Gum Disease in Houston, TX

Gum (periodontal) disease affects a large part of the population, often with many people not noticing the symptoms. Since many symptoms start off mildly, it’s crucial to get a regular periodontal examination at Houston’s Cosmetic Dental Associates. Your dentist will carefully check the oral cavity to look for signs of gingivitis (the mildest form) and more advanced cases. The dentist will look at the gum color, gum pocket depth measurements, and check for the presence of bleeding gums to determine if a patient has gum disease. If disease is apparent, there are a number of options available, which the medical team will customize for the patient’s condition.

Regular periodontal examinations at Cosmetic Dental Associates are a crucial part of maintaining optimal dental and oral health. These comprehensive gum exams offer a number of benefits to preserve your oral health, including:

• Identifying gum disease early
• Preventing gingivitis from progressing to periodontal disease
• Reducing gum tenderness, inflammation, and pain
• Avoiding a receding gumline
• Reducing bad breath
• Helping to prevent tooth loss
• Improving overall health and wellness

Periodontal disease affects 75% of adults and can range from mild to severe. Dentists offer a wide array of treatment options to help ensure that each patient receives the proper care. One of the more common forms of treatment used is a non-surgical procedure known as scaling and root planning. Scaling removes tarter and plaque from the area below the gum line while root planning creates a smoother root and gum surface. Antibiotics may also be used to help alleviate pain and inflammation. Surgical procedures for more severe forms of periodontal disease include: gum graft surgery, laser gum surgery, regenerative procedures, and pocket reduction procedures. 

It is important to maintain healthy dental care practices to help prevent periodontal disease. This means creating or continuing a good oral hygiene routine as well as implementing suggestions given by the dentist. The dentist may suggest scheduling routine, annual check-ups and examinations as well as bi-annual cleanings. Patients should also implement common oral care practices into their routines such as flossing, brushing twice a day, and using mouthwash.

The cost of the periodontal examination is included in the cost of the patient’s annual dental exam. The cost for treating gum disease will vary based on the severity of the disease and the treatment used. Patients can discuss treatment options during their consultation to receive information on costs.

Will the exam hurt?
At Cosmetic Dental Associates, we know that patients have valid concerns about pain at their periodontal appointments. You can anticipate a mild amount of discomfort, but in general, our patients do not report amounts of pain during these examinations. Our providers go above and beyond to ensure your comfort and safety throughout this exam, to keep you feeling your best.

How long will it take?
Periodontal examinations that are included in your routine dental exams usually take about an hour, in total. We use this time to check your gum health and scan for any other oral health problems you may be noticing. We can also take notes and evidence to establish a health baseline over time.

How often should I get a periodontal exam?
These examinations are done annually with your general dental exams. If you have a general history of periodontal disease, we may take extra steps in your appointment or ask you to come back more than once a year. In your Houston, TX appointment, we can make personalized recommendations based upon your specific needs to keep your smile in the best shape possible.

If you have been diagnosed with or think you may have symptoms as a result of periodontal disease, contact our office today to schedule a consultation. With our experienced team, we will find a treatment that is suitable for your condition and restore your mouth back to optimal health.