Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease is typically divided into three stages:
- Gingivitis
- Periodontitis
- Advanced Periodontitis
Each stage of periodontal disease requires different levels of treatment. It’s important to address the condition as early as possible to prevent further damage.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and is characterized by inflammation and swelling of the gums. Symptoms of gingivitis include redness, bleeding, and tenderness of the gums. [Dr. Name] can treat gingivitis through dental cleanings and by encouraging patients to maintain good oral hygiene habits at home.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is the second stage of periodontal disease and occurs when inflammation and infection spread from the gums to the surrounding tissues and bone. Symptoms of periodontitis include receding gums, deep pockets between the teeth and gums, and bone loss. Treatment for periodontitis may include scaling and root planing, antibiotics, and surgery.
Advanced Periodontitis
Advanced periodontitis is the most severe stage of gum disease and occurs when the infection has spread deep into the tissues and bone. Symptoms of advanced periodontitis include severe bone loss, tooth loss, and gum recession. Treatment for advanced periodontitis may include gum grafting, bone grafting, and tooth extraction.
Periodontal Disease Treatment Options
There are various periodontal disease treatment options available. Those may include:
- Professional Dental Cleanings: Professional dental cleanings are a simple and effective way to remove plaque buildup and bacteria from the teeth and gums. During professional teeth cleanings, a dental hygienist will use specialized tools to remove buildup from the teeth and gums, leaving them clean and healthy.
- Scaling and Root Planing: Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and bacteria from below the gum line. This procedure is typically used to treat periodontitis and can help prevent further damage to the teeth and gums.
- Laser Periodontal Therapy: Laser periodontal therapy is a minimally invasive treatment option for periodontal disease that utilizes laser technology to remove infected tissue and promote healing. This treatment can be an effective alternative to traditional gum surgery, with less pain, swelling, and downtime.
- Bone and Gum Grafting: Bone and gum grafting restores lost bone and gum tissue due to advanced gum disease or tooth loss. During the procedure, grafts of bone or tissue are taken from other areas of the mouth or a donor source and transplanted to the affected area to promote new tissue growth.
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics can help kill the bacteria that cause gum disease and reduce inflammation and infection.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat advanced gum disease. Surgery options may include gum grafting, bone grafting, or tooth extraction.
Call our Westland, MI dental practice today to learn more about treatment options and learn how you can prevent gum disease.
Costs of Gum Disease Treatment
When it comes to treating gum disease, costs can range between $1,700 to $8,000, depending on the stage of the disease. The more severe the gum disease, the more expensive treatment is likely to become.