Better health through healthy gums: The power of proactive treatment
At Abingdon Smiles, preventing and resolving gum disease (early) is as much about protecting your teeth and oral health as it is about safeguarding the “rest of you.” Even distant organs and bodily systems can be affected by the condition and function of the teeth and gums. Partnering with a quality and trusted dental home is essential for achieving better health through oral care.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease affects the periodontal tissues that surround and support the teeth. We help patients from across the Abingdon, Virginia, area avoid the need for treatment. When the gums are kept healthy and functional, damage does not arise that threatens the health of the teeth and supportive jawbone. By preventing damage, treatment is rendered unnecessary. However, when we do find evidence of gum disease, our team has the tools and capabilities onsite to stop further damage and potentially regenerate lost tissues.
How do you prevent damage caused by gum disease?
It’s a shared responsibility between you, our dentists, and care staff. A good starting point is, of course, to be consistent about brushing and flossing. Consistent home care is not a substitute for our professional services, though. During routine visits to our office, one of our dentists will examine your teeth and gums. Our hygienists will also use their considerable knowledge and special dental instruments to minimize the risks of disease onset or progression: harmful bacteria and the build-up of bacterial plaque (tartar). We also know that there is no other patient quite like you. So, specific recommendations will be tailored to your needs and unique risk factors.
What happens if you find something wrong with my gums?
We want to catch signs of disease early. The earlier stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis. The condition is marked by swollen and inflamed gum tissue. At this stage, the effects of the disease can still be reversed. By identifying and addressing the disease early on, we can halt its progression before irreversible damage occurs. This approach typically allows us to restore your gums to health without resorting to costly, invasive, or aggressive treatments. However, we do have the capabilities to treat gum disease at various stages, including after it has progressed to its advanced form or periodontitis. At this stage, the hard and soft supportive tissues are being eroded. Treatment very much depends on your diagnosis and the nature and extent of the disease or damage that your gums may have sustained.
How do you treat earlier-stage disease?
We may recommend new oral care products and advise on brushing and flossing techniques. Additionally, a “deep cleaning” process known as scaling and root planning may be incorporated into your treatment plan. This process involves scaling or removing disease-causing substances from underneath the gum line, as well as planning, which is simply a reference to smoothing the root surfaces of the teeth. At Abingdon Smiles, we can perform this common procedure gently yet precisely with our ultrasonic scaler technology. We are also proud providers of the Perio Protect® system. With this system, it’s never been easier to apply bacteria-fighting medicine deep into the areas of the mouth that need this therapy the most, courtesy of special trays that are designed to fit your mouth.
What if my teeth can’t be saved due to gum disease?
If your gums do not heal properly or the breakdown of bone and attachments to the teeth are just too much, we are happy to discuss options to replace your teeth. In fact, prompt replacement is essential to avoid the many complications of tooth loss. There are just so many far-reaching effects of oral disease. Consider how the inflammation and bacteria in the mouth do not stay put. They can travel to other parts of the body. For this reason, conditions like periodontitis are considered to be risk factors for heart disease, stroke, heart attack, poor diabetes control, respiratory disease, childbirth complications, and more.
With proactive and skilled care, our Abingdon, VA team will keep you smiling by supporting your overall health and well-being. Call (276) 451-2450 to schedule your visit today.
Frequently Asked Questions about Periodontal Treatment
Is periodontal disease infectious?
Gum disease is not “contagious” like a cold, but the bacteria that cause it can be transmitted through saliva. That means sharing utensils, kissing, or close contact can pass harmful bacteria from one person to another. However, whether those bacteria actually lead to gum disease depends on your oral hygiene habits, immune response, and overall health.
Does pregnancy cause gum disease?
Pregnancy itself doesn’t cause gum disease. However, hormonal changes can make your gums more sensitive to plaque. Many women experience “pregnancy gingivitis,” where gums become swollen, tender, and prone to bleeding. The good news? With proper home care and routine professional cleanings, you can keep periodontal disease under control. Maintaining optimal gum health during pregnancy is especially important because uncontrolled gum disease can increase the risk of pre-term and low-weight births.
Does gum disease treatment always involve surgery?
Rarely. We can reverse early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) with professional cleanings and diligent oral hygiene. Moderate cases may require scaling and root planing—a non-surgical treatment that removes bacteria below the gumline. We only recommend surgery for advanced periodontitis, where procedures like gum grafting or pocket reduction help restore optimal oral health and stability.
How long does gum disease treatment take?
Treatment time varies from patient to patient. Mild cases may improve within weeks with professional cleanings and consistent oral hygiene. More advanced cases may require multiple visits over several months. Periodontal therapy is often followed by maintenance visits every 3-4 months to keep the infection under control.
Can gum disease be cured?
It depends on the severity of your gum disease. We can cure/reverse early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) with standard cleanings and good at-home care. Once gum disease progresses to periodontitis, it cannot technically be “cured,” but it can be managed. Targeted professional treatment and consistent maintenance can halt the progression of the disease and maintain a healthy smile long-term.
Is gum disease treatment painful?
Not at Abingdon Smiles. Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable treatment is. We use local anesthetics to numb the area during deep cleanings. You may experience pressure, but not pain. After treatment, soreness, swelling, and mild pain are normal. However, they are manageable with home remedies and over-the-counter pain relievers.
How do I prevent gum disease?
Prevention is the most effective way to keep your gums healthy. This preventive care includes:
- Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste
- Floss once a day
- Manage immune-suppressing conditions, such as diabetes and depression
- Consider using an antibacterial mouth rinse
- Avoid tobacco products
- Eat a balanced diet
- Schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings
How much does periodontal treatment cost in Abingdon, VA?
There is no universal pricing for periodontal treatment. That is because the cost depends on several factors, including the severity of the disease and the type of treatment. Our office will share a cost breakdown before any treatment begins. We’ll also discuss how to make your treatment affordable with financing, insurance, and our in-house membership plan.
Does insurance cover periodontal treatment?
Your dental insurance will likely cover periodontal treatment because it’s medically necessary to restore optimal oral health. However, the exact amount of coverage depends on deductibles, coverage limits, and waiting periods. Our team will happily review your coverage and outline the benefits applicable.
Does my local dentist offer gum disease treatment?
Bleeding, sensitive, and swollen gums may indicate periodontal disease. The good news? Gum disease is treatable and rarely requires surgery when detected early. To get started with periodontal care, dial (276) 451-2450 and schedule an appointment with Abingdon Smiles.
