Periodontal Disease Treatment (Gum Disease)

What are the non-surgical treatment options?

Non-surgical treatments for gum disease are designed to control the growth of bacteria and halt the progression of the disease, particularly in its earlier stages. Here are some common non-surgical treatment options for managing gum disease:

• Professional Dental Cleaning: During regular dental check-ups, plaque and tartar are removed from above and below the gum line. For patients with signs of gingivitis, more frequent cleanings may be recommended.
• Scaling and Root Planing: This deep cleaning treatment is performed under local anesthesia. Scaling involves removing plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line, while root planing smooths rough spots on the tooth root where germs gather, helping to remove bacteria that contribute to the disease. This procedure helps gums reattach firmly to the teeth.
• Antimicrobial Mouthwashes: Prescription-strength mouthwashes containing antimicrobial agents (like chlorhexidine) can help reduce bacteria and temporarily decrease inflammation or control bacteria when brushing and flossing aren’t sufficient.
• Antibiotic Treatments: Topical antibiotics can be applied directly to the gum pockets after scaling and root planing, or oral antibiotics may be used to eliminate infection-causing bacteria.
• Laser Treatment: Some dental practices use lasers to remove inflamed gum tissue and reduce the amount of bacteria during scaling and root planing. This technique may reduce bleeding, swelling, and discomfort.

These non-surgical approaches are typically the first line of defense against gum disease. They effectively manage the condition if applied early in the disease process and are accompanied by good oral hygiene practices at home. Regular follow-ups with a dentist are crucial to monitor the condition and adjust treatments as needed.

How much does gum treatment cost?

If you are dealing with periodontal disease, it is essential to stay diligent with your periodontal maintenance to avoid additional damage to your teeth and gums. Our office is committed to delivering top-notch care at the most reasonable prices. The out-of-pocket cost for any procedure varies based on your insurance coverage at the time of the treatment.  Below is our cost for gum disease treatment in Littleton, MA.

Periodontal Maintenance: $164

Is gum disease curable?

Depending on its stage, gum disease can often be effectively managed and its progression halted. Still, it is not entirely curable in the traditional sense, especially once it reaches the more advanced stages like periodontitis.

In the early stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis, the condition is generally reversible with professional treatment and good oral hygiene. Regular dental cleanings, proper brushing, and flossing can usually restore gum health at this stage.

However, once gum disease progresses to periodontitis, the damage to the bone and tissues around the teeth becomes more severe and irreversible. Treatment at this stage focuses on controlling the infection and preventing further deterioration rather than curing the disease entirely. Advanced treatments, including deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), medications, and possibly surgery, are necessary to manage periodontitis.

Ongoing maintenance and regular dental visits are crucial for keeping the condition under control and preventing it from worsening. Thus, while early gum disease can be reversed, more advanced gum disease requires lifelong management to maintain oral health.