What does the dentist do for periodontal disease?

Your first step in periodontal disease treatment is a conservative, non-surgical approach called scaling and root planing (SRP). A dentist or dental hygienist provides this treatment by scraping and removing the plaque and tartar from your teeth and root surfaces with instruments designed for this purpose.

How does a dentist fix periodontal disease?

If you have advanced periodontitis, treatment may require dental surgery, such as: Flap surgery (pocket reduction surgery). Your periodontist makes tiny incisions in your gum so that a section of gum tissue can be lifted back, exposing the roots for more effective scaling and root planing.

Can teeth be saved with periodontal disease?

Saving teeth from periodontal disease is possible if you detect the signs and symptoms early or regularly visit your dentist for cleanings and exams. Let the condition progress unhindered, and tooth loss should be considered as an eventuality.

How painful is periodontal treatment?

The short answer is no, the procedure is not painful. You will experience discomfort upon completion but the actual process can be completed with the administration of a local anesthetic to the soft tissue to minimize any unpleasant feelings during the process.

Can periodontal disease be cured?

Left unchecked, your mouth can develop gingivitis, or a more serious gum infection, periodontitis (periodontal disease). It's important to note that once gum disease progresses into periodontitis the disease has become irreversible. Periodontitis cannot be cured, but only managed.

Periodontitis and its influence on health - How is periodontal disease treated? ©

How quickly does periodontitis progress?

Slight Periodontal Disease

During the early gingivitis stages, gum inflammation can occur in as little as five days. Within two to three weeks, the signs of generalized gingivitis become more noticeable. If you still leave this untreated, it would progress to slight periodontal disease.

How much does periodontal treatment cost?

During this procedure, your dentist will clean the pocket carefully, removing tartar deposits after lifting up the gums to clean underneath them. The gums will then be sutured to fit more tightly around the tooth. This procedure typically costs between $1000 and $3000 without insurance.

Is periodontal treatment worth it?

Periodontal treatment is very important. It does prevent tooth loss, which can be caused by periodontitis. This treatment also prevents other issues caused by periodontitis, like heart attack risks. You should talk to your dentist if you suspect periodontitis.

Does periodontal deep cleaning hurt?

Does a deep cleaning hurt? Since deep cleanings are more thorough, and go further below the gumline than regular cleanings, they can potentially cause some discomfort or pain. To ensure your comfort during your deep cleaning, your dentist will numb the treatment site before beginning.

What is the main cause of periodontal disease?

It's usually the result of poor oral hygiene. Brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily and getting regular dental checkups can greatly improve your chances of successful treatment for periodontitis and can also reduce your chance of developing it.

What are the stages of periodontal disease?

Does periodontal disease show on xray?

Taking x-rays is part of the periodontal disease diagnosis process. When your dentist is evaluating your gum health, they use x-rays to check how much jawbone you have surrounding each tooth. Since the bone is what keeps your teeth secure, bone loss is an indication of periodontitis, which is a serious oral infection.

What is the best mouthwash for periodontal disease?

Can you stop periodontal disease from getting worse?

Advanced gum disease, also called periodontal disease, cannot be reversed. However, our dentists are able to mitigate the damaging effects of periodontal disease through scaling and root planing. Periodontal treatment can help you avoid some of the more serious side effects, such as receding gums and tooth loss.

What is done in a periodontal maintenance procedure?

It involves both scaling and root planing, meaning tartar must be removed from deep between the teeth and gums. During a periodontal maintenance appointment, the hygienist will remove tartar build up from in between your teeth and gums down the entire length of each tooth, stopping where the gum, root and bone meet.

Do gums reattach after deep cleaning?

While any gum loss experienced due to gum disease will not grow back, the majority of patients can expect their gums to reattach after undergoing a deep cleaning. This is because all of the harmful bacteria has been removed, allowing the gums to once again be healthy.

Will my teeth fall out after deep cleaning?

It's very unlikely your teeth will fall out after having them deep cleaned. Some people may find that their teeth feel looser after having the treatment. This is because removing the tartar from the pockets between the gums and teeth creates a gap between the two, which can cause the teeth to feel loose.

Are you sedated for deep cleaning?

Nearly all dentists will offer nitrous oxide or sedation pills. However, if they want to provide their patients with IV or deep sedation, dentists must complete a certification and specialized program.

Does insurance cover periodontal disease?

Dental insurance can cover some treatments for periodontal disease. People should enroll into periodontal insurance, which is dental insurance that covers periodontal care (“Periodontal Insurance”). They may have to pay their deductible before receiving coverage for this care (“Laser Gum Treatment & Cost”).

Is laser periodontal therapy painful?

Does Laser Periodontal Therapy hurt? The procedure itself is virtually painless, however, we may anesthetize the area for your comfort. In this way, we can precisely direct the laser for treatment. Post-procedure discomfort is typically minimal and of short duration.

Does gum disease treatment hurt?

Will treatment hurt? You can expect some discomfort from periodontal treatment, but it will probably be much less than you fear. The high fear factor is one of the reasons why people don't see the dentist soon enough when they notice symptoms.

What happens if periodontal disease is left untreated?

Periodontitis (also called periodontal disease) is gum disease. This infection damages the soft tissue around your teeth and wears away the bone supporting them. If left untreated, the disease eventually ruins the bone, loosening the teeth and causing them to fall out.

Is periodontal surgery expensive?

The cost of periodontal surgery varies greatly depending on the type of procedure and the severity of your disease. Gum disease treatments may cost between $500 and $10,000. Many insurances companies will cover at least part of the cost of periodontal surgery. Talk to your doctor if you can't afford the procedure.

How much is a whole mouth gum graft?

A very wide range. With that having been said, a typical gum tissue graft can cost from $600 to $3,000. Some of the factors begin with x-rays and a thorough periodontal diagnosis.

Can periodontitis be stopped from progressing?

Periodontitis can be stopped if caught and treated early enough. Treatment is typically very successful. If you have periodontitis, regular follow-ups with a dentist are essential to ensure that the disease doesn't continue.