Are you enduring life with periodontal disease? At Something To Smile About, we treat patients with periodontal disease at any stage. Periodontal disease is a gradually advancing gum condition that increases in severity over time. When the naturally occurring bacteria in your mouth combines with particles of food and saliva, it forms a tacky, translucent plaque that can wreak havoc on your teeth and gums if left untreated. Many individuals assume that daily flossing and vigorous brushing are sufficient enough to eliminate plaque, but that is just not the case. As the plaque builds up and turns into tartar on your teeth, your gums will start to react negatively.
At this point, it is important to see an experienced periodontal professional like Dr. Kevin Boulard, our general dentist. Time is of the essence when it comes to saving your teeth and gums. As periodontal disease advances past the initial stage (gingivitis) into the stages called periodontitis and advanced periodontitis, tooth and bone loss are very real possibilities, both causing a number of complications for patients. Let’s take a look at what periodontal treatments may be right for you at our dental care clinic in the Manchester-Nashua Metro area.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PERIODONTAL TREATMENT?
Periodontal disease is a serious gum infection that can destroy the gums, bones, and other tissues that support your teeth. When left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss. While there is no cure for periodontal disease, early diagnosis and treatment will help control the infection and prevent further damage. Periodontal treatment at Something To Smile About can:
- Stop the progression of periodontal disease
- Reduce gum inflammation
- Reduce gum bleeding
- Prevent tooth loss
- Maintain your natural smile long-term
WHO NEEDS PERIODONTAL TREATMENTS?
Candidates for periodontal treatments include men and women dealing with swollen and bleeding gums or serious deterioration of the bone or soft tissue in the mouth. Regardless of how your gum disease has advanced, the time to seek treatment is now. When gums do become inflamed, it can be a symptom of gingivitis or periodontitis, which literally means, “inflammation around the tooth.” This often results in bad breath that cannot be masked, pain, bleeding gums, painful chewing, loose teeth, and receding gums. If you are currently experiencing any of these symptoms, we encourage you to make an appointment at Something To Smile About.
DR. BOULARD’S PERIODONTAL TREATMENT TECHNIQUES
Dr. Boulard and his team at Something To Smile About begin periodontal treatments with an assessment. He will use an instrument referred to as a probe, which works similarly to a small metal ruler. This will check and measure any infected pockets around and under the teeth. Digital x-rays may also identify any deterioration in the bone of an infected area. The results from this examination will help determine the type and amount of treatments used. Therapies normally begin with a deep cleaning and plaque removal. For a more in-depth treatment, he may also perform a technique called scaling and root planing. Prescription medication might also be taken to attack infections. For more advanced cases, flap surgery and bone/tissue grafts will be considered to replace deteriorated bones.
YOUR GUM HEALTH AFTER PERIODONTAL TREATMENTS
The key to successful healing from most periodontal therapies is keeping rigorous dental hygiene at home. During your consultation, Dr. Boulard will review how you can further take advantage of treatment by altering your bad hygiene habits and quitting smoking, which is believed to intensify the effects of gum disease.
As periodontal therapies are personalized according to the severity of the disease and the needs of the patient, healing timeframes and directions may vary. It’s very important to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss frequently to eliminate buildup collecting between your teeth, and also see Something To Smile About regularly for checkups and professional analysis.
PERIODONTAL TREATMENT FAQ
Is periodontal treatment covered by dental insurance?
Typically, yes. Periodontal treatment will usually be covered by dental insurance due to its impact on your oral health. We’ll confirm your eligibility with your provider before your appointment in order to ensure we can work through any possible obstacles regarding insurance.
How much does periodontal treatment cost?
The overall price of periodontal treatment can vary from one patient to another. It depends entirely on the severity of the disease itself. Patients with mild cases of periodontitis will generally spend much less than those suffering from more severe cases.
How long does periodontal treatment last?
In total, patients can expect the procedure to last for about 45 minutes. This can change, depending on the state of the patient’s gums, but we do typically find it to be an accurate estimate.
PERIODONTAL TREATMENT VIDEO
WHEN YOU NEED PERIODONTAL TREATMENT
Though your periodontal disease isn’t entirely curable, comprehensive treatment and regular attention by an experienced dental staff can help keep your symptoms mild and manageable. If you think you may be experiencing the symptoms of periodontal disease, please contact us. If you would like more information about the condition and other treatment choices we currently offer, we invite you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Boulard at Something To Smile About as soon as possible.