Our hygienists, Vicki and Tammy, are 100% dedicated to improving the health of our patients. Excellent periodontal health is critical to much more than your oral health — it’s vital to your entire body’s health. With painless, non-surgical gum treatment, good overall health is not a dream, but a reality!
Gum Treatment and Periodontal Health
The dental term for gums and the other vital structures that support the teeth is “periodontics,” and many studies have shown links between periodontal diseases and a number of other chronic health conditions. These include, but are not limited to:
• Heart Disease
• Stroke
• Diabetes
• Respiratory Disease
• Osteoporosis
• Certain Cancers.
With all this in mind, we hope you sincerely understand the importance of good periodontal health. But there’s no need to fear — we annually screen our patients for periodontal disease. By updating and comparing your previous periodontal charting measurements, we are able to stop gum disease from affecting your health and happiness.
How We Prevent & Treat Gum Disease
We take every aspect of your dental health very seriously, and our measurements track several critical signs and symptoms of periodontal disease. These include:
• (6) Periodontal pocket measurements around each tooth (Healthy measurements are 1-3 millimeters )
• Any indications of inflammation when checking measurements (bleeding or swelling of gums)
• Any recession of gum tissues
• Any loss of supporting bone around molar teeth, that now involve the root bifurcations
• Any mobility (looseness) of teeth.
We compare these measurements with our dental x-rays. We look for deposits of calculus (tartar) underneath the gum tissue to determine how healthy your gums are — and what we can do to get them healthier!
Painless, Non-Surgical Gum Treatment
We know that our patients can effectively clean through brushing and flossing gum measurements of 2-3 millimeters. We also know that, in our gentle yet thorough dental cleanings, we can effectively clean up to 4 millimeters of periodontal pockets. Periodontal pockets of 5 millimeters or greater need additional treatment to manage this condition.
In our office, we offer a non-surgical option called Scaling and Root Planning. In this procedure, we provide local anesthesia (numbing) to the affected area. Vicki and Tammy can then effectively clean any residual calculus deposits out which will allow your gum tissue to heal naturally.
With Dr. Alexander and his team detecting, preventing and treating any gum disease that may afflict you, good periodontal health is yours. With good periodontal health comes good overall health and a gorgeous, eternal smile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Non-Surgical Gum Treatment
How do you diagnose gum disease?
Precise diagnosis is key to determining your treatment plan. To establish the presence and severity of gum disease, we will:
- Review your symptoms: Indicators such as swollen, red, or tender gums signify the presence of periodontal disease.
- Measure gum pocket depth: We’ll use a periodontal probe to measure the space between gums and teeth. Readings above 3mm suggest gum disease. The higher the number, the more advanced the infection.
- Use dental X-rays: Digital imaging helps determine the extent of bone loss in the deep periodontal pockets.
Can gum disease affect my overall health?
Yes. Gum disease is linked to several systemic conditions, such as diabetes complications, heart disease, and respiratory issues. Chronic inflammation in the gums can have a systemic impact on the rest of the body. Treating gum disease supports both oral and overall health.
Does gum disease treatment involve surgery?
Very rarely. Early-stage gum disease is often treated with non-surgical methods such as deep cleanings. This includes scaling and root planing to remove harmful irritants below the gumline. Your dentist will only consider surgery for advanced cases that do not respond to non-surgical care.
Is gum disease treatment painful?
Gum disease treatment, including deep teeth cleaning, is well-tolerated. Our office uses local anesthetics to numb your gums during treatment. You may feel pressure during the procedure, but not pain. Some tenderness afterward is normal, but it is usually mild and short-lived. Our team will provide you with aftercare instructions to ensure a safe and comfortable recovery.
Is gum disease contagious?
Gum disease is not contagious like a cold or flu. However, the bacteria that contribute to gum disease can be shared through saliva with activities such as kissing or sharing food. Good oral hygiene and regular dental care help keep gum disease-causing bacteria under control.
Does insurance cover gum disease treatment?
Many dental insurance plans cover gum disease treatment, especially when it is medically necessary. However, coverage depends on your plan and the type of treatment required. Our team will help review benefits and explain any out-of-pocket costs. We’ll also discuss the available payment plans to make your dental care as affordable as possible.
What can I do to prevent gum disease?
Prevention starts at home. Brush twice a day and floss daily. Avoid tobacco use. Managing health conditions like diabetes also helps reduce your risk. Lastly, be sure to maintain regular dental cleanings and exams.
How often should I be screened for gum disease?
Most patients require screenings every six months. However, we may recommend more frequent screenings if you have risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, or a history of gum disease. Early detection helps prevent progression.
How much does gum disease treatment cost in Boynton Beach, Florida?
The cost varies based on the severity of the condition and the type of treatment needed. The number of teeth affected and insurance coverage also affect the cost of treatment. Our team will provide a cost breakdown after your consultation. Rest assured, we won’t proceed until you are clear on the fees.
Who offers gum disease treatment in Boynton Beach, FL?
Gum disease is manageable when caught early. If you notice bleeding gums, bad breath, or gum tenderness, don't wait. Call (561) 739-4778 and schedule a periodontal consultation with Jamie J. Alexander, D.D.S., PA. We proudly serve patients from Boynton Beach, Ocean Ridge, Delray Beach, Highland Beach, Lake Worth, Lantana, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, and the surrounding locations.
