HOW MUCH DOES PERIODONTAL MAINTENANCE COST?
What are periodontal diseases?
Periodontal disease is an infection in the areas around the teeth, but not in the teeth. Gingivitis is usually the first stage of periodontal disease which can progress and effect other structures in the mouth.
Phases of treatment
Dentists usually follow three phases of treatment for periodontal disease.
Phase 1: The etiological phase
Treatment in the first phase focuses on controlling the infection and restoring healthy bacteria that should be present. Your dentist will also evaluate what might be causing the periodontal disease to effectively address the problem.
This phase will also include education regarding thorough oral care and hygiene at home. Patients also must stop smoking, if applicable in order to maintain good oral hygiene.
Procedures called “scaling” and “root planing” will also take place during the initial stage. The dentist will complete a deep cleaning of your teeth removing plaque and calculus. Medications may also be prescribed during this part of the process.
Phase 2: The surgical phase
When the initial treatments aren’t effective, patients will progress into the surgical phase. This often occurs when the pockets of infection or plaque and tartar are too deep to clean. Patients will be assessed for this phase about four to eight weeks following their initial treatment.
The surgery is often completed under a general anesthesia and many people don’t feel any pain or discomfort following the surgery.
Phase 3: The maintenance phase
The maintenance phase focuses on the prevention of future periodontal disease. There is a high rate of the disease returning without diligent maintenance.
Your dentist will carefully review the oral hygiene practices you to follow. The hygiene practices will include thorough brushing and daily flossing. Be sure to carefully clean your teeth and thoroughly clean all of the hard-to-reach spots. Conclude the cleaning by using a mouthwash to help remove any remaining bacteria. You will be required to visit your dentist every three months instead of the traditional six months to ensure there are no issues.
Nonsurgical treatments
A deep cleaning, which includes scaling and root planing, is typically one of the first treatments the dentist will use. It is less invasive than surgery and often effective in the treatment of minor cases of periodontal disease. During this process, the dentist scrapes off tartar from above and below the gum line, in addition to rough spots on the tooth. This process helps remove bacteria which contributes to gum disease and also treats areas where the bacteria can gather.
Deep cleaning usually costs about $140 to $300. The cost will depend on your location and the reputation of your dentist. Some dental insurance covers the cost, but be sure to check your coverage. Some patients may experience minimal bleeding. Most people can return to normal eating and drinking the same day.
Because periodontal disease can increase your risk for conditions such as stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory diseases, it’s critical to treat it. Starting the treatment early can help you avoid requiring the more invasive treatments later on. Fortunately, periodontal treatments are often incredibly effective. Be sure to follow instructions provided by the dentist during the maintenance stage to keep your risk of recurrence low.
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