Periodontics is the treatment of gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. It’s a progressive disease that can cause you to lose gum tissue, teeth, and cause other health problems if not treated. It can even increase your chances of having a heart attack or stroke! Our West Covina dentist office is proud to offer a full range of periodontal treatments to help restore your oral health.
As with any financial decision, it is essential to be educated about your choices when it comes to seeking dental care without insurance. From healthcare financing programs to in-office payment plans at practices like Dentist of West Covina in Southern California, we will share the many ways to access preventative dental care without dental insurance.
Periodontal disease, which you probably know as gum disease, is an inflammatory disease that affects your gums and teeth. It causes your gums to recede and can destroy the underlying tissue. Advanced periodontal disease can destroy your teeth and jaw. Sometimes the bacteria that causes the disease can get into your bloodstream and cause infections elsewhere. This bacteria has also been linked to the development of heart disease and diabetes.
Periodontal disease is divided into four stages: gingivitis, early periodontitis, moderate periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. Each stage is progressively worse than the one before it. Gingivitis begins with red and swollen gums and advanced periodontitis is marked by infection spreading beneath the gums that leads to painful abscesses and tooth loss.
There are multiple treatment options available here in our West Covina dentist office: scaling and root planing, regenerative procedures such as gum grafting, and restorative procedures to replace missing teeth. Some patients need more than one type of treatment to restore their oral health.
This is the most common type of periodontal procedure. It’s also called a deep cleaning, and it may be all that you need if your gum disease is caught and treated early. Scaling is when the doctor removes plaque and bacteria from underneath your gum line. Root planing involves smoothing the roots of your teeth to make it more difficult for plaque to adhere in the future. These procedures are usually performed at the same time.
If you have advanced periodontal disease, you might need regenerative procedures to restore lost gum tissue and/or bone. Gum grafting involves removing a section of soft tissue from your palate and grafting it onto your gums around an exposed root. Bone grafts can also be performed in certain cases.
Restorative treatments are performed to replace missing teeth. These treatments both restore functionality and improve the look of your smile. The two main options for restorative treatment are bridges and implants.
The symptoms depend on the stage of the disease. Gingivitis is marked by red and swollen or irritated gums. It may hurt to brush or floss. Your gums may also bleed. As the disease progresses, your gums begin to recede from your teeth, exposing the roots. Deep pockets form that contain plaque and bacteria. You may have frequent bad breath. You may also see pus between the gums and the teeth. Mouth sores are common moderate to advanced periodontitis. In the advanced stages of the disease, teeth become loose and may even fall out.
The amount of discomfort varies by treatment, but your doctor can use anesthesia to minimize that discomfort. Scaling and root planing may not require any anesthesia, but if it’s necessary, the doctor will use local anesthesia to numb the affected area while leaving you fully conscious. Other procedures may employ either local or general anesthesia.
Keep in mind that the treatments are designed to remove the pain you’ve already been experiencing and prevent you from developing more serious problems in the future.
The first step is to have a consultation in our West Covina office. The doctor will first speak with you about your medical and dental history and any medical conditions you may be undergoing treatment for. You will need to bring a list of your medications with you to the appointment.
Next, the doctor will perform a periodontal exam of your teeth to check for gum disease. In addition to a visual exam, the doctor will use a special instrument called a probe to measure the depths of any pockets you may have around your gums. Deeper pockets indicate more advanced disease. You may also have x-rays taken to assess the presence of and extent of any bone loss.
Finally, the doctor will discuss the findings with you and go over your treatment options. After that, you can begin periodontic treatment and start improving your oral health.
Absolutely! The most important thing you can do is practice good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Be sure to brush your gums. Floss and use mouthwash at least once a day.
If you have trouble with or dislike regular toothbrushes, consider an electric one. Floss picks or a WaterPik are also good substitutes for regular floss.
Once it begins, periodontal disease is progressive. If you choose not to undergo periodontic treatment, it will gradually get worse. You’ll eventually develop advanced disease and lose teeth and/or bone. You can even develop other health problems, as discussed above. The longer you wait, the harder it’ll be to treat your periodontal disease. Get started today!
Most periodontic treatments are covered by insurance. Your out-of-pocket cost will vary based on your insurance plan and which treatment or treatments you need. Our staff will go over the costs with you after your consultation. We can also discuss financing options and treatment plans.
Don’t wait - periodontal disease only gets worse over time if it’s not treated. We offer a full range of periodontal treatments here at our West Covina office to make sure we can meet your needs. We also offer flexible appointment times to fit into your busy schedule.
Start treating your periodontal issues today! Call Dentist of West Covina at (626) 605-6601 to schedule your consultation!
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