth.
A periodontist is a specially trained dentist who understands how to diagnose, prevent, and treat periodontal disease. It is also the job of the periodontists to manage challenging periodontal cases, such as people with serious gum disease or a complicated medical history with co-existing conditions.
The periodontal dentist may receive additional training after basic dental school to learn the best practices for managing gum disease, oral inflammation, and related issues. The periodontist also understands how to apply the latest in dental technologies to treat periodontal disease, as well as appropriate cosmetic procedures to restore the smile, such as dental implants.
You should see a periodontist if you have signs of gum disease, which includes bleeding gums, tender gums, pain, and loose or wobbly teeth.
Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. The main hallmark of gingivitis is when gums bleed during brushing or flossing. This means the gums are inflamed, and it is likely due to tartar and plaque build-up. The problem with plaque is that it fosters bacteria, which causes the inflammation of the gums. At this stage, the gums may start to recede.
If gingivitis is allowed to progress, it becomes periodontitis, which is full-blown gum disease. The inflammation of the gums has caused deep pockets in the gums. This can expose the roots of teeth, which can be painful and ultimately lead to tooth loss. Because of the bacterial buildup in the gums, periodontitis can also cause other health problems and strain the immune system. It is therefore imperative to get it treated promptly.
Treatment of periodontal disease varies and depends on the progression of the gum disease. A mild case of gingivitis may just need a periodontal maintenance cleaning and then better dental hygiene at home. Periodontitis may require deep cleaning that includes scaling and root planing. Late-stage periodontitis can be quite serious, and if tooth loss is imminent, surgical procedures may be required.
Periodontal treatments include:
For your periodontal exam, we will first review your medical and dental history. You should tell the dentist if you are on any current medications and if you are being treated for any serious or chronic condition such as diabetes or heart disease.
We will examine your gums and then check them for periodontal pockets using a measuring instrument called a probe. The deeper the pockets, the more advanced the gum disease is. X-rays may be taken as well as other types of dental images if needed. Once the assessment is done, the periodontal dentist will discuss treatment options with you.
The cost of periodontal treatment depends on the type of treatment and the extent of gum disease present in the patient. A deep cleaning with scaling and root planing can cost $200 to $400 per quadrant (quarter section of the mouth). A regular periodontal cleaning, which takes the place of a regular tooth cleaning, can cost $75 to $150. More advanced services or surgical procedures may cost more. Talk to us about options and payment plans. Insurance can cover periodontal services but sometimes it is an additional fee.
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