Treating Gum Disease for Improved Oral Health
Gum disease develops when bacteria attaches to your teeth and begins to multiply, eventually forming a film around your teeth called plaque. When plaque remains on your teeth for too long, surrounding tissue becomes irritated and inflamed, which can cause patients to develop gingivitis, the earliest form of gum disease. At this stage, gum disease can typically be corrected with daily flossing and brushing twice daily using a clinically proven toothpaste designed to fight gingivitis. It may also be necessary to schedule a professional deep cleaning and scaling and root planing to remove the plaque and smooth the surface of the teeth, which makes it difficult for bacteria to adhere to.
If gum disease is not addressed at this stage, it may progress to the next stage, periodontitis. This stage is characterized by gums that are more inflamed and prone to bleeding, as well as deepening pockets between the tooth and gum tissue. As these pockets deepen, more bacteria accumulate, which then degrades the soft and hard tissue. At this point, the roots of surrounding teeth can become infected, resulting in teeth becoming loose or painful and jawbone deterioration. At this stage, it may be necessary to have gum surgery performed
to correct this issue.
From regular periodontal maintenance to repairing, correcting, and preventing periodontal disease, including the placement of dental implants, we are proud to provide you with the highest quality dental care available in a comfortable environment. We are also committed to ensuring you know as much as possible about your oral health so you can make important, informed decisions regarding your oral health and treatment options. To learn more about causes and treatments of gum disease, please refer to the following information; or if you would like to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment, contact us at (740) 366-3559.
Start Your Journey With Newark Periodontics & Dental Implant Specialists Today!
Treatment Options for Gum Disease
There are a range of treatment options for gum disease. If gum disease has not progressed to a severe level, it can typically be treated through nonsurgical methods, which are detailed below. If gum disease has become severe, surgical interventions may be necessary.
Nonsurgical Treatment Options for Gum Disease
- Professional dental cleaning: Professional dental cleanings are typically performed at your regular checkup, and involves the removal of tartar and plaque using specialized dental instruments. Although professional dental cleanings will not treat gum disease, having them performed on a regular basis will significantly reduce your risk of developing gum disease.
- Scaling and root planing: The scaling process is performed using specialized dental instruments to remove plaque and tartar build-up that cannot be removed by traditional brushing. This may be done using a scalpel or ultrasonic scaling tool. Next, the root planing process decreases the dentin and cementum that have formed on the surface, which are dense with calculus, toxins, and microorganisms. Finally, the root of the tooth is smoothed out, making it more difficult for bacteria to thrive.
Surgical Treatment Options for Gum Disease
There are a range of gum surgeries that may be performed, depending upon your particular needs. The most common type of procedures include:
- Pocket elimination surgery: If a scaling and root planing procedure is not effective in reducing the depth of pockets, this indicates that the bone beneath the gum is too jagged to allow the gums to shrink properly. Pocket elimination surgery corrects this by placing a graft, or by smoothing the booth so the pocket can heal.
- Regeneration: This procedure facilitates gum regeneration by folding backing your gums, removing bacteria, and inserting (if necessary) a bone graft, as well as special membrane designed to speed up the healing process and allow your bone and gum tissue time to heal.
- Soft tissue graft: This procedure involves removing tissue from one area of your mouth (typically your palate) and adhering that tissue over the area(s) where gum recession has occurred. In addition to improving the appearance of your smile, a soft tissue graft can also reduce the likelihood of gum disease from developing and correct symptoms of gum disease, such as tooth sensitivity.
Common Signs of Gum Disease
The following symptoms may indicate that you have developed gum disease:
- Extreme sensitivity to cold or hot foods or beverages
- Gums that are swollen, tender, or red
- Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
- Halitosis (bad breath) or unusual taste in your mouth
- Receding gums
- Pain when chewing
- Permanent tooth has become loose
- Change in fit of dentures
Preventing Gum Disease from Developing
To prevent gum disease from developing in the future, is important to practice good oral hygiene. In addition to brushing twice daily (minimum) and flossing on a regular basis, it is equally important to brush and floss properly. Every time you brush, do so for at least two minutes. Once you are done, clean your toothbrush. It is also important to replace your toothbrush every three months or sooner if the bristles become irregular or flay.
Along with following good self-care, it is also important to schedule regular checkups with your periodontist at least every six months. These regular appointments allow us to conduct a professional cleaning that will remove plaque and tartar that cannot be removed using traditional methods, and provide us with an opportunity to survey your current oral health and identity and address issues before they develop. If you
follow these best practices, you will enjoy a bright, healthy smile for many years to come!
Cost of Treating Gum Disease
The cost of treating gum disease will be determined by a variety of factors, including what type of procedure you have performed, the severity of your case, and how much (if any) of the cost is covered by your dental insurance plan. We are happy to help you file your claim and ensure that you maximize your insurance reimbursement, but any remaining balance will be your responsibility.
If you are not able to pay the full amount due at the time services are rendered, the following financial options may be available:
- Care Credit: 0% interest for (maximum) three months (Our office pays a fee to keep this interest loan free for three months, provided the bill is paid on time)
- 0% interest for pre-authorized debit/credit card for (maximum) four months (Agreement must be signed beforehand)
Most credit card companies provide interest-free credit for one year to new cardholders.
We accept cash, check, and all major credit cards.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
At Newark Periodontics & Dental Implant Specialists, our patients are our most important asset. We are
committed to providing you with high-quality care and developing a trusting, long-lasting relationship to ensure you receive continuity of care tailored to your unique needs.
To learn more about steps you can take to treat gum disease, or to schedule an appointment, contact our
staff at (740) 366-3559.
We look forward to providing you with the care and support you deserve!
