Overview
Periodontal (gum) disease is an inflammation in the gums, which may result in severe damage to your mouth. There are three stages of gum disease ranging from mild to severe. The first stage is gingivitis, which is caused by a buildup of plaque in the gum pockets. If not treated, gingivitis can turn into the second stage, known as periodontitis, which affects the bone and fibers that hold your teeth. Advanced periodontitis is the most serious stage of gum disease, which can cause teeth to become loose or fall out. To take care of periodontal disease, People's Dental offers both nonsurgical and surgical treatment options depending on the seriousness of the disease, including scaling and root planing, antibiotics, gum surgery, and tooth extraction. If you have signs of a gum disease, contact our office in Springfield, MA to schedule an exam and consultation.
Best Candidates
Gum disease in its earliest stage, gingivitis, is difficult to detect on your own, which is why it's important to schedule annual dental exams at People's Dental. This gives our team an opportunity to measure your gum pockets so we can diagnose and treat gum disease before it impacts your oral and overall wellness. As gum disease progresses, symptoms will include red or swollen gums, bleeding caused by routine brushing and flossing, a receded or separated gums, and persistent bad breath. In the later stages of gum disease, you may also experience discomfort while chewing or sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. It is important to schedule a dental appointment if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, so the infection can be corrected before it spreads to your whole body.
What to Expect
Treatment for gum disease will be determined by the seriousness of the infection. After a member of our team diagnoses you with gum disease, they will go over their recommendations for your treatment. For mild cases, scaling and root planing (SRP) is typically done to deep clean the pockets of the gums. In more advanced cases, an antibiotic may be prescribed in addition to multiple scaling and root planing treatments. Serious cases of periodontal disease generally need a surgical procedure such as regenerative (grafting) or pocket reduction.
PeoplesDental Reviews
I went for my consultation on Tuesday the 16th. Upon entering the office, it is very clean and I was greeted with a "happy to have you here" by Julie at the front desk. They were knowledgeable and welcoming. Xrays are usually a challenge for me since my wisdom teeth are pretty far back. Nurse Dawn and Dr. Kelley had me out in about 20 minutes with a referral to a surgeon to get my wisdom teeth removed and schedule a cleaning before getting up. Highly recommend 😃
Office is super clean & bright. Everyone there was a joy to work with!
Thank you Dawn S...For making feel welcomed and great job done...And all the lady's that helped out...Gabe
I had an emergency, they all were very helpful, and took care of very well and immediately.
Very nice and comfortable 👌
80
Total Reviews
5
Average Rating
Recovery
Depending on your condition and treatment plan, your recovery time will vary. You may need to make several appointments at People's Dental to fully address your gum infection. Once your oral health has been restored, you need to continue scheduling routine dental examinations and cleanings at People's Dental. It's also advisable to keep a good at-home oral hygiene routine, which includes brushing and flossing. We may recommend an antibacterial toothpaste or mouthwash to decrease your risk of getting another gum infection.
Insurance Coverage
Prices for periodontal disease treatment will differ based on the severity of the disease and the procedures required. If you have dental insurance, our office will contact your insurance company to determine what they cover and if there will be any out-of-pocket costs. For patients without insurance, People's Dental accepts many payment methods and we can help you find low-interest medical financing. Concerns about costs? Please speak with us during your consultation. Avoiding the dentist because of financial concerns may lead to bigger problems and more expensive treatments.
Periodontal Disease
Gum disease will cause more damage without the appropriate treatment, so it is necessary to seek professional help as soon as any symptoms occur. At People's Dental, we work with you to restore your gum health and prevent future instances of infection. To learn more or to schedule a consultation, contact our office in Springfield, MA.