PERIODONTAL DISEASE in san diego, ca

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease — also known as gum disease — is a chronic infection that damages the gums and supporting bone around your teeth.

It often begins as gingivitis and, if untreated, progresses to periodontitis, which can cause:

• Gum recession
• Tooth mobility
• Bone loss
• Tooth loss

Even after treatment, gum disease doesn’t disappear — it requires ongoing maintenance to prevent relapse.

How Does Periodontal Therapy Work?

Periodontal therapy is designed to treat bacteria that cause gum disease. The treatment may include one or more of the following steps:

• Deep Cleaning. This is also known as scaling and root planing, where plaque and tartar (a hardened form of plaque) are removed from the teeth and below the gum line.
• Medications. Antibiotics or antimicrobial agents may be prescribed to help fight off bacteria in the mouth that cause gum disease.
• Surgical procedures. This can involve trimming or grafting tissue, removing teeth that are severely damaged, or reshaping the bone around the teeth.
• Laser therapy. This uses a special laser to remove diseased tissue and bacteria from below the gum line.

The Benefits of Periodontal Therapy

Periodontal therapy can help to improve your oral health and reduce the risk of gum disease. It can also help to improve the function of your teeth, reduce pain and discomfort due to inflammation, prevent further damage from periodontal disease, and improve your overall quality of life.

What Leads to Patients Getting Periodontal Therapy?

Patients typically get periodontal therapy when they experience symptoms of gum disease, such as redness and swelling of the gums, bleeding during brushing or flossing, bad breath, receding gums, or loosening teeth. If you are at higher risk for developing periodontal disease due to smoking or other health factors, your dentist may recommend periodontal therapy even if you don’t experience any of these symptoms.

Does Insurance Cover Periodontal Therapy?

Insurance typically covers the cost of periodontal therapy, but it is important to check with your insurance provider for details. Some policies may require a referral from your dentist before they will cover the costs of treatment.

Schedule Your Periodontal Therapy Today

Regular visits to the dentist can help you keep track of your periodontal health and allow your dentist to detect signs of gum disease early on. If you have any symptoms of periodontal disease, we can evaluate the condition of your gums and provide periodontal therapy if necessary. Periodontal therapy can help restore your mouth to a healthy state and improve your quality of life. Contact us at A+ Family Dentistry today to schedule an appointment and learn more about our periodontal care services.