General Dentistry

Periodontal Disease Treatment Options for Better Health

Baer Dental - Where we treat people, not teeth.

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Start your Dental Consultation

(303) 557-6453

in Lone Tree, CO

We Offer Treatments for Gum Disease

Gum disease is one of the most common oral health issues that patients suffer from. While this is the case, many patients don’t even realize they are suffering from gum disease until the issue progresses to the point where the symptoms can no longer be ignored. For many patients, early treatment is enough to reverse gingivitis before it advances. Not receiving the needed care for gum disease, though, can lead to periodontitis, which in turn can cause irreparable damage.

What Causes Periodontal Disease?

There are a variety of factors that may contribute to gum disease. Some of these include:

  • Poor Oral Hygiene
  • Genetics
  • Snoring
  • Mouth Breathing
  • Dietary Issues
  • Smoking and/or Tobacco Use
  • Diabetes
  • Bruxism
  • Hormonal Changes
  • Autoimmune Disease

Some of these issues cannot be avoided (such as hormonal changes during pregnancy). Other factors are completely within the control of the patient. We will go over those below.

What is Periodontal
Disease?

Periodontal disease (also known as “gum disease”) is an infection of the gums that often leads to a variety of severe oral health issues. The stages of gum disease include gingivitis and periodontitis. Although there are different levels of periodontitis, once gum disease reaches this point, the damage may be severe and even irreparable.

 

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is inflammation in the gum tissue. It is easily treated and reversible. At this stage, patients will often suffer from bleeding gums, redness or puffiness in the gums, or swelling in the gum tissue. Gingivitis is easily treatable and reversible.

 

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a periodontal disease that causes irreversible damage to the gums and bone tissue. This disease is not reversible. As it continues to advance, teeth may become loose and may eventually fall out if left untreated. There may also be severe damage caused to the jawbone.

 

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(303) 557-6453

Treatment for Gum Disease

If a patient is already suffering from gum disease, the disease needs to be properly diagnosed and treated to ensure the ongoing oral health of the patient. The first step of this process is to visit the dentist for an examination of the gums and bone. This requires taking X-rays and measurements of the gum tissue. Once you have been diagnosed with gum disease, a treatment plan will be developed based on the severity of the disease. You can never be cured of gum disease, but you can manage it and prevent further damage to the gums and bone.

The first step in most cases is called scaling and root planing (also known as a “deep cleaning”). This process involves removing the calculus and bacteria from below the gumline and the surface of the tooth. This is done using an ultrasonic scaling tool. From there, your dentist or hygienist will use special instruments to smooth over the roots of the tooth or teeth that are affected. This will remove tartar, bacteria, and diseased tissue.

Once this process is complete, your dentist may take additional steps to repair any damage that has occurred and help prevent recurrence of the disease. This may involve procedures such as:

  • Gum Grafting
  • Pocket Reduction
  • Crown Lengthening

Regenerative Procedures

If your teeth or jaw are damaged due to infection and/or decay, your dentist may suggest certain cosmetic procedures to repair or even replace jawbone tissue and/or teeth. This may include:

  • Bone Grafting
  • Dental Crowns
  • Dental Veneers
  • Fillings
  • Dental Implants
  • Dental Bridges

Costs Associated

The cost of the treatment for your gum disease will vary depending on the severity of the gum disease. A general deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) will often cost in the range of $150-$300 per quadrant without insurance. Keep in mind there are four quadrants in the mouth, but not all four may be infected.

In order to lower the cost of a deep cleaning, consider purchasing dental insurance. Dental insurance plans are often extremely affordable and can help make the treatment less expensive. You have to remember that dental insurance makes money by you not receiving treatment. Dental insurance does not exist to make sure you have optimal dental health, and there is no reason for them to cover the treatment that benefits you most. Dental insurance wants to cover the least expensive treatment for them, not you. So, it is in their best interest for you to lose your teeth. This is a sad reality of dental insurance.

You may also want to consider speaking with your dentist about the cost and seeing whether or not they can give you a discount. Many dentists offer discount services for patients who are lower income or are having trouble affording the treatment.

If the costs are still too high, consider visiting a dental school. While you will likely be treated by a student, the student will be under the supervision of an instructor.

Whether your gum disease is minor with some redness of the gums and light bleeding, or you have teeth that are becoming loose, make sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist for a deep cleaning and any additional services that may be required to restore your gums and eliminate the disease.

Avoiding Gum Disease in the Future

There are a few simple steps that you can take to prevent gum disease. The most obvious is to take care of your teeth and gums at home. This means brushing, flossing, and rinsing twice a day, every day. Along with proper at-home care, it’s important to visit your dentist every six months for a cleaning and checkup. There, the team at Baer Dental can determine whether or not you are suffering from gum disease and, if you are, we can put together a treatment plan to meet your needs.

The best treatment for gum disease is prevention. Make sure you are taking the right steps to maintain your oral health.

Our dental clinic is conveniently located in Lone Tree, CO, near Southlands, but also services Lone Tree, Lakewood, Thornton, Arvada, Centennial, Stapleton, Green Valley Ranch, Castle Rock, Virginia Village, Parker, Littleton, and all neighboring communities.

Baer Dental Designs has Won

The 5280 Top Dentists Award
Every Year Since 2011

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