Periodontal Treatment in Wyomissing, PA

Periodontal (gum) disease is a gradually advancing condition that can progressively deteriorate the gums and bone tissues that support your teeth. At the center of this condition are disease-causing bacteria, which live within the plaque above and below the gumline. Some patients assume that diligent brushing and flossing are all it takes to eradicate the plaque, but that is not always the case. As the plaque builds up, often calcifying to become tartar on your teeth, your gums may begin to become irritated and begin to pull away from your teeth. When periodontal disease moves past the initial stage (gingivitis) and into the stages known as periodontitis and advanced periodontitis, bone loss occurs and can cause a number of issues, including tooth loss.

If you are noticing bleeding gums, inflammation, bad breath, or other signs of periodontal infection, we encourage you to schedule a visit with our team of caring dentists at Grove Dental Group and Orthodontics. We offer gingivitis treatment and gum disease solutions and can help you reestablish a healthy oral environment through a periodontal maintenance program. Get in touch with our Wyomissing or Reading, PA practice location today and take the first step toward preserving the health of your smile.

Good candidates for periodontal treatments range from those experiencing slight gum inflammation from unhealthy gums to individuals with bone loss in the jaw. Regardless of how minor or advanced gum disease might be, the time to seek treatment is now. Swollen and bleeding gums are typically signs of gingivitis or periodontitis, which means “inflammation around the tooth.” This often results in bad breath that cannot be masked, tender gum tissues, loose teeth, and receding and bleeding gums. If you find yourself experiencing any of these symptoms, we encourage you to arrange for an appointment at Grove Dental Group and Orthodontics.

There are a variety of dental procedures that may be used to combat gum disease. The primary goal is to stop the disease process, prevent further damage, and reestablish a healthy oral environment. To diagnose gum disease, our team at Grove Dental Group and Orthodontics will use a small ruler-like instrument to check for and measure the periodontal pockets or spaces between the teeth and gums. We also utilize digital x-rays to identify any bone deterioration caused by the presence of gum disease. Depending on the results, our team may recommend periodontal treatments designed to address varying stages of the disease. Gingivitis treatment can often be offered via professional prophylaxis and better flossing and brushing techniques at home. For cases of periodontitis, we may recommend nonsurgical scaling and root planing (SRP) therapy combined with locally delivered antibiotics. Areas of advanced periodontitis may be best treated through a surgical approach. In such instances, we may partner with a trusted periodontal specialist to meet these more complex treatment needs.

The key to successful recovery from most periodontal therapies is maintaining meticulous daily oral hygiene in the home. Throughout your periodontal care, our skilled team will examine ways you can further take advantage of treatment by changing, enhancing, or stopping some habits, like smoking (which can exacerbate the disease). As gum infection treatments in Wyomissing, PA, are customized according to the severity of the disease (and the needs of the patient), healing timeframes and post-treatment recommendations will differ. A periodontal maintenance program may be established following treatment for periodontitis or advanced periodontitis, which will include thorough cleanings every 3 – 4 months, personalized management of periodontal health, monitoring of periodontal pockets, and exams and x-rays as needed. Periodontal maintenance cleanings take the place of routine biannual prophylaxis. Since the bacteria known to cause periodontitis grow quickly after about 90 days, more frequent cleanings are needed to control bacterial levels and better manage periodontal health.

Coverage for periodontal treatments tends to vary among individual dental insurance plans. Our financial coordinator will work with you on a personal basis to maximize the portion of your treatments paid for by your insurer. If you do not carry health insurance, please talk with us about flexible options for covering the cost of your family's care. Grove Dental Group and Orthodontics accepts interest-free financing plans from Wells Fargo along with a range of other easy and convenient solutions.

Gum disease is a serious concern for may patients in the Wyomissing and Reading, PA area. If you have any signs or symptoms of this progressive condition, we encourage you to get in touch with our team right away for a gum disease screening. By arresting the disease process as soon as possible, you can take control of your oral health and help preserve the future of your smile. Receive more information on periodontal treatments from our caring team of dentists by contacting Grove Dental Group and Orthodontics and reserving your visit today!