Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Gum Disease Treatment

Coming in for regular cleanings with one of our excellent dental hygienists will help keep your gums in great shape, but what you do at home matters as well. Brush twice daily and floss every evening. Our hygienists will be happy to show you good brushing and flossing technique.

Other steps you can take to prevent gum disease include:

• Don't smoke or chew tobacco
• Eat a healthy diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables
• Use an antiseptic mouthwash. We'll be happy to recommend one.
• If you have a health condition that can affect your dental health, such as diabetes, heart disease, or cancer, please let us know so that we can take extra steps to help keep your gums healthy.

Keep Your Smile Healthy for Life

Early prevention is the key to avoiding painful and costly gum treatments later. If it has been more than six months since your last cleaning, it’s time to check in. Schedule your cleaning and exam online today!

Gum disease happens in two stages: gingivitis, the earliest stage, and periodontitis, the advanced stage. 

What You Should Know about Gingivitis vs Periodontitis in Lithia

What Is Gingivitis?

Since gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, it is sometimes reversible. If we detect it early and you're proactive about treatment, you may be able to reverse your gingivitis with a thorough professional cleaning and some improvements to your home care routine. 

While gingivitis can be hard to detect on your own, here are some of the early signs:

• Gums bleeding during brushing or flossing
• Red, irritated, or swollen gums
• Chronic bad breath that doesn't go away with brushing or flossing

Understanding Periodontitis

Periodontitis is the advanced stage of gum disease, where the damage is irreversible. Unfortunately, there's no cure for periodontitis, but we can help you keep it under control with additional cleanings and treatment throughout the year. 

Some of the signs you may notice with periodontitis are:

• Tooth mobility
• Pain or tenderness with chewing
• A foul taste or odor in your mouth

We can help you manage your periodontal health at Cherry Blossom Family Dentistry, and routine visits with Dr. Wareham can help prevent gum disease. 

Talk with our team at (813) 438-5925 to schedule an appointment. 

Gum disease is a common oral health problem, affecting over 40% of adults, and we offer deep cleaning treatments to remove the plaque buildup along your gumline.

These deep cleaning treatments may be necessary if you have deep gum pockets, bleeding when you brush and floss, red and swollen gums, or persistent bad breath.

When you visit us for a routine checkup, we can determine the severity of your issues and customize a treatment plan.

And we may recommend periodontal maintenance every three or four months to control the infection.

The Need for More Frequent Visits

After your deep cleaning, a dental visit every three to four months may be the best way to manage your periodontal disease.

Here’s why:

• Bacteria regrowth — About 12 weeks after your deep cleaning, harmful bacteria can return.
• Preventing damage — These harmful bacteria can lead to bone loss or deeper gum pockets.
• Managing gum disease — Periodontitis doesn’t go away; it requires ongoing treatment.
• Reaching hidden areas — Even with diligent home care, certain areas can be difficult to reach.

Periodontal Maintenance Lithia, FL

If you’d like to learn more about how we treat gum disease, please feel free to contact our dental office! At Cherry Blossom Family Dentistry, we strive to help every patient achieve healthy teeth and gums for a lifetime of smiles.

You can reach our office at (813) 438-5925.

If you have gum disease, you’re probably concerned about what the treatment will be like and what you can do at home to keep your mouth as healthy as possible. What you don’t want to worry about is how you’re going to pay for your periodontal treatment.

So, does dental insurance cover gum disease treatment?

Understanding Your Dental Insurance

Traditional dental insurance may cover part of your periodontal treatment, but it depends on several factors, including the following:

• Your insurance company — There are many different insurance companies, and they each have their own coverage limitations.
• Deductibles — You’ll usually have to meet your plan’s deductible before deep cleanings or other gum disease treatment are covered. Even then, they may not pay 100% of the cost.
• Annual maximums — Many policies only pay up to a set amount each year.
• Waiting periods — You may be subject to a waiting period before any periodontal treatments are covered.
• Pre-existing conditions — If you had gum disease before you enrolled in your dental insurance plan, it may limit your coverage.

Gum Disease Treatment Lithia, FL

To find out if you have insurance coverage for your gum disease treatment, we’re just a phone call away! Our experienced team can review your dental insurance and outline your payment options.

Please give us a call at (813) 438-5925.