Gum Disease Treatment
Also called: Periodontitis Treatment
Gum disease is caused by plaque buildup. When plaque is not removed through daily brushing and flossing, the bacteria found in plaque infects your gums, teeth and, left untreated, the bone supporting your teeth.
Symptoms
- Gums are red, swollen or tender (itchy sensation)
- Gums often bleed when brushing or flossing
- Receding gum lines exposing more of the tooth
Treatment
Depending on the stage of the disease, the treatment may vary. Treatment plans include a professional cleaning, a deep cleaning or root planing. Your dentist may recommend using medication, usually in the form of a mouth rinse, to help reduce bacteria.
A severe form of gum disease, called periodontitis, may require surgery to close up areas of the gum that have become loose and exposed using bone grafts.
Gum recession treatment may also be suggested for aesthetics and to help reduce tooth sensitivity.
Periodontists are experts in prevention, diagnosis and treatment of gum disease. Our periodontists at UT Dentistry are ready to create the best treatment plant for you to restore your healthy smile.
Available Practices
The practices below offer this specialty care. Select a practice that best meets your budget and availability for appointments.
Student Dental Clinic
Services at this clinic are performed at reduced prices because students are working under the supervision of board-certified dentists on faculty. The educational nature of the clinic requires extra time for appointments and the types of services offered depends on the training needed by students at that time.
Average Cost: 60 - 70% less than private practice
Appointment Time: 3-4 hour appointments
Education: Dental students under the guidance of faculty dentists
Periodontics: Resident Practice
Our clinic is staffed by dental residents who are completing advanced training. Top services: dental implant, extraction, bone grafts, gum disease and gum recession treatment.
Average Cost: Fees average 60% of the cost of private practice
Appointment Time: Slightly longer than private practice
Education: Graduate dentists completing advanced training in Periodontics
Periodontics: Faculty Practice
Our clinic provides the evaluation, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the gum and bone supporting the teeth. Top services: gum recession treatment, bone grafts and dental implants.
Average Cost: Equal to private practice
Appointment Time: Equal to private practice
Education: Specialists who also teach at the School of Dentistry