Periodontal Disease in West Brattleboro, VT

Periodontal (gum) disease is an inflammation in the gums, which can cause considerable damage to your mouth. There are three stages of gum disease ranging from mild to severe. The first stage is gingivitis, which is caused by a buildup of plaque in the gum pockets. If not treated, gingivitis can turn into the second stage, known as periodontitis, which affects the bone and fibers that hold your teeth. Advanced periodontitis is the final stage of gum disease, which can cause teeth to become loose or fall out. To treat periodontal disease, Dental Health offers both nonsurgical and surgical treatment options depending on the severity of the disease, including scaling and root planing, antibiotics, gum surgery, gum tissue grafting, and tooth extraction. If you have signs of gum disease, contact our family dental office in Brattleboro, VT to schedule an exam and consultation with our board-certified Dental Health team.

The earliest stage of gum disease, gingivitis, is difficult to detect on your own, which is why it's important to schedule annual dental exams at Dental Health. This gives our team the opportunity to measure your gum pockets so they can diagnose and treat gum disease before it impacts your oral and overall health. As gum disease progresses, symptoms will include red or swollen gums, bleeding caused by routine brushing and flossing, a receded or separated gums, and persistent bad breath. In the later stages of gum disease, you might also experience discomfort while chewing or sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. It is very important to schedule a dental appointment if you are experiencing any of these symptoms so that the infection can be treated before it spreads.

Periodontal disease treatments will be determined by the severity of the infection. After our team diagnoses you with gum disease, they will go over their recommendations for your treatment plan. For mild cases, scaling and root planing (SRP) is typically done to deep clean the pockets of the gums. In more advanced cases, an antibiotic may be prescribed in addition to multiple scaling and root planing treatments. Severe cases of periodontal disease will typically require a surgical procedure such as regenerative (grafting) or pocket reduction.

Depending on your condition and treatment plan, your recovery time will vary. You may need to schedule multiple appointments at Dental Health to fully treat your gum disease. Once your oral health has been restored, you should continue scheduling routine dental examinations and cleanings at our facility. You should also maintain a good at-home oral hygiene routine, which includes brushing and flossing. Our Dental Health team may recommend an antibacterial toothpaste or mouthwash to decrease your risk of re-developing gum disease.

The cost of periodontal disease treatment will differ depending on the severity of the disease and the procedures required. If you have dental insurance, our office will contact your insurance company to determine what they cover and if there will be any additional costs. For patients without insurance, Dental Health accepts many payment methods and we can help you find low-interest medical financing. Concerns about costs? Please talk to our team during your consultation. Avoiding the dentist because of financial concerns may lead to bigger problems and more expensive treatments.

Gum disease will continue to progress without the proper treatment, so it is important to seek professional help as soon as any symptoms occur. At Dental Health, we work with you to restore your gum health and prevent future instances of infection. To learn more or to schedule a consultation with our Dental Health team, contact our office in Brattleboro, VT.