Periodontal Care in Grants Pass, OR

Gum disease is an infection of the gums. It’s caused by a buildup of bacteria-filled plaque and tartar between your teeth and gums. Over time, these bacteria enter your gums. As a result, the gums swell, become inflamed, and may become discolored.

At first, it has minor symptoms. But over time, gum disease will only get worse. As the infection spreads, it can damage your teeth and jaw, lead to gum recession, and even cause your teeth to loosen or fall out.

Because of this, it’s important to get treatment as soon as possible. In the early stage (gingivitis), gum disease is reversible. But the later stages of gum disease cannot be reversed. While they can be controlled and treated, you will need special gum care for the rest of your life.

You can reverse gum disease only if you detect and treat it early enough. That said, adopt proper oral hygiene habits like brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing regularly once you detect signs of gum disease. Also, rinse your mouth with anti-bacterial mouthwash, preferably after every meal, to eliminate disease-causing bacteria.

Aside from proper oral hygiene, you should also visit a dentist for prompt treatment. Dentists will use a technique known as laser treatment to stimulate stem cells that helps build eroded bone. Doing so also helps preserve gum tissue by eliminating infected tissue and the bacteria in it.

Dentists conduct regular cleaning to keep the teeth clean and prevent cavities and gum disease. Regular cleaning starts with scraping off plaque and tartar on the surface of the enamel. Next, the dentist conducts an oral examination to check for cavities and signs of gum disease. They finish up by flossing and polishing your teeth with gritty toothpaste.

On the other hand, deep cleaning involves more extensive teeth cleaning beyond the tooth’s surface to eliminate calculus and debris in the roots. The first step in dental deep cleaning is periodontal scaling, which removes tartar and plaque below the gum line. The second step is root planing, which smoothes root pockets to remove disease-causing bacteria.

Periodontal disease is a severe gum infection that destroys gum tissue and erodes the jaw bone. Common symptoms of periodontal disease include swollen and red gums that become tender and sometimes bleed. Sometimes, the gum pulls away from the tooth, exposing more enamel and making your teeth more vulnerable to cavities.

Bad breath could also indicate periodontal disease, especially when accompanied by a bad taste that won’t disappear. Some patients may experience loose teeth and experience pain while chewing. Their teeth also become sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, which makes eating foods like coffee and ice cream difficult. You might also experience a change in your bite alignment and denture fit.

Most dentists accept insurance for periodontal cleanings and gum disease treatment. This includes deep cleaning, debridement, and X-rays. However, surgical interventions involving the gum are a gray area, with some dentists accepting insurance while others restrict treatment to only cash payments. That’s because surgeries are complex, requiring specialized tools and multiple visits.

Here at A Street Dental, we accept a wide range of insurance plans, so you don’t pay out-of-pocket for your periodontal cleanings. We also offer third-party financing and an additional 10% discount for cash payments. New patients are also eligible for a $250 new patient special. This means you get $250 off your dental bill regardless of your payment method.