Periodontal (Gum) Disease Treatment – Newington, CT
Getting Your Gums Back in Good Shape
According to some estimates, roughly half of the adults in the U.S. have some form of gum disease, which is otherwise known as periodontal disease. Many of them are unaware of their condition or minimize its seriousness. However, recognizing and treating gum disease is vital for both a person’s oral health and their overall well-being. On this page, you will learn more about how you can fight gum disease with the help of the team at Family Dental Practice of Newington.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an infection of the gum tissue. Its earliest stage is known as gingivitis, which presents with relatively minor symptoms, such as red and swollen gums. As gum disease progresses, however, it becomes much more serious. In its advanced stage, which is called periodontitis, it can cause gum recession, loose teeth, and even tooth loss.
Gum disease is most often caused by missteps in oral hygiene, but many other factors, such as genetics and smoking, can also play a role in its development.
How Can I Treat Gum Disease?
If our team notices signs of gum disease during one of your checkups, we may recommend that you undergo scaling and root planing. This procedure is essentially a deep cleaning of the mouth. We remove harmful plaque and bacteria from the teeth, both above and below the gum line. Then, we smooth out the roots of the teeth so it is more difficult for bacteria to cling to them. Afterward, your gums will be able to heal and firmly reattach to your teeth.
Depending on the extent of the gum disease, scaling and root planing might take place across multiple appointments. Local anesthesia, as well as sedation, are available to make sure you are as comfortable as possible.
Benefits of Treating Gum Disease
Treating gum disease has many benefits:
- It preserves your teeth. Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss. Fighting gum disease can hep you retain your natural dentition for a lifetime.
- It protects your overall health. Research has connected gum disease to a number of serious systemic health conditions, including heart attack, stroke, dementia, preterm birth, and more.
- It improves the aesthetics of your smile. Gum disease causes bad breath and unsightly red gums. Healthy teeth and gums are much more pleasant to look at.
- It saves you money. Treating gum disease in its early can spare you from the cost of replacing lost teeth.
Cost of Treating Gum Disease
The cost of your periodontal therapy will depend on how far your gum disease has progressed. Also, if you require treatment that goes beyond scaling and root planing (surgery is necessary in some cases), you can expect to have to pay more. During your treatment planning process, we will be sure to give you candid price estimates and help you explore your payment options.
Are you concerned about gum disease? Contact our team to learn more about how we can help you win your battle against this serious condition.