Periodontal Disease in Central TX

Periodontal (gum) disease is the leading reason for tooth loss among adults today. As an infection impacting the gums and bone that support the teeth, this common yet serious condition can harm your oral and general health without proper intervention. While a range of factors may contribute to a gum disease condition, it is generally caused by harmful types of bacteria living within the dental plaque that accumulates on the teeth and gums. At ACE Dental of Texas, our experienced practitioners routinely screen for periodontal disease and offer nonsurgical and surgical care to treat every stage of this infection. Get in touch with our caring team today to schedule your periodontal evaluation and help protect the health of your smile.

Gum disease is generally categorized into three distinct stages. The first, known as gingivitis, is caused by bacterial plaque that builds up around the gumline. Gingivitis does not impact the underlying bone and is completely reversible at this phase. If not treated, gingivitis may progress to the next stage, called periodontitis. At this point, the bone and periodontal fibers supporting the tooth roots begin to break down, resulting in irreversible damage. Advanced periodontitis is the most severe form of gum disease and is often characterized by tooth mobility and tooth loss.

When it comes to gum disease, early detection is key. Many patients have gum disease yet may not be aware of its presence, making it very important to attend routine dental exams. Common signs and symptoms of gum disease include:

• Puffy, red, or tender gums
• Gums that bleed upon brushing or flossing
• Bad breath or foul taste in the mouth
• Gum recession or sensitive teeth
• Pus present at the gumline
• Loose teeth

Along with affecting oral health, gum disease may also affect systemic health. The condition has also been linked to cardiovascular problems, diabetes, pregnancy complications, and a wide range of other health concerns.

To screen for gum disease, our dental experts measure the spaces separating your teeth and gums (periodontal pockets) and take digital x-rays to evaluate the amount of bone surrounding your teeth. When the measurements exceed three millimeters and/or bone loss is visible on the radiographs, a gum disease diagnosis will likely be made. Gum disease treatment is recommended according to the severity of the infection. While gingivitis and periodontitis may be treated with a nonsurgical approach, advanced periodontitis may be addressed with a surgical form of care. ACE Dental offers personalized periodontal services and can help treat gum disease to preserve your oral and general health.

Special instructions on how to care for your teeth and gums following periodontal treatment will be provided based on whether a nonsurgical or surgical approach was taken. After your gum disease treatment is finished, our dental experts may recommend a periodontal maintenance program to help prevent the disease from progressing. Periodontal maintenance includes more frequent cleanings, generally every 3 – 4 months, to help keep plaque and bacterial buildup to a minimum. Along with professional care, we encourage you to follow a good oral hygiene protocol each day with brushing and flossing to help keep your gums healthy.

Insurance coverage for gum disease treatment will likely vary according to specific plans and companies. Before your visit, our insurance specialist will review your individual benefits and let you know of any uncovered costs. For patients without insurance and those with personal expenses, ACE Dental accepts a range of convenient payment options and can help with finding low-interest medical financing.

Periodontal disease is a progressive condition that can impact the quality of your smile and overall health. If you have any symptoms of gum disease, we urge you to contact one of our convenient ACE Dental of Texas locations and schedule a periodontal evaluation. Our skilled team is ready to help you reestablish gum health and protect your general well-being.