Periodontal Treatment

At Lagniappe Dental in Fairhope, AL, we understand the importance of healthy gums for your overall oral health. That's why we provide comprehensive periodontal treatment to address gum disease at all stages. Here's more about the causes and symptoms of periodontal disease, your treatment options with us, and how we can help you restore your gum health.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an incredibly common oral health condition affecting nearly half of American adults over 30. It occurs when plaque, a sticky film containing bacteria, accumulates along and underneath the gumline. If this plaque is left untreated, it will harden into tartar that irritates the gums and creates inflammation.

There are two main progressive stages of gum disease:

1. Gingivitis: This is the early stage of gum disease characterized by red, swollen, or bleeding gums. At this point, the condition can still be reversed with proper treatment.
2. Periodontitis: The more advanced stage, where inflammation has spread deeper below the gumline and begins destroying the tissues and bone that support the teeth. If periodontitis progresses without treatment, it can cause teeth to loosen or require extraction.

Signs You May Need Treatment

Some signs that indicate you should schedule an appointment for an evaluation and potential periodontal treatment include:

• Gums that are tender, painful, or bleed when brushing or flossing
• Persistent bad breath that doesn't resolve with brushing
• Receding gums or changes in your bite
• Loose teeth or gaps forming between teeth
• Pus discharge between your gums and teeth

Don't wait until you notice these advanced symptoms before seeking treatment. Even mild gum inflammation calls for professional attention to prevent it from getting worse. The sooner you start treatment, the better your chances of reversing the disease.

Does Insurance Cover Periodontal Procedures?

Most dental insurance plans provide at least some level of coverage for the nonsurgical and surgical periodontal treatments required to treat gum disease. The amount covered will depend on your individual plan details. When you come in for an initial consultation, we can check your insurance coverage and clearly explain costs so you can make an informed decision regarding recommended treatment.

We also offer affordable payment options like our membership program that can help reduce costs for uninsured patients. Our team will work with you to find a payment plan that fits your budget without compromising your oral health.

Treatment Options for Restoring Healthy Gums

The good news is gum disease is preventable when caught early and can still be treated successfully even in more advanced stages. At Lagniappe Dental, we offer both non-surgical and surgical solutions tailored to your unique case and stage of gum disease.

Nonsurgical Gum Disease Treatments

For mild to moderate cases of gingivitis and periodontitis, we often start with nonsurgical treatment options:

• Deep cleanings remove built-up plaque and tartar above and below the gumlines that regular brushing cannot reach. This allows your gums to reattach to your teeth as inflammation subsides.
• Antimicrobials like prescription antimicrobial mouthwashes eliminate harmful bacteria lingering around the teeth and gums.
• Laser therapy uses specialized light energy that kills bacteria and encourages healing of inflamed gum tissues.

Along with professional treatments, we provide tips for improving your daily oral hygiene routine at home between visits. This combined approach helps treat gum disease and prevent recurrence.

Surgical Procedures for Advanced Cases

If nonsurgical treatment alone proves ineffective at reducing periodontal pockets around the teeth, we may recommend surgical procedures:

• Flap surgery involves lifting back the gums to directly access and remove any deep buildup or infected gum tissue. This removes bacteria causing damage and allows the gums to reattach tightly to clean tooth surfaces.
• Bone and tissue grafting procedures help regenerate lost bone and gum tissue that previously anchored teeth. This restores stability and support.
• Dental implants can replace teeth lost due to extensive damage from advanced periodontal disease. The implants fuse securely with the jawbone, preventing bone loss associated with missing teeth.

Though surgical solutions involve a more intensive process with recovery time, they are sometimes necessary to eliminate deep infection and successfully restore periodontal health. We utilize the most advanced tools and techniques to optimize results.

What to Expect During Treatment at Lagniappe Dental

While we tailor treatment plans to each patient's specific periodontal needs and goals, you can generally expect:

• A consultation to evaluate your current gum health and diagnose the stage of periodontal disease
• A deep cleaning and potentially medicated anti-bacterial rinse prescription if gingivitis is present
• Scaling and root planing procedures for moderate cases
• Intensive flap surgery, tissue/bone grafts, or tooth extractions for advanced periodontitis
• Follow-up appointments to monitor your healing and progress

Depending on the severity of disease, you may experience some discomfort during active treatment. We focus on keeping you as comfortable as possible. Over-the-counter pain medication can also help manage temporary side effects like sensitivity or swelling. Closely following our post-treatment home care instructions is crucial for optimal healing.

The good news is even advanced gum disease can usually be successfully treated with the right solutions tailored to your needs. We're here to help you restore your gum health at any stage.

Why Choose Lagniappe Dental for Periodontal Treatment?

At Lagniappe Dental, your gum health and oral well-being are our top priorities. We offer:

• A comfortable, friendly office environment where you can relax during your visits
• Care from knowledgeable, experienced dentists using the most advanced technology
• Custom treatment plans suited to your specific gum disease diagnosis and goals
• Minimally invasive procedures are used when possible for your comfort
• Clear explanations and attentiveness to all your questions and concerns
• Ongoing support to help you sustain your treatment successes long-term

Ready to Schedule an Appointment? Call Us Today

Whether you're concerned about bleeding gums or have an advanced case of periodontitis requiring complex surgery, we're here to provide the gentle, expert periodontal treatment you deserve. Call Lagniappe Dental in Fairhope, AL today to schedule your initial gum disease consultation. We look forward to helping you restore your gum health and smile!

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