Gum treatment (also known as periodontal treatment) refers to surgical and non-surgical procedures and therapies aimed at improving gum health through preventative care and the treatment of gum-related conditions like gingivitis.
Non-surgical gum treatment procedures include professional dental cleanings, scaling and root planing (deep cleaning of teeth and gums), and antimicrobial treatments. Surgical treatments, meanwhile, include gum flap surgery, gum grafts, bone grafting, and guided tissue regeneration.
Gum treatments are a big reason why regular dental check-ups are vital to maintaining strong oral health, as these visits give your dentist the opportunity to routinely remove plaque and tartar from your gums and ensure that infections and other more serious gum-related issues never arise.
What Issues Does Gum Treatment Prevent and Correct?
Gum treatment is vital to preventing and correcting issues related to gum health. It helps fight gum disease, which can cause inflammation and bleeding in its milder forms and, if left untreated, can result in tooth loss.
Gum treatment also addresses gum recession, in which the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth. Gum recession gradually exposes a tooth’s roots, which can lead to sensitivity, tooth decay, and, in the absence of treatment, tooth loss.
Additionally, gum treatment can correct gum pocketing, in which spaces form between the gums and teeth and become sites of bacterial growth that can damage the gums and supporting structures.
How Much Does Gum Treatment Cost Relative to Other Dental Procedures?
The cost of gum treatment can vary depending on several factors. The most significant among these is the pre-treatment health of a patient’s gums and the specific corrective and preventative treatment(s) required.
Generally, non-surgical treatments like cleanings and scaling and root planing (this is properly written – “scaling and root planning is a thing) tend to be less pricey, while complex surgical procedures like gum grafts are more expensive. As always, it’s important to consult with a dentist on a personalized treatment plan, as treatments and their associated costs vary based on individual needs.
Gum Treatment in Mesquite, TX
If you’re in the Mesquite area and would like to learn more about gum treatment costs and the benefits that the treatment can provide, contact dentist Dr. RJ Loera and the team at Town East Dental Group to schedule a consultation appointment!