Periodontal Disease Treatment Options for Better Health
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We Offer Treatments for Gum Disease in Lone Tree, CO
There is a prevelant oral health ailment many people suffer from and because it is not painful until its later stages, most people do not know they have it. Some people will actually have a general understanding of what is going on, but won’t see a dentist because the issue hasn’t gotten bad enough, they ignore the warning signs and then by the time they seek help from the dentist - it is sometimes too late. It is gum disease also known as periodontal disease: a silent, often not painful disease that causes the loss of gum tissue, bone and ultimately teeth.
What Causes Periodontal Disease?
There are a variety of different 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.
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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 either 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 jaw bone 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 in making 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 that 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 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
The best way to treat gum disease is with routine dental visits. While some issues may make avoiding gum disease more difficult (like genetics), for most people avoiding gum disease is a matter of proper oral hygiene.
Make sure to brush, floss and rinse your mouth twice a day, every day. Also make sure to visit your general dentist every 3-4 months for evaluation and periodontal cleanings. It is there that your dentist can determine whether your teeth and gums are healthy and, if they are not, treat any issues that may be occurring—including gum disease.
If you are concerned about visiting the dentist because it’s been a long time, don’t be! It’s important to realize that the longer you put off seeing the dentist, the higher the likelihood that disease, decay and infection will form and spread. Make sure you have a checkup and cleaning in the books to ensure your ongoing oral health.
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