Periodontal Disease
Healthy gums are the foundation for healthy teeth. Unfortunately, many dentists and patients often overlook the gums until there is a crisis. Periodontal disease, better known as gum disease, is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Monroe, North Carolina dentist Dr. Leonard Hess performs a periodontal screening to check for the signs and symptoms of gum disease at each visit. This is the best way to prevent problems and ensure the simplest and most conservative treatment.
It may be surprising to know that 75% of American adults have some form of gum disease. Not only is gum disease a serious dental concern but the condition has been strongly linked to other medical issues such as heart disease and diabetes.
Prevention is the best way to fight gum disease. Regular at-home care and routine dentist visits can prevent plaque from building up around the teeth and gum line. Gum disease is considered a “silent disease,” and most patients experience no pain or obvious symptoms until the advanced stages of the disease. Periodontal treatment is one of the general dentistry services Dr. Hess provides to Monroe, North Carolina.
Periodontal Treatment FAQs
Gum disease treatment is crucial to maintain your oral health. Read the answers to these frequently asked questions to learn more.
Does treatment for periodontitis hurt?
Your periodontal treatment will not cause pain. It will alleviate your gum pain as soon as treatment is completed. You may feel a little discomfort after leaving the dentist office, but it will go away in a couple of hours. You can go back to full normal function in about 24 hours.
Does dental insurance cover gum disease treatments?
Most dental insurance plans will cover your gum disease treatment. This type of treatment can be seen as a restorative treatment to fix the function of your mouth. Insurance companies decide what to cover, but most restorative treatments are covered. Contact your insurer to find out exactly what they will cover for you.
Will my periodontal disease go away without medical treatment?
No, it is not likely that your periodontal disease will go away without treatment from a dentist. You can take measures to prevent the symptoms from worsening, but you will still have periodontal disease if you do not seek professional periodontal treatment.
Can I give someone else gum disease by kissing them?
No, gum disease is not contagious. However, sharing saliva and bacteria with someone with gum disease over a long time could increase the likelihood of transmitting the disease to your partner.
Do my gums reattach after periodontal treatment?
Yes. Within a week, your gums start to heal and reattach to the tooth roots. You should be able to return to normal brushing and flossing after that first week. However, it does take a little longer for the mouth to heal completely. You should experience this in about 6-8 weeks.
Does the gum tissue grow back after periodontal treatment?
No, gum tissue doesn’t regenerate after it’s gone. If your gums have receded excessively, you may require a gum graft in the areas where it’s worst. However, the gum tissue you have remaining will reattach to the tooth root after deep cleaning.