Periodontal Treatment in Wichita Falls, TX

Periodontal gum disease is a progressive condition, occurring over time as bacteria found in your mouth combines with saliva and food particles. This creates a sticky, colorless plaque that can cause dental issues if left alone. Most individuals believe that daily brushing and flossing are enough to remove the plaque, but that is just not the case. As the plaque builds up, becoming tartar on your teeth, your gums will begin to react negatively. At that point, you’ll need to see a professional, like one of our certified dentists at Stone Lake Dental in Wichita Falls, TX. However, time is of the essence. As periodontal disease advances beyond the beginning stage (gingivitis) into the stages known as periodontitis and advanced periodontitis, tooth and bone loss become very real possibilities, both causing a number of issues for patients.

Candidates for periodontal treatments range from those suffering from minor gum inflammation to those with major deterioration of the bone or soft tissues in the mouth.

Sometimes, the gum disease has already resulted in tooth loss. Regardless of how your gum disease has advanced, now is the time to intervene and slow or stop it in its tracks. When gums do become inflamed, it can be a symptom of gingivitis or periodontitis, which literally means, “inflammation around the tooth.” This can result in bad breath that won’t go away, tender, painful chewing, loose teeth, and receding and bleeding gums. If you find yourself experiencing any of these symptoms, you should arrange for an appointment at Stone Lake Dental.

There are many dental treatments that can be helpful in the battle against gum disease. The main goal is to control infection. Our dental team at Stone Lake Dental typically starts with a tiny instrument referred to as a probe, which is basically a very small ruler used to check for and measure any infected pockets around and under your teeth. X-rays will also confirm any deterioration. Depending on the results, the amount and kinds of treatments will differ based on how the gum disease has progressed. Treatments normally start with a deep cleaning to remove plaque with a technique referred to as scaling and root planing. Antibiotics can also be used to attack infections. For more advanced cases, flap surgery and bone/tissue grafts will be considered.

The key to successful recovery from most periodontal treatments is maintaining rigorous dental care at home. At your appointment, we will review how you can further benefit from treatment by changing, improving, or stopping certain behaviors, such as smoking (which is thought to amplify the effects of periodontal disease).

Since periodontal treatments are personalized according to the severity of the disease (and the needs of the patient), recovery time frames and instructions may vary. It is very important to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss regularly to remove plaque accumulating between your teeth, and visit Stone Lake Dental regularly for checkups and professional cleanings.

Since the recommended treatments for periodontal disease can vary, so might insurance coverage and associated costs. Our team will work with you on an individual basis to maximize the portion of your treatments covered by your insurance provider. If you do not carry dental insurance, we can discuss treatment options and prices to help make your out-of-pocket cost as affordable as possible. At your consultation, inquire about medical financing and ask us to help you apply for it.

Though periodontal disease is not entirely reversible, thorough treatment and regular attention by a skilled dental team can help keep your symptoms mild and manageable. If you believe you may be at the beginning or advanced stages of periodontal disease, or you would like more information about the disease and other treatment options we currently offer, we encourage you to set up an appointment at Stone Lake Dental as soon as possible.