What To Know
What to know aboutPeriodontal Treatment
Periodontal treatment addresses gum disease, an infection of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth that affects nearly half of adults over 30. At Veda Dental Studio, we offer the full range of periodontal care from preventive maintenance through advanced treatment, with the goal of stopping disease progression, restoring gum health, and preserving teeth. Untreated gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults and is also linked to serious systemic conditions including heart disease, diabetes, respiratory infections, and pregnancy complications.
Gum disease progresses through several stages. Gingivitis is the earliest stage, characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. It's reversible with professional cleaning and improved home care. Without treatment, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, where the infection extends below the gum line and begins destroying the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. Advanced periodontitis can lead to loose teeth, painful chewing, and eventual tooth loss.
Treatment depends on the stage of disease. Early gingivitis is typically treated with a professional cleaning and improved home care. Mild to moderate periodontitis is treated with scaling and root planing (sometimes called deep cleaning), which removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line and smooths the tooth roots so gums can reattach. Advanced cases may require antibiotics, gum surgery, bone grafts, or other specialized procedures, sometimes performed by a periodontist (gum disease specialist). After active treatment, ongoing periodontal maintenance every 3 to 4 months is essential to prevent recurrence.
Questions
Frequently askedquestions
Answers to the questions patients ask us most, so you feel prepared before your visit.
How do I know if I have gum disease?
Common signs include red, swollen, or tender gums, gums that bleed when brushing or flossing, persistent bad breath, receding gums, loose teeth, changes in your bite, and pus around the teeth. Many people have gum disease without significant symptoms, which is why regular dental visits are essential. We measure gum pocket depths at every cleaning to detect disease early.
Is gum disease reversible?
Gingivitis (the earliest stage) is reversible with professional cleaning and improved home care. Once gum disease progresses to periodontitis and bone loss has occurred, the damage is generally not reversible. Treatment can stop the disease from progressing further and stabilize the gum and bone in their current state, but the lost bone typically does not regenerate without specialized procedures.
What is scaling and root planing?
Scaling and root planing (also called deep cleaning) is the standard non-surgical treatment for gum disease. Scaling removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line. Root planing smooths the tooth roots so the gums can reattach. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia and may be split across multiple visits depending on the extent of disease.
Will my dental insurance cover periodontal treatment?
Most dental insurance plans cover periodontal treatment, often at 50% to 80% after the deductible. Coverage typically includes scaling and root planing, periodontal maintenance, and basic surgical procedures. Some advanced surgical treatments may have lower coverage or require pre-authorization. We verify benefits before treatment so you know your specific coverage.
How often will I need periodontal maintenance?
After active treatment for periodontitis, most patients need maintenance cleanings every 3 to 4 months rather than the standard 6 months. This shorter interval is necessary because patients with a history of gum disease are at higher risk for recurrence. Some patients can extend the interval over time if their gum health remains stable, while others continue 3-month visits indefinitely.
Can gum disease cause other health problems?
Yes, research has linked gum disease to several systemic conditions including heart disease, stroke, diabetes complications, respiratory infections, pregnancy complications, and Alzheimer's disease. The relationship appears to involve chronic inflammation and bacteria from the mouth entering the bloodstream. Treating gum disease may benefit overall health beyond just preserving teeth.
Will I need gum surgery?
Most patients with gum disease don't need surgery. Non-surgical treatments resolve or stabilize the disease in the majority of cases. Surgery is reserved for advanced cases that don't respond to scaling and root planing, or for situations involving severe bone loss, deep pockets, or significant gum recession. We exhaust conservative options first because they're effective for most patients.
How can I prevent gum disease?
Brush twice daily, floss daily (this is critical), attend regular dental cleanings every 6 months, don't smoke, manage conditions that affect gum health like diabetes, and watch for early signs of trouble like bleeding gums. Genetics also play a role, so patients with family history of gum disease may benefit from more frequent cleanings and extra attention to home care.
Serving Savannah, Pooler
and Port Wentworth
Our studio is at 492 Jimmy DeLoach Pkwy, Suite 104, Savannah, GA 31407, in The Highlands, just off I-95. It is an easy drive from downtown Savannah, Pooler and Port Wentworth, with parking right outside.
New Patients Welcome