Periodontics

Periodontics is the specialty that focuses on treating gum disease and supporting structures around your teeth. This includes your gums, the bone that holds your teeth, and the ligaments that connect teeth to bone. Periodontal treatment ranges from deep cleanings for early gum disease to surgical procedures for advanced cases. Dr. Fenton provides comprehensive periodontal care to help you keep your teeth and gums healthy for life.

Common signs include bleeding gums when brushing or flossing, red or swollen gums, persistent bad breath, and gums pulling away from teeth. You might also notice loose teeth, changes in your bite, or pus between teeth and gums. However, gum disease can be painless in early stages, which is why regular dental checkups are so important for early detection and treatment.

We use local anesthesia to keep you comfortable during all periodontal procedures. Deep cleanings might cause some sensitivity, but most patients find them quite tolerable. For surgical procedures, you’ll be numb throughout treatment. After treatment, you might have some tenderness for a few days, but over-the-counter pain medication usually manages any discomfort well.

Regular cleanings remove plaque and tartar from above the gum line, while periodontal therapy cleans deep below the gums. Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) removes bacteria and tartar from root surfaces and smooths rough areas where bacteria collect. This deeper cleaning helps infected gums heal and reattach to teeth. Some patients need periodontal therapy every 3-4 months instead of regular cleanings twice a year.

Early gum disease (gingivitis) can be completely reversed with proper treatment and home care. Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) can be controlled and stopped from getting worse, but the damage to bone and ligaments is permanent. The key is catching it early and maintaining excellent oral hygiene along with regular periodontal maintenance visits. Many patients successfully manage gum disease for decades with proper care.

Good daily oral hygiene is your best defense against gum disease. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss every day, and use an antimicrobial mouthwash. Don’t smoke, as it greatly increases gum disease risk. Regular dental cleanings and checkups help catch problems early. Eating a healthy diet and managing conditions like diabetes also support gum health.

Treatment costs vary depending on the severity of gum disease and procedures needed. Deep cleanings typically cost $200-$400 per section of the mouth. More advanced procedures like gum surgery can range from $1,000-$3,000 depending on complexity. While this seems expensive, treating gum disease early prevents tooth loss and more costly treatments later. Periodontal maintenance visits usually cost similar to regular cleanings.

Most dental insurance plans cover periodontal treatment well since it’s medically necessary to prevent tooth loss. Deep cleanings are typically covered at 80% under basic services. Surgical procedures might be covered at 50% under major services. Many plans also cover more frequent cleanings (every 3-4 months) for patients with gum disease. We’ll verify your specific benefits and help maximize your coverage.