Periodontal Treatment in Rockville, MD
Periodontitis, also known as gum disease, is a chronic condition that affects the gum tissue and surrounding bone. It is an irreversible condition, which, if left untreated, can lead to loss of bone and eventually the teeth. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), almost half of American adults above the age of 30 suffer from periodontal disease.
Some of the common symptoms of periodontal disease include swollen and tender gums that bleed on brushing, bad breath, gum recession, loose teeth, and pus between the gums. If you have any of the above symptoms, you should contact a periodontist near you immediately.
At Montgomery Dental Associates, our board-certified dentists provide comprehensive periodontal treatment near you to restore your oral health.
What Is Periodontal Treatment?
Periodontal disease can often be treated successfully. The main goal of periodontal treatment is to remove all the plaque, tartar, and bacteria to improve your dental health. A combination of non-surgical and surgical procedures may be required to successfully treat gum disease.
Types of Periodontal Treatment
Non-surgical treatment: Scaling and root planing
Scaling and root planing or deep cleaning procedure is one of the most effective and non-surgical ways of treating gum disease. It differs significantly from your normal bi-annual cleanings. Scaling involves the removal of plaque and tartar from above and below the gums. We use a combination of ultrasonic as well as hand scalers to clean the area. Root planing involves smoothening the exposed surface of your root. This helps the gums to reattach to your tooth.
Scaling and root planing usually takes 2-3 one-hour appointments to complete. A follow-up will be scheduled 2-4 weeks after the procedure.
Periodontal maintenance: Regular visits to the dentist are extremely crucial in maintaining your gum health. We recommend check-ups every 3-4 months after the scaling and root planing procedure.
Surgical treatment: If a deep cleaning procedure does not eliminate the gum disease, advanced dental procedures are recommended. These include soft tissue grafts, pocket reduction surgeries, bone grafts, and regenerative procedures.
How Much Does Periodontal Treatment Cost?
Periodontal treatment may cost anywhere from $500 for the deep cleaning procedure to $3000 for complex surgical procedures.
What Can You Do?
Fortunately, periodontal disease is preventable. Here are some of the things you can do to maintain your gum health.
- Brush your teeth twice daily with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Replace your toothbrush every three months, or earlier if it has worn out. A worn-out toothbrush may not be as effective in removing all the dental plaque.
- Don’t forget to floss!
- Use an antimicrobial mouth rinse.
- Have annual periodontal check-ups with us!
What to Expect from Us
During your visit, we will do a thorough oral examination and take x-rays. Before proceeding with any procedure, we will explain all the treatment options available to you so that you can make an informed choice.
Schedule Your Appointment
If you would like to learn more about gum disease or the various treatment options we offer at Montgomery Dental Associates, book a consultation with our dentist in Rockville today!