Advanced gum disease, often referred to as periodontal disease or periodontitis, can have major impacts when left untreated. Not only can the gum line recede, infection also becomes far more likely with advanced gum disease. Eventually, gum disease that is not taken seriously and treated properly can lead to the loss of teeth. Periodontal disease is also more common than many realize with 47.2 percent of adults over the age of 30 with some form of the disease. The good news is that periodontics have come a long way in the past few years and there are treatment options. Here are three options for treating advanced gum disease.

Scaling And Root Planing

Scaling and root planing, or SRP, is often the first treatment used for periodontitis. Gum disease occurs when bacteria builds up on the teeth and turns into tartar and plaque. The gums then begin to recede as the tissue becomes infected. SRP is essentially a deep cleaning for the teeth that works to get rid of this bacteria buildup by scraping tartar and plaque off the teeth. This procedure is done in quadrants and can cost anywhere from $500 to $4,000 for the entire mouth.

Pocket Reduction

Another option for treating advanced gum disease is pocket reduction. This procedure is surgical and involves reducing the gap between the gums and the teeth. The gum tissue is folded back in order to get rid of the bacteria that is causing the gums to recede. This procedure is also more expensive than SRP. The average cost ranges from $4,000 to $6,000 but can be even more expensive in severe cases of periodontal disease. In some cases lasers may also be used to reduce the size of the pocket between the gums and the teeth.

Gum Grafts

Gum grafting is also an option for those with advanced periodontal disease. Grafts are used to cover up exposed tooth roots and in order to prevent future gum recession. Gum grafts can be expensive. Gum tissue grafts over a small area near one tooth can range from $600 to $1,200 in price. The tissue used in a gum graft is often taken from somewhere else in the patient's mouth. In very severe cases, bone grafts may also be needed in addition to gum grafts.

Advanced gum disease can be very painful and ultimately lead to the loss of teeth. Gum disease is also more common than many realize. However, there are treatment options for advanced periodontitis. SRP, pocket reduction, and even gum grafts can be used to reverse the effects of gum disease and to prevent problems in the future. Professionals such as the New England Dental Specialists of Norwood will have more information about treatment and prevention. 

Share