A Quick Guide from Pelican Dental Care
- What is gum disease?
- What are the early signs of gum disease?
- What causes periodontal disease?
- How is gingivitis different from periodontitis?
- Can gum disease be reversed?
- How can I prevent gum disease?
- What treatments are available for gum disease?
- How much does periodontal treatment cost?
- What happens if gum disease is left untreated?
- What is the In-House Discount Perio Plus Plan?
What is gum disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection that affects the gums and surrounding tissues. It begins with plaque buildup on the teeth and, if left untreated, can progress to serious infections, causing damage to the bone supporting your teeth.
What are the early signs of gum disease?
Early signs of gum disease often include:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath (halitosis)
- Gums that are pulling away from your teeth (receding gums)
- Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
What causes periodontal disease?
The primary cause of periodontal disease is the buildup of plaque—a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. If not removed through regular brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar, which can irritate and infect the gums, leading to gingivitis and eventually periodontitis.
How is gingivitis different from periodontitis?
Gingivitis:
The earliest stage of gum disease, characterized by inflammation of the gums without affecting the bone or tissues. It can often be reversed with good oral hygiene.
Periodontitis:
A more advanced form of gum disease where the infection spreads below the gum line, damaging the bone and tissues that support the teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss.
Can gum disease be reversed?
Gingivitis, the mildest form of gum disease, can be reversed with proper oral hygiene, professional cleanings, and early intervention. Once it progresses to periodontitis, it can be managed but not fully reversed. However, treatment can prevent further damage and restore your oral health.
How can I prevent gum disease?
Preventing gum disease requires:
- Daily brushing and flossing to remove plaque
- Regular professional dental cleanings and check-ups
- A healthy diet that supports gum health
- Avoiding smoking and tobacco products, which can increase your risk
What treatments are available for gum disease?
The treatment for gum disease depends on the stage of the disease:
Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning): Removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line.
Antibiotics: Applied directly to the gums or taken orally to eliminate bacterial infection.
Surgical Procedures: In more advanced cases, surgical intervention may be required to clean infected areas or restore damaged tissues.
At Pelican Dental Care, we tailor treatments to each patient's needs to help stop the progression of gum disease.
How much does periodontal treatment cost?
The cost of periodontal treatment can vary depending on the severity of the disease and the treatments required. Here’s a breakdown of the average costs in Florida:
Deep Cleanings (Scaling and Root Planing - D4341):
- The average cost for deep cleanings in Florida typically ranges from $200 to $400 per quadrant.
- For a full-mouth deep cleaning (4 quadrants), this brings the total to $800 to $1,600.
Periodontal Surgery:
In more advanced cases of gum disease, surgical intervention may be required. The average costs for periodontal surgeries include:
- Gum Graft Surgery: Between $600 and $1,200 per area
- Pocket Reduction Surgery: Ranges from $1,000 to $3,000 for the entire mouth.
- Bone Grafting: For patients with significant bone loss, bone grafting costs can range from$500 to $3,000, depending on the complexity and amount of bone needed.
At Pelican Dental Care, we strive to offer transparent pricing, along with financing options and our In-House Discount Perio Plus Plan to make periodontal care more affordable for our patients.