Periodontal Disease in Wyomissing, PA

Periodontal (gum) disease is an inflammatory condition typically caused by harmful oral bacteria that affects the gums and underlying jawbone. Generalized into three stages that range from mild to advanced, gum disease is a progressive condition that may continue to worsen without proper care. Though it is the leading cause of tooth loss among adult patients, gum disease has also been linked to a number of concerning systemic health issues.

At Grove Dental Group and Orthodontics, our skilled general dentists and dental hygienists routinely screen for the presence of gum disease to help patients obtain gum disease solutions, including gum infection treatment in Wyomissing, PA. We also offer nonsurgical scaling and root planing to treat unhealthy gums and help prevent gum disease from progressing. If you think gum disease may be impacting your oral health, contact our offices Wyomissing and Reading, PA, to schedule an examination with our experienced team.

Gum disease is a progressive disease that can range from mild to severe. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and is brought on by plaque accumulation around the gum tissues. If not treated, gingivitis can progress to the next stage, called periodontitis, which begins to break down the bone and periodontal fibers that hold your tooth roots in place. Advanced periodontitis is the most severe phase of gum disease and is characterized by a greater degree of bone loss, loose teeth, and even tooth loss. While gingivitis can be reversed if caught early enough, the other stages of gum disease cannot be completely eliminated.

The earliest stage of gum disease, gingivitis, may be difficult to discover on your own, which is why it is important to keep up with routine dental checkups at Grove Dental Group and Orthodontics. This gives us the opportunity to check your gums and diagnose and address any problems before gum disease impacts your mouth and general well-being. Oral signs and symptoms commonly associated with gum disease include:

• Red, puffy, or tender gums
• Bleeding when brushing or flossing
• Persistent bad breath
• Sensitive teeth
• Gum recession
• Pus around the gums
• Loose teeth

The presence of gum disease has also been associated with a wide range of general health problems, some of which include stroke, cardiovascular conditions, respiratory illnesses, certain cancers, pregnancy concerns, and memory loss. Addressing any indications of gum disease and unhealthy gums early on can help preserve both your oral and general health.

Your periodontal treatment will be determined by the severity of the infection. If you are diagnosed with gum disease in Wyomissing, PA, our dental team will discuss your treatment options. Gingivitis is generally resolved with a professional dental cleaning and improved care at home. Scaling and root planing (SRP) therapy is typically performed for cases of periodontitis. We may also incorporate localized antibiotic therapy to help control oral bacteria and enhance treatment results. In more advanced cases, we may partner with a periodontal specialist for a surgical approach to care.

The recovery period following gum disease treatment will vary based on the type of procedure received. It may take between 1 – 4 visits to Grove Dental Group and Orthodontics to fully treat your gum disease. Once your oral health has been restored, it is important to maintain your gum health through improved care at home. We may also recommend a periodontal maintenance program, which includes thorough dental cleanings and close monitoring of your periodontal health on a 3 – 4-month basis.

Coverage for gum disease treatment will vary based upon the type of procedure recommended and individual insurance coverage. Our business team will be happy to provide you with a complimentary benefits analysis and will let you know of any anticipated personal costs for your care. To help make your visits easier to afford, Grove Dental Group and Orthodontics accepts several easy payment methods and can provide you with information on interest-free financing plans.

Without timely care, periodontal disease and unhealthy gums can continue to progress, impacting your oral health, smile, and systemic wellness. At Grove Dental Group and Orthodontics, our dental team will work closely with you to offer gum infection treatment in Wyomissing, PA, and protect the future of your smile. For more information or to schedule an appointment with our caring team, get in touch with one of our Wyomissing or Reading, PA practices today.