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Periodontal Treatment in Richmond, TX
Stop gum disease before it causes tooth loss. Best Dental offers comprehensive periodontal therapy including deep cleanings, scaling & root planing, and ongoing maintenance to restore and protect your gum health. Early treatment prevents painful infections, bone loss, and tooth loss while improving your overall health.
Schedule Gum EvaluationWhat Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, commonly called gum disease, is a bacterial infection of the gums and supporting structures around your teeth. It begins when plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—accumulates along and below the gum line. If not removed through regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings, this plaque hardens into tartar (calculus) that can only be removed by a dental professional.
The bacteria in plaque and tartar trigger an inflammatory response in your body, causing your gums to become red, swollen, and prone to bleeding. If left untreated, this inflammation destroys the gum tissue and bone that support your teeth, eventually leading to tooth loss. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
Key Facts About Gum Disease
- 47% of adults over 30 have some form of periodontal disease
- Leading cause of tooth loss in adults after age 35
- Often painless in early stages—many don't know they have it
- Reversible when caught early (gingivitis stage)
- Linked to systemic health issues including heart disease, diabetes, and stroke
- Preventable with proper care and regular dental visits
At Best Dental in Richmond, TX, we take gum health seriously. Our comprehensive periodontal evaluations detect gum disease early when it's most treatable. Dr. Jasmine Naderi and Dr. Sonny Naderi provide personalized treatment plans to restore your gum health and prevent tooth loss.
Warning Signs of Gum Disease
Many people don't realize they have gum disease because early stages can be painless. However, your body gives warning signs that shouldn't be ignored. If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a periodontal evaluation immediately:
⚠️ Call Your Dentist If You Experience:
- ● Bleeding gums when brushing, flossing, or eating
- ● Red, swollen, or tender gums that look puffy or inflamed
- ● Receding gums making teeth appear longer than before
- ● Persistent bad breath that doesn't improve with brushing
- ● Pus between teeth and gums indicating infection
- ● Loose or shifting teeth that move when touched
- ● Changes in bite or the way teeth fit together
- ● Pain when chewing or sensitivity around gums
- ● Gums pulling away from teeth creating deep pockets
Important: Even if you have no symptoms, gum disease can still be present. This is why regular dental checkups with periodontal probing are essential. Our hygienists measure pocket depths around each tooth during your preventive care visits to catch gum disease in its earliest stages.
Stages of Periodontal Disease
Gum disease progresses through distinct stages, each more serious than the last. Understanding these stages helps you recognize the urgency of treatment:
Stage 1: Gingivitis
Severity: Mild (Reversible)
Symptoms:
- Red, swollen gums
- Bleeding when brushing/flossing
- Bad breath
- No bone or tissue loss yet
Treatment: Professional cleaning, improved home care, and regular maintenance can completely reverse gingivitis. This is the only reversible stage.
Stage 2: Early Periodontitis
Severity: Moderate (Manageable)
Symptoms:
- Gums pull away from teeth
- Pockets 4-5mm deep form
- Early bone loss begins
- Increased bleeding & sensitivity
Treatment: Deep cleaning (scaling & root planing) plus improved home care can stop progression and stabilize the condition, though bone loss cannot be reversed.
Stage 3: Moderate Periodontitis
Severity: Advanced (Serious)
Symptoms:
- Deeper pockets (5-7mm)
- Significant bone loss
- Teeth may feel loose
- Gum recession noticeable
Treatment: Deep cleaning, possible antibiotics, more frequent maintenance cleanings (every 3 months), and potentially gum surgery.
Stage 4: Advanced Periodontitis
Severity: Severe (Tooth Loss)
Symptoms:
- Pockets 7mm or deeper
- Severe bone loss (50%+)
- Loose, shifting teeth
- Pus, abscesses, pain
Treatment: May require tooth extraction, gum surgery, bone grafting. Some teeth may not be salvageable. Aggressive ongoing treatment needed to save remaining teeth.
The Bottom Line: The earlier gum disease is caught, the easier and less expensive it is to treat. Gingivitis can be reversed. Once you reach periodontitis, the damage is permanent—we can only stop it from getting worse. This is why regular dental checkups are so critical.
Periodontal Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the stage and severity of your gum disease. Our goal is always to use the most conservative, effective approach to restore your gum health:
1. Professional Dental Cleaning
For: Gingivitis (early gum disease)
Regular professional cleaning removes plaque and tartar from above the gum line. Combined with improved home care, this reverses gingivitis completely. Most patients need cleanings every 6 months, though those prone to gum disease may benefit from 3-4 month intervals.
2. Scaling & Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
For: Early to moderate periodontitis
This is the gold standard non-surgical treatment for gum disease. Learn more about scaling and root planing.
3. Antibiotic Therapy
For: Active infection or in combination with deep cleaning
Antibiotics help control bacterial infection in gum pockets. May be prescribed as:
- Oral antibiotics: Pills taken for 7-14 days
- Topical antibiotics: Antibiotic gel or chips placed directly in deep pockets
- Antimicrobial mouthrinse: Prescription chlorhexidine to reduce bacteria
4. Periodontal Maintenance
For: Ongoing care after initial treatment
More frequent cleanings (typically every 3-4 months) to prevent disease recurrence. This is critical for long-term success—periodontal disease can return without proper maintenance.
5. Referral to Periodontist
For: Advanced periodontitis or complex cases
When gum disease is severe, we may refer you to a periodontal specialist for:
- Gum surgery (flap surgery): To clean deep pockets and reduce pocket depth
- Bone grafts: To regenerate lost bone
- Soft tissue grafts: To cover exposed roots from recession
- Guided tissue regeneration: To help bone and tissue grow back
Which Treatment Do You Need?
During your comprehensive periodontal evaluation, we'll:
- Measure pocket depths around every tooth
- Check for bleeding, recession, and bone loss
- Take X-rays to assess bone levels
- Evaluate your risk factors (smoking, diabetes, genetics)
- Create a personalized treatment plan
Your treatment plan will be customized to your specific situation, stage of disease, and overall health.
Scaling & Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
Scaling and root planing—often called "deep cleaning"—is the most common non-surgical treatment for periodontal disease. It's more extensive than a regular cleaning and specifically targets the bacteria, plaque, and tartar that have accumulated below the gum line.
What Happens During Deep Cleaning
Scaling: We use special instruments (ultrasonic scalers and hand instruments) to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from tooth surfaces and beneath the gums, reaching down into periodontal pockets. This eliminates the infection source.
Root Planing: We smooth the root surfaces of your teeth, removing bacterial toxins. Smooth roots make it harder for bacteria to reattach and help gums heal and reattach to teeth.
The Procedure
What to Expect
- Local anesthesia: Your gums are numbed so you're comfortable throughout
- Quadrant treatment: Usually done in 2-4 appointments, treating one section of mouth per visit
- Duration: Each appointment typically lasts 45-90 minutes
- Discomfort: Minimal during procedure due to anesthesia; some sensitivity after
- Recovery: Most patients return to normal activities immediately
After Your Deep Cleaning
Immediate Effects: Your gums may be tender for a few days. Teeth might feel sensitive to hot and cold. Over-the-counter pain relievers usually provide adequate relief. Stick to soft foods for 24-48 hours.
Healing Process: Within a few days, inflammation begins to decrease. Over the next few weeks, gums should become firmer, pinker, and healthier. Pockets typically reduce in depth as gums reattach. Bleeding should stop or dramatically decrease.
Follow-up: We'll schedule a follow-up appointment 4-6 weeks after your final deep cleaning to:
- Re-measure pocket depths to confirm healing
- Assess gum health improvement
- Determine your ongoing maintenance schedule
- Address any remaining problem areas
Success Rates
When combined with improved home care and regular maintenance, scaling and root planing successfully halts periodontal disease progression in approximately 85-90% of cases. The key is committing to ongoing periodontal maintenance cleanings every 3-4 months.
Periodontal Maintenance: Long-Term Success
Successfully treating gum disease is only half the battle. Preventing it from returning requires ongoing periodontal maintenance. This isn't optional—it's essential for keeping your gums healthy and teeth in place.
Why More Frequent Cleanings?
Once you've had periodontal disease, you're at higher risk for recurrence. Bacteria can repopulate treated pockets within 9-11 weeks. This is why patients who've had periodontal treatment need cleanings every 3-4 months instead of the standard 6-month interval.
Regular Cleaning vs. Periodontal Maintenance
| Feature | Regular Cleaning | Periodontal Maintenance |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | Every 6 months | Every 3-4 months |
| Purpose | Prevent disease | Prevent disease recurrence |
| Cleaning Depth | Above gum line | Above & below gum line |
| Pocket Measurement | Annual | Every visit |
| Duration | 30-45 minutes | 45-60 minutes |
| For Patients | Healthy gums | History of gum disease |
What Happens at Maintenance Visits
- Thorough examination: Check for any signs of disease returning
- Pocket depth measurements: Monitor healing and catch problems early
- Deep cleaning: Remove plaque and tartar above and below gum line
- Polishing: Smooth tooth surfaces to inhibit plaque accumulation
- Home care review: Ensure you're maintaining proper oral hygiene
- Risk assessment: Evaluate factors that might affect gum health
Home Care Between Visits
Professional maintenance must be combined with excellent daily home care:
Daily Periodontal Home Care
- Brush twice daily: Use soft-bristled brush with gentle circular motions for 2 minutes
- Floss once daily: Absolutely essential—brushing alone misses 40% of tooth surfaces
- Consider interdental brushes: Clean between teeth where floss doesn't reach
- Use antimicrobial mouthrinse: If recommended by your dentist
- Water flosser: Can be helpful supplement (not replacement) for flossing
- Don't skip maintenance appointments: The single most important factor in long-term success
Remember: Skipping even one periodontal maintenance appointment can allow bacteria to recolonize and disease to return. Staying committed to your maintenance schedule is the difference between keeping your teeth and losing them.
Cost & Insurance Coverage
Periodontal treatment costs vary based on the severity of disease and extent of treatment needed. While the investment may seem significant, consider that untreated gum disease leads to tooth loss—and replacing lost teeth with implants or dentures costs far more.
Typical Costs in Richmond, TX
| Treatment | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Regular Cleaning (Gingivitis) | $99 - $180 |
| Scaling & Root Planing (per quadrant) | $200 - $400 |
| Full Mouth Deep Cleaning (4 quadrants) | $800 - $1,600 |
| Periodontal Maintenance (per visit) | $125 - $250 |
| Antibiotic Therapy (if needed) | $50 - $150 |
Insurance Coverage
Most dental insurance plans cover periodontal treatment because it's medically necessary to preserve teeth and prevent more serious health problems. Here's what's typically covered:
Typical Insurance Coverage
- Regular cleanings: Usually covered 100% (twice per year)
- Periodontal evaluation: Usually covered 100%
- Scaling & root planing: Typically covered 50-80%
- Periodontal maintenance: Often covered 50-80% (3-4 times per year)
- X-rays: Usually covered 100% (once per year)
Important Notes:
- Coverage varies by plan—verify your specific benefits before treatment
- Some plans consider maintenance cleanings as "regular cleanings," limiting coverage to 2 per year
- Pre-authorization may be required for scaling and root planing
- Annual maximums apply—if you exceed your maximum, you'll pay remaining costs
Payment Options Without Insurance
Don't let cost prevent you from getting necessary gum disease treatment. Best Dental offers multiple payment solutions to fit your budget. Learn about financing options:
- CareCredit Healthcare Financing: Extended payment plans with special financing
- In-House Payment Plans: Flexible monthly payments
- Dental Discount Plan: Save 15-25% on periodontal treatment
- FSA/HSA: Use pre-tax dollars for gum disease treatment
Cost of Doing Nothing: Untreated gum disease leads to tooth loss. Replacing a single tooth with an implant costs $3,000-6,000. Full mouth reconstruction can exceed $50,000. Treating gum disease now prevents these much larger expenses later.
Preventing Gum Disease
The best periodontal treatment is preventing gum disease in the first place. Even if you've already had gum disease treated, these preventive strategies help ensure it doesn't return:
Essential Prevention Strategies
- Brush twice daily for 2 minutes: Use proper technique with soft-bristled brush
- Floss once daily: Critical for removing plaque between teeth
- Regular dental visits: Professional cleanings every 3-6 months depending on risk
- Don't smoke: Smoking is the #1 risk factor for gum disease
- Eat healthy diet: Reduce sugar, increase nutrients that support gum health
- Manage systemic conditions: Control diabetes, which worsens gum disease
- Stay hydrated: Saliva helps wash away bacteria
- Reduce stress: Stress weakens immune response to infection
Risk Factors You Can't Change
Some factors increase gum disease risk but can't be modified. If these apply to you, extra vigilant preventive care is crucial:
- Genetics: Some people are genetically predisposed to gum disease
- Age: Risk increases after age 30
- Gender: Men slightly more likely to develop severe disease
- Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, menopause affect gum health
- Certain medications: Some drugs reduce saliva or cause gum overgrowth
The Connection to Overall Health
Gum disease doesn't just affect your mouth—it impacts your entire body. Research links periodontal disease to:
- Heart disease & stroke: Bacteria from gums enter bloodstream, affecting heart
- Diabetes: Gum disease makes blood sugar harder to control; diabetes worsens gum disease
- Respiratory disease: Bacteria from mouth can be inhaled into lungs
- Pregnancy complications: Linked to premature birth and low birth weight
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Inflammation connection
- Dementia: Oral bacteria may contribute to Alzheimer's disease
Maintaining healthy gums isn't just about keeping your teeth—it's about protecting your overall health and quality of life.
📋 Key Takeaways: Periodontal Treatment
- Gum disease affects 47% of adults over 30 and is the leading cause of tooth loss
- Early stage (gingivitis) is completely reversible with professional cleaning and good home care
- Once periodontitis develops, damage is permanent but disease can be stopped
- Bleeding gums are NEVER normal—they're a warning sign requiring evaluation
- Scaling & root planing (deep cleaning) successfully treats 85-90% of cases
- Ongoing maintenance every 3-4 months is essential to prevent recurrence
- Most dental insurance covers 50-80% of periodontal treatment costs
- Untreated gum disease leads to tooth loss costing far more to replace
- Daily flossing is absolutely critical—brushing alone isn't enough
- Gum disease is linked to heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and other systemic conditions
Protect Your Gums & Save Your Teeth
Don't wait until you lose teeth to gum disease. Early treatment is easier, more affordable, and more successful. If you're experiencing any warning signs—bleeding gums, bad breath, receding gums, or loose teeth—schedule a comprehensive periodontal evaluation today. Our experienced team will assess your gum health, create a personalized treatment plan, and help you achieve healthy gums for life. Call (281) 215-3065 or book your appointment online now!
Schedule Gum Evaluation
