Periodontal Treatments in Bedford, TX

Gum disease is a very common occurrence with more than 3 million cases reported each year in the United States. Also known as periodontal disease, the gum tissue becomes inflamed and can lead to pain, infection, tooth loss, and more. Bedford, TX cosmetic dentist, Dr. Scott Staffel, diagnoses and treats periodontal disease at his practice to protect patients’ oral health. There are 3 stages of gingivitis: the first is gingivitis, the second is periodontitis, and the third stage is advanced periodontitis. Dr. Staffel looks for any signs of gum disease during annual exams, or when a patient has concerns.

Commonly, patients will notice bleeding gums when brushing and flossing, red and swollen gums, gums that are pulling away from the teeth, sores in the mouth, persistent bad breath, and more. There are a number of options that can be implemented to treat gum disease. Some of the most common treatments include antibiotics, scaling and root planing, gum tissue grafting, gum surgery, laser treatment, and tooth extraction. Dr. Staffel will assess your gums and determine the best course of treatment.

Since gum disease can range from the mild to the severe, your dentist will carefully evaluate your mouth and gums to determine an appropriate course of treatment. One of the most common and easiest gum treatments used is scaling and root planning (SRP), which involves cleaning the surfaces of the roots of teeth to remove plaque and tartar from deep in the gum pockets. The tooth roots are also smoothed to remove any types of toxins. With scaling and root planing, the dentist may include antibiotic treatment to reduce further inflammation, if your case is more advanced. For the third stage of periodontal disease, the dentist will usually choose a surgical procedure: laser gum surgery, gum graft surgery, regenerative procedures (bone grafts), or pocket reduction procedures. All of the details will be discussed during a consultation before treatment.

After any type of periodontal treatment, it is crucial to maintain a good oral care routine to prevent recurrences of periodontal disease and to prolong the benefits of treatment. You should talk to your dentist about an appropriate home routine, including proper brushing, flossing, and anything else the dentist recommends. You should also come to the dentist’s office at least twice a year for a professional cleaning and at least once a year for a dental exam or as recommended by your dentist.

Most dental insurance companies will cover periodontal treatments for gum disease since it can be a serious medical condition. Since the amount of coverage varies, it’s important to check with your insurance carrier prior to any treatment. During your consultation, we can discuss out-of-pocket costs, payment methods, and available financing plans.

Periodontal disease is nothing to put off. Gum disease can lead to serious health problems and painful, uncomfortable symptoms. If you have symptoms, such as bleeding, red, or inflamed gums, please contact our office today to schedule a consultation. We will use our experience and knowledge to diagnose and treat your oral health condition as quickly as possible.