Periodontal Therapy & Gum Disease Prevention for Rockville Families
Periodontal disease is a chronic infection of the gums and the connective tissues that hold the teeth in place. Also commonly referred to as gum disease, this condition affects approximately 80% of the American population in some capacity. It is caused primarily by poor oral hygiene. The gums become irritated as a result of plaque buildup and accumulation of tartar near and beneath the gum line. At the office of Dr. Robert Sanker, you’ll find everything you need to keep your gums healthy and looking great, including preventive treatments and proven-effective periodontal therapy.
The Importance of Treating Gum Disease
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in America and has been proven to contribute to a variety of other health concerns as well. Men and women with untreated periodontal disease are significantly more likely to develop potentially life-threatening conditions, including:
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Pre-term birth and low birth weight in pregnant women
- Complications in patients with diabetes
- Dementia
- Certain forms of cancer, including oral cancer, pancreatic cancer, and cancer of the blood
- Respiratory illnesses, including pneumonia
- Osteoporosis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Fortunately, it is possible to drastically reduce your risk of developing these and other complications with regular visits to our office for periodontal therapy.
Gum Disease Prevention & Treatment
Naturally, it is best to work toward gum disease prevention before the disease develops in the first place. It isn’t difficult to prevent periodontal infections; in fact, all it takes is a good oral health regimen at home and routine hygiene visits with Dr. Sanker and our team. During these biannual appointments, your teeth and gums will be thoroughly assessed and cleaned. The removal of accumulated plaque and tartar is a vital step in the process of preserving gum health.
If your oral health does fall victim to periodontal disease, we can help. With comprehensive periodontal therapy, Dr. Sanker can effectively halt the progression of the infection before it becomes worse. Periodontal maintenance visits are typically scheduled more frequently than routine hygiene checkups; most patients with gum disease visit us approximately every three months rather than every six. Dr. Sanker will develop a treatment plan that specifically targets your unique needs, providing you with all of the information you need to play a vital role in your continued oral health.
Periodontal FAQs
Do you want to know more about periodontal therapy in Rockville? Dr. Robert Sanker and our expert staff have compiled some of the most common questions about treating gum disease and answered them below. Discover the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis and more in this handy FAQ section!
When you are finished reading, do not hesitate to contact our office if you think you could benefit from periodontal therapy.
What Are the Signs of Gum Disease?
Worried about the health of your gums? You may have gum disease if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing
- Swollen or tender gums
- Bright red gums
- Receding gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Bite problems due to shifting teeth
- Visible pus between the teeth and gums
Many of the early warning signs of gum disease are subtle and cannot always be detected at home. This is one reason why visiting a dentist in Rockville every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning is so important.
What’s the Difference Between Gingivitis and Periodontitis?
Gingivitis is the earliest and most common form of gum disease. While many individuals with gingivitis experience red, swollen or bleeding gums, other people show no visible symptoms at all. At this stage, gum disease can usually be reversed with daily brushing and flossing and regular cleanings by a dental professional.
Periodontitis, on the other hand, is a more advanced form of gum disease. During this stage, gums can recede, the gaps around teeth can deepen, and the infection may even start to damage the bone supporting your teeth. Unlike gingivitis, periodontitis can typically only be treated, not cured.
What Is Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing is a highly effective form of periodontal therapy that can rejuvenate your gums and help prevent future oral infections. The non-surgical treatment, essentially a deep cleaning of the gums, can typically be completed in one or two visits to our office. Here are more details of what you can expect:
- Scaling – Using special dental tools, Dr. Sanker will expertly scrape off all plaque and tartar on your teeth and near your gums.
- Root planing – Dr. Sanker will then smooth any rough spots on the affected tooth roots. Root planing helps prevent bacteria from re-adhering beneath the gumline in the future.
How Much Does Periodontal Therapy in Rockville Cost?
The cost of treating gum disease varies from person to person and depends in large part on the severity of the case. For instance, overcoming gingivitis may only require buying a new toothbrush and floss and scheduling an extra professional cleaning. If your infection has advanced to periodontitis, however, more comprehensive treatment such as scaling and planing or even laser therapy may be necessary. Because every case is unique, the best way to determine the cost of periodontal therapy for you is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sanker.
Does My Dental Insurance Cover Periodontal Therapy?
Your dental insurance may cover part or all of the cost of periodontal therapy. However, every insurance plan is different, so be sure to contact your insurance provider before scheduling treatment. If you would like help understanding your insurance coverage, do not hesitate to ask! Whether you are a returning or new patient, our knowledgeable staff will be happy to assist you in navigating the ins and outs of your specific plan and maximizing your benefits.