Periodontics in Aurora

What it is

Gum disease starts when plaque sits along the gumline. In the early stage, called gingivitis, gums turn red, swell and bleed. This stage can usually be reversed with a cleaning and better home care. If it goes on, it can become periodontitis. The gums pull away from the teeth, forming pockets, and the bone that holds the teeth slowly breaks down.

Periodontitis often causes no pain, so many people do not know they have it. The main way to find it is to measure the pockets around each tooth and look at the bone on X-rays. Shallow pockets are healthy. Deeper pockets trap bacteria that a toothbrush and a routine cleaning cannot reach.

Gum care at our clinic is provided by our general dentists and dental team, not by a periodontist. When gum disease is advanced or needs surgery, your dentist can refer you to a periodontist and keep working with you on maintenance. Laser-assisted gum treatment may be added to deep cleaning in some cases, and your dentist will explain if it suits you.

Is it right for me?

• Your gums bleed when you brush or floss, most days.
• Your gums look red or puffy, or are pulling back from your teeth.
• You have bad breath or a bad taste that does not go away.
• A tooth feels loose, or your bite has changed.
• You have diabetes, smoke or have a family history of gum disease.
• You were told at a past visit that you have deeper gum pockets.

Step by step

1. Gum assessmentYour gums are measured around each tooth and checked for bleeding, recession and loose teeth. X-rays show the bone level.
2. Scaling and root planingWith freezing, tartar and bacteria are cleaned from below the gums and the root surfaces are smoothed so the gums can reattach. This is often done one section of the mouth at a time.
3. Antibacterial therapyFor pockets that stay deep, your dentist may place an antibacterial medicine into the pocket or suggest a prescription rinse.
4. Laser-assisted careWhere suitable, a dental laser may be used along with deep cleaning to treat the lining of the pocket. Your dentist will explain if this applies to you.
5. Re-checkA few weeks later, the pockets are measured again to see how your gums have healed.
6. Periodontal maintenanceGum disease is controlled, not cured. Cleanings every 3 to 4 months help keep pockets from getting deeper.

How it compares

General information. Your dentist will explain what applies to you.

Benefits and risks

Cost and coverage

Gum treatment is planned in stages, and so is the cost. The first estimate usually covers scaling and root planing by section of the mouth, billed in time units under the Ontario Dental Association fee guide, plus any medicine placed in pockets. Maintenance visits every 3 to 4 months are a separate, ongoing cost. Many insurance plans cover periodontal care but limit scaling units per year, so we can check your plan first. CDCP lists periodontal treatment as a covered service, with approval needed for some care. We accept IFHP and direct bill all plans. You get a written estimate before each stage.

What shapes your estimate

• How many sections of your mouth need deep cleaning
• The number of scaling and root planing time units
• Whether antibacterial medicine is placed in pockets
• Whether laser-assisted treatment is used
• How often you need maintenance visits
• Your insurance limits on scaling units and maintenance visits

Read more about insurance and payment, the Canadian Dental Care Plan and IFHP coverage.

After your visit

• Expect some soreness for a day or two. A warm salt-water rinse can soothe the gums.
• Use a soft brush and keep cleaning gently, even where the gums are tender.
• Clean between your teeth daily with floss, small interdental brushes or a water flosser, as you are shown.
• If you smoke, cutting back or quitting helps your gums heal.
• Keep every maintenance appointment. It is the main thing that keeps gum disease under control.

Questions