Gum Disease Treatment Worcester
Give Your Teeth a Healthy Home
Teeth get most of the attention when people talk about oral health. However, gum tissue is extremely important to oral health and should not be overlooked. Without healthy gum tissue, it’s impossible for teeth to maintain a stable foundation in your jaw. This is why gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. Thankfully, our dental office is equipped to stop and reverse the signs of gum disease through periodontal therapy. If your gums feel tender or look inflamed, don’t wait to call our dental office!
Why Choose
University Dental Group
for Gum Disease Treatment?
- Experienced and Detailed-Oriented Dental Professionals
- VA-Approved for Veterans in Need of Care
- Dental Insurance Welcome
What is Gum Disease?
With roughly 50% of the population struggling with this oral health problem, you may have heard of gum disease over the years. But what exactly is it? In short, it’s when the tissues responsible for supporting your teeth have developed an infection. At first, the symptoms are relatively minor and can be addressed with a commitment to a solid oral hygiene regimen. If it isn’t addressed, then the infection can progress, wreaking havoc on your oral and overall health in the process.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
At your biannual appointments, one of our talented Worcester dentists will conduct a thorough oral exam, looking for warning signs of gum disease in the process. Between visits, it’s important that you also keep an eye out for abnormal symptoms that could be the result of an infection, including:
- Red, swollen, or inflamed gums
- Gum recession
- Bleeding gums
- A change in your bite
- Loose teeth
How Do We Treat Gum Disease?
The treatment we recommend depends entirely on your specific dental needs. That’s why we need to take X-rays and examine your gums first! Once we have an idea of how severe the infection is, we can review your treatment options and share our recommendations. Rest assured, we will answer any questions you have and review the price before moving forward with the necessary care.
Scaling & Root Planing
When advanced gum disease has developed, the most effective solution is a series of scaling and root planing appointments. We recommend patients who have advanced gum disease to visit our dental office for scaling and root planing once every three to four months. Not only is continuous treatment necessary for gum disease, but it allows the gums time to heal so treatment can be completed. With scaling, we can remove plaque and tartar deposits from below the gum line. Root planing works to smooth out the tooth roots, allowing for the gums to reattach to the gum line and prevent future recession.
Gum Disease FAQs
What if I don’t treat gingivitis?
Since gingivitis (the early stage of gum disease) progresses painlessly, many patients think that it doesn’t require urgent treatment. That’s simply not the case! If left alone, the infection can advance, leading to serious consequences like bone loss. Plus, the bacteria can spread throughout your body, even to your vital organs. In short, gum disease can negatively impact the look and function of your smile as well as your overall health, so don’t put off the necessary treatment.
How should I prepare for scaling & root planing?
Before your appointment, your dentist will review how to prepare for your treatment. Oftentimes, it includes best practices like not smoking or drinking alcohol for at least 24 hours before the procedure. The recommendations may also extend to avoiding certain medications, like aspirin or blood thinners. And, of course, you should prioritize your oral health by implementing a solid oral hygiene routine and drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated. We will give you all the details you need to know when you make your appointment.
Is scaling and root planing painful?
Our team at University Dental Group is proud to provide treatment that’s both gentle and effective. Of course, if you struggle with sensitive teeth or gums, we can take additional steps to keep you comfortable in the treatment chair, like using a numbing agent.
Does dental insurance cover the cost of gum disease treatment?
Some dental plans do cover gum disease treatment. So, make sure to review the fine print on yours! Note: if you’re having a hard time understanding your coverage, you can always reach out to your provider directly or you can ask our team for assistance. We have extensive experience working with Delta Dental, MetLife, Principal, and several others.