Periodontal Disease Treatment
Why You Need To Stay Away From Periodontal Disease Treatment
Before you subject yourself to a periodontal disease treatment, you have to determine first the kind of Periodontal (or Gum) disease that you have. Periodontal disease is classified into two types: gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gum tissue and is also known as the non-destructive form of periodontal disease. Treatment is usually focused on the removal of its cause, which is plaque. Periodontitis on the other hand is the inflammation around the tooth, and is the result of untreated and worsened gingivitis.
Periodontitis is the destructive form of periodontal disease that results in the destruction of gums, tooth or bone. Periodontal disease treatment for periodontitis depends on the extent of the disease, which can range from a simple deep cleaning to surgery.
The main cause of periodontal disease is the presence of harmful bacteria (anaerobic bacteria) at the surface of the tooth. Bacteria produce plaque, which can harden and form tartar. Hardened tartar is difficult to remove, thus, it harbors harmful bacteria (anaerobic bacteria), which causes periodontal disease.
Some personal habits such as smoking, can also contribute to the development of periodontal disease. Treatment usually begins on the removal of tartar by deep cleaning in the form of scaling. Other than scaling or root planing, other periodontal disease treatments include gingival flap surgery, soft tissue graft, and bone graft. Some periodontal disease treatments include the use of prescribed medications, which depends on how mild or critical the disease may be.
Do I Need A Periodontal Disease Treatment?
Periodontal disease treatments begin with a dental examination conducted by your dentist or dental hygienist. The dentist will check for presence of gum inflammation and pockets. For some cases, dentists and dental hygienists may also check for possible bone losses (as a result of periodontal disease) by conducting an x-ray.
Before performing periodontal disease treatments, the dentist or dental hygienist will also check also your medical history and risk factors which may have made you susceptible to such condition. Some risk factors might include smoking habits, diabetes, medications used, genetic make-up, hormonal changes (for women), and other illnesses (such as AIDS or cancer). For a simple gingivitis, the dentist can already perform scaling or root planing to remove hardened plaque or tartar.
Aside from the pain and humiliation of having a gingivitis or periodontitis, the cost of having a periodontal disease treatment is high. For non-surgery treatments, the cost of diagnosis, x-rays, and scaling/root planing ranges around $400-$450.
On the other hand, periodontal disease treatment that requires surgery costs higher. Gingival Flap Surgery for moderate to advance cases of periodontal disease, which involves lifting of the gums to remove tartar, costs an average of $1,100. Soft Tissue Graft and Bone Graft, costs an average of $1000. These two periodontal disease treatments are recommended to help regenerate lost bone or gum tissue due to periodontitis.
Nobody wants to undergo the pain and cost of having a periodontal disease treatment. Brushing 3 times a day, mouthwash, and flossing are some of things to keep in mind to avoid having periodontal disease. Treatments can be avoided by good hygiene practices and regular visits to your dentist.
Read also: Gingivitis Treatment
Page: Periodontal Disease Treatment
