Periodontal Disease Treatment (Gum Disease)

Gum disease is a serious condition that affects people from all walks of life. Our dentistry provides periodontal services for all stages of gum disease to restore your oral health.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease, periodontitis, and gum disease are all phrases used to describe an infection in the gums and bone surrounding your teeth. Healthy bone and gum structures help keep a tooth’s root intact. When food and plaque get trapped between the gums and teeth, it can lead to infection, resulting in gum disease. Periodontal disease is a very serious dental disease that affects many people. It is caused by bacteria from plaque formations on the teeth.

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums and one of the earliest stages of gum disease. Common symptoms of gingivitis include minor redness, swelling, or slight bleeding of the gums. If left untreated, gingivitis turns into a more serious infection known as periodontal disease, which can lead to permanent structural damage.

47.2% of adults aged 30 years and older have some form of periodontal disease—periodontitis is also referred to as gum disease and occurs when the gums are left exposed to harmful bacteria, tartar, and plaque for an extended period of time. This can be caused by poor flossing habits and build-up between the teeth. If left untreated, it can progress and lead to bone and tooth loss.

Illustration of a bottom row of teeth with a dental pick scraping plaque off them
  • How does a dentist identify if gum disease is present?

    Identifying gum disease as early as possible is crucial to preventing bone and tooth loss. To determine if you have periodontitis, and its severity, we will:

    1. Review your medical history. Certain risk factors, such as genetics, taking certain medications, or smoking, can increase the likelihood of gum disease.
    2. Exam your teeth and gums.  If you have severe plaque/tartar build-up or your gums bleed easily are both indicators that disease is present.
    3. Measure gum pocket depth. We place a dental probe between your teeth and gums, throughout different areas within your mouth.
      • 1-3 mm is a healthy and normal gum pocket depth
      • 3-5 mm is early or mild periodontitis
      • 5-7 mm is moderate periodontitis
      • 7-10 mm is advanced periodontitis
    4. Take x-rays of your mouth. Dental x-rays can reveal if you’ve suffered any bone loss in areas where deeper gum pocket depths are present.
  • What causes periodontal disease or gum disease?

    Gum disease is a result of bacteria accumulation that turns into plaque over time, which can harden into tartar. Common causes of gum disease are:

    • Poor oral health habits (e.g., brushing, flossing)
    • Consuming tobacco in any form (smoking or chewing), including e-cigarettes
    • Genetics
    • Hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause
    • Drug use
  • How much does periodontal treatment cost?

    If you have periodontal disease, it is crucial that you keep up on your periodontal maintenance to prevent any further damage to your teeth and gums. Our office strives to provide the best care, at the most affordable rates. Out of pocket cost for any procedure depends on your insurance coverage at the time of the procedure.

    Periodontal Maintenance: $164

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  • Is gum disease curable?

    Gum disease can be cured if it’s caught and treated early enough. In the early stages of gum disease, homecare and visiting your dentist for professional cleanings are critical to identifying and treating any stage of gum disease. You will notice red swollen gums that bleed when you brush or floss as one of the first signs of gum disease.

    Ensure you are brushing and flossing two times a day, avoiding tobacco products, and visiting your dentist at least two times a year.

    If gum disease has progressed past gingivitis into periodontitis, your dentist may recommend that you have professional cleanings more than twice a year, or you may need scaling and root planing.

  • What is scaling and root planing?

    Scaling and root planing is also commonly known as deep cleaning.  Your dentist will remove plaque and tartar buildup below the gum line to treat the gum disease. This is necessary if the teeth have started to separate from the gums and pockets in the space between the teeth and gums have formed. Plaque gets trapped in these pockets and cannot be removed with traditional at-home brushing and flossing.

    If you are experiencing gum disease and go without treatment, you could have bone and tooth loss—contact our office with any questions or for your gum disease treatment.

What are you waiting for?

At Nashoba Family Dentists, we believe in providing the best dental care at the most affordable prices. Make an appointment, contact our office, or explore all of the dental services we provide using the links below.

Exterior of Nashoba Family Dentists

Nashoba Family Dentists

256 Great Road, Suite 5
Littleton, MA 01460
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Hours

Monday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 7:15 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday - Friday: 7:15 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Phone

978-486-8261

Email Address

[email protected]