Question 1

Can periodontal disease be reversed?

Accepted Answer

Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, can be fully reversed with professional cleaning and good home care. Once the disease has progressed to periodontitis and bone has been lost, it cannot be reversed, but it can be controlled with treatment and ongoing maintenance. Catching gum disease early is the only way to fully restore healthy gums.

Question 2

How long does it take for gum disease to develop?

Accepted Answer

Gingivitis can appear within a few days to a few weeks of inadequate brushing and flossing. Progression to periodontitis usually takes months or years and depends on factors such as smoking, diabetes, genetics, and oral hygiene habits. Some people develop aggressive forms of periodontitis that progress rapidly even with reasonable home care.

Question 3

Does periodontal disease cause bad breath?

Accepted Answer

Persistent bad breath is one of the most common signs of periodontal disease. The bacteria living in deep gum pockets release sulfur compounds that produce a strong, lingering odor. If brushing, flossing, mouthwash, and a tongue scraper do not solve chronic bad breath, gum disease is a likely cause and should be evaluated by a dentist.

Question 4

Is scaling and root planing painful?

Accepted Answer

Most patients find scaling and root planing comfortable because the area is numbed with local anesthetic before treatment. You may feel pressure or vibration during the cleaning, but not sharp pain. Mild gum tenderness for a few days afterward is normal. Heritage Family Dentistry also offers sedation options for patients with dental anxiety.

Question 5

How much does periodontal treatment cost?

Accepted Answer

Cost depends on how many quadrants of the mouth are affected, how advanced the disease is, and what type of treatment is needed. Most dental insurance plans cover scaling and root planing as a basic service, often at 50 to 80 percent. Heritage Family Dentistry offers in-house financing and a membership plan for patients without dental insurance.

Question 6

Do I need a periodontist, or can my regular dentist treat gum disease?

Accepted Answer

A general dentist can treat most cases of mild to moderate periodontitis with scaling and root planing and ongoing maintenance. Severe cases that require surgical procedures such as bone grafting, flap surgery, or guided tissue regeneration are usually referred to a periodontist. Erin Pickwick, DMD treats most periodontal cases at Heritage Family Dentistry in Grayson, GA and refers when specialty care is the better choice.

Question 7

How often should I get a deep cleaning if I have gum disease?

Accepted Answer

After your initial scaling and root planing, most periodontitis patients do best with periodontal maintenance cleanings every three to four months instead of the standard six. The American Dental Association recommends ongoing supportive periodontal therapy for life because the condition can come back without consistent care.

Periodontal Disease in Grayson, GA: A Patient’s Guide to Spotting, Treating, and Preventing Gum Disease

Heritage – Periodontal Disease

Periodontal Disease in Grayson, GA: A Patient’s Guide to Spotting, Treating, and Preventing Gum Disease