Periodontal ServicesAustin, TX

Periodontal disease, commonly called gum disease, is an inflammatory condition affecting the gums and other structures that support the teeth. It typically begins when plaque accumulates along the gumline. Without appropriate care, inflammation can progress below the gumline and eventually damage the tissues and bone supporting the teeth.

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and affects the gum tissue without causing the attachment and bone loss associated with periodontitis. With appropriate professional and home care, gingivitis can often be reversed. Periodontitis is a more advanced form of disease that damages the supporting tissues and bone around the teeth and requires ongoing management.

Common warning signs include red, swollen, tender, or bleeding gums; persistent bad breath; gum recession; sensitivity; and changes in the way your teeth fit together. Periodontitis can also progress without obvious symptoms, making routine periodontal evaluations important.

Frequent bleeding during brushing or flossing can be a sign of inflammation caused by plaque accumulation along the gumline. It should not automatically be considered normal. If bleeding continues despite consistent oral hygiene, schedule an evaluation to determine whether gingivitis, periodontitis, or another condition is responsible.

Yes. Gum disease can progress with little discomfort, particularly during its earlier stages. Some patients do not recognize a problem until they develop recession, persistent bad breath, loose teeth, or other more noticeable changes. Periodontal measurements and dental x-rays can help identify disease that may not be obvious at home.

Bacterial plaque is the primary cause, but several factors can increase susceptibility or affect disease progression. These may include tobacco use, genetics, certain medical conditions, medications that affect the mouth, hormonal changes, and inconsistent oral hygiene.

A periodontal evaluation typically includes examining the gums and measuring the spaces between the teeth and gums with a periodontal probe. We also evaluate bleeding, recession, tooth mobility, plaque and tartar accumulation, and other clinical findings. Dental x-rays may be used to assess the bone supporting your teeth.

Healthy gums fit relatively closely around the teeth. When periodontitis damages the tissues supporting a tooth, deeper spaces known as periodontal pockets can develop between the tooth and gum. These pockets can harbor bacteria and become increasingly difficult to clean effectively at home.

Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical periodontal treatment commonly referred to as a deep cleaning. Scaling removes plaque and hardened tartar from above and below the gumline, while root planing cleans and smooths affected root surfaces. The goal is to reduce bacterial buildup and create healthier conditions for the gums to heal.

A regular preventive cleaning is intended for patients who do not have active periodontitis and primarily removes plaque and tartar from the teeth. Scaling and root planing treats periodontal disease by cleaning deeper areas below the gumline and along affected root surfaces.

Local anesthesia can be used to numb the treatment areas and keep you comfortable during scaling and root planing. Mild tenderness, sensitivity, or gum soreness can occur afterward, but this is generally temporary. We will provide aftercare instructions based on your individual treatment.

Treatment time depends on the severity and extent of periodontal disease. Scaling and root planing may be completed in one appointment or divided into multiple visits so different areas of the mouth can be treated thoroughly and comfortably.

Initial tenderness and sensitivity generally improve as the tissues heal, but the response varies from patient to patient. A follow-up periodontal evaluation may be recommended to assess healing, measure pocket depths, and determine whether additional treatment is necessary.

Gingivitis can often be reversed before permanent damage to the supporting structures occurs. Periodontitis causes attachment and bone loss that generally cannot simply be reversed through routine cleaning. However, appropriate periodontal treatment and ongoing maintenance can help control the disease and reduce the risk of further progression.

Advanced periodontitis can destroy the gum attachment and bone that hold teeth securely in place. As this support is lost, teeth can become loose, shift position, and eventually require extraction or be lost. Early diagnosis and consistent treatment can significantly improve the ability to preserve natural teeth.

Lost gum tissue generally does not grow back on its own. However, treatment can address the cause of recession, help prevent additional tissue loss, and protect exposed tooth roots. Certain cases may benefit from periodontal procedures designed to cover exposed roots or rebuild lost tissue.

Yes. Persistent bad breath can be associated with plaque, tartar, and bacteria accumulating around and below the gumline. However, bad breath can have several causes, so an evaluation is helpful when the problem continues despite brushing, flossing, and tongue cleaning.

Advanced periodontal disease can damage the bone and connective tissues supporting the teeth, potentially causing mobility or changes in tooth position. Other dental conditions can also contribute to shifting or loose teeth, so these symptoms should be evaluated promptly.

Periodontal maintenance is ongoing professional care for patients who have been treated for periodontitis. These appointments include cleaning above and below the gumline and monitoring periodontal health for signs that disease is recurring or progressing.

After periodontitis has affected the tissues and bone supporting the teeth, patients generally require more extensive monitoring and cleaning than a routine preventive appointment provides. Periodontal maintenance focuses specifically on controlling the disease and cleaning areas that remain vulnerable to bacterial accumulation.

Many patients are initially placed on a maintenance schedule of approximately every three to four months, but there is no universal interval for everyone. Your recommended schedule depends on the severity of your previous disease, current pocket depths, home care, risk factors, and how well your gums respond to treatment.

Patients diagnosed with periodontitis commonly require ongoing periodontal maintenance because the disease has already affected the structures supporting the teeth. Your dentist will determine an appropriate long-term schedule based on how stable your periodontal health remains.

Yes. Periodontitis is a chronic condition that can become active again if bacterial buildup and risk factors are not adequately controlled. Consistent home hygiene, periodontal maintenance, and monitoring are important for maintaining stability after treatment.

Tobacco use is an important risk factor for periodontal disease and can interfere with the body's ability to heal. Smoking can also mask some obvious warning signs, such as bleeding gums. If you use tobacco or nicotine products, let your dental team know so your periodontal risk can be evaluated appropriately.

There is a well-established relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease. Poorly controlled diabetes can increase the risk and severity of gum disease, while periodontal inflammation can make blood glucose management more challenging. Maintaining both oral and overall health is particularly important for patients with diabetes.

Research has found an association between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease, although this does not mean gum disease directly causes heart disease. Both conditions share inflammatory and other risk factors. Maintaining healthy gums remains an important component of overall health.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make the gums more susceptible to inflammation, and periodontal health is an important part of prenatal health care. Pregnant patients who notice bleeding, swelling, tenderness, or other gum changes should discuss them with their dentist and healthcare provider.

Bone lost because of periodontitis does not simply grow back after a deep cleaning. However, certain periodontal procedures may be able to regenerate or rebuild some lost supporting tissue in appropriately selected cases. The available options depend on the location and pattern of bone loss.

Daily brushing, interdental cleaning, and other home-care measures are essential for preventing and controlling gum disease, but established periodontitis generally requires professional treatment. Tartar below the gumline cannot be removed effectively with a toothbrush or floss alone.

Untreated periodontitis can lead to progressive gum recession, deeper periodontal pockets, bone loss, tooth mobility, changes in your bite, and eventually tooth loss. Because progression can occur without significant discomfort, delaying treatment may allow additional damage to develop before you notice it.

Many dental insurance plans provide some coverage for periodontal evaluations, scaling and root planing, and periodontal maintenance when medically necessary. Coverage limits and frequencies vary considerably by plan, so our team can help you review your specific benefits.

The cost depends on the severity and extent of gum disease, the number of areas requiring treatment, and whether additional periodontal care is necessary. After completing a periodontal evaluation, Craft of Dentistry can provide a personalized treatment plan and cost estimate for your gum disease treatment in Austin, TX.