Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a dangerous illness that can result in various oral health issues. It may eventually result in tooth loss if neglected. A plaque buildup on the teeth is the root cause of periodontal diseases. Plaque is a bacterial film that sticks to the teeth and gums. It can become tartar if it is not removed, which can lead to bleeding and swollen gums.
Most dental insurance plans cover the cost of periodontal disease treatment. However, depending on the project, coverage varies. While some insurance plans may only cover a portion of the cost, other methods might not. It’s essential to check with your insurance provider to determine what your plan covers and if your medical insurance covers periodontal diseases. If you don’t have dental insurance, other options exist to help pay for treatment, such as dental financing.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, often known as gum disease, is an infection of the bone and gums surrounding teeth. Left untreated, periodontal diseases can lead to tooth loss.
Medical insurance typically does not cover periodontal diseases treatment. Your insurance can cover regular dental cleanings; this would decrease the chance of getting gum disease. To know if your medical insurance cover periodontal diseases, you should contact the information from your provider first.
There are several treatment options available if you have periodontal disease. Treatment may involve scaling and root planning (deep cleaning of the teeth), medication, and surgery. Your condition’s severity will determine the kind of treatment you get. You should not take periodontal disease lightly. If you suspect you may have gum disease, visit your dentist for a diagnosis.
Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
Gum disease, or periodontal diseases, is a severe ailment that can harm one’s health. Neglecting can result in heart disease, bone loss, and teeth loss. The following three signs of periodontal diseases should alert you to the condition:
- Gums that are red, swollen, or bleeding is one of the most typical signs of gum disease. It’s a warning indicator if your gums are red, puffy, or easily bleed when you wash your teeth. Bad breath: If your bad breath persists, it may be an indication that you have gum disease. This is so that foul breath can also be caused by the same bacterium that causes gum disease.
- Loose teeth: If your teeth feel loose or like they’re moving, it’s a sign that gum disease is destroying the bone and tissue around them. This can eventually lead to tooth loss.
If you have any of these symptoms, you must see a dentist immediately. They’ll be able to identify gum disease and provide a plan of action to enhance your dental health.
Causes of Periodontal Disease
There are four main types of periodontal diseases; each type has different causes, symptoms and requires further treatment.
Gingivitis
The least severe type of periodontal diseases is it. It comes on the surface by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Gingivitis is usually caused by poor oral hygiene. With proper brushing and flossing, you can reverse gingivitis.
Periodontitis
It is a more advanced form of periodontal disease. It occurs as deeper pockets of plaque and tartar between the teeth and gums. Periodontitis can lead to bone loss and tooth loss if left untreated.
Aggressive Periodontitis
It is a rare form of periodontal disease that progresses quickly. It happens in deep pockets of plaque and tartar and bone loss. Aggressive periodontitis can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.
Necrotizing Periodontitis
It is the most severe form of periodontal disease. The death of gum tissue and bone characterizes it. An unusual variation of the condition known as necrotizing periodontitis frequently affects persons with compromised immune systems. If left untreated, necrotizing periodontitis can lead to tooth loss.
Treatment for Periodontal Disease
Periodontal diseases is a severe infection of the gums that can damage the bone supporting the teeth. It is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults: plaque, a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva, cause Periodontal diseases. Plaque constantly forms on your teeth. If not removed, it turns into tartar, a hard deposit that brushing can’t remove. Only a professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist can remove tartar.
Plaque and tartar will keep destroying the gums and bone if they are not eliminated. The symptoms of periodontal diseases include red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Gingivitis is the term for periodontal disease’s early stages. It can develop into periodontitis if you do not properly treat it.
Periodontitis can be mild to severe, depending on the degree of the bone and gum damage. In extreme circumstances, the teeth could be removed if they become loose.
Depending on the severity of the illness, there are numerous potential treatments for periodontal disease.
- Scaling and root planning: This deep cleaning procedure removes plaque and tartar from the teeth and roots. A dental hygienist usually does it.
- Antibiotics: You can use them to control the infection and help the gums heal. They are usually taken as a pill or mouth rinse.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the tartar and infected tissue.
- Laser therapy: This newer treatment uses a laser to remove the tartar and infected tissue.
- Good oral hygiene: The most crucial remedy for periodontal disease is this. An antibacterial mouth rinse, daily flossing, and twice-day brushing are all part of good oral hygiene.
Prevention of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is a hazardous condition that can cause tooth loss and other serious health problems. Fortunately, you can take steps to prevent periodontal disease and maintain the health of your teeth and gums.
- Brush and floss regularly
The most excellent methods for removing plaque, the bacterial film that sticks to your teeth and gums, are brushing and flossing. Periodontal disease can result from plaque-induced gum irritation and inflammation. Be sure to brush twice a day and floss once a day.
- Eat a healthy diet
A balanced diet benefits all health aspects, including teeth and gums. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can maintain the health of your gums. Healthcare providers advise avoiding sugary foods and beverages because they may promote tooth decay.
- Quit smoking
A significant risk factor for periodontal disease is smoking. The best thing you can do for your teeth and gums if you smoke is to stop.
- See your dentist regularly
Periodontal disease can be avoided by seeing the dentist for routine examinations and cleanings. Your dentist may remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and suggest how to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
- Get treatment for gum disease
If you already have gum disease, it’s essential to get treatment. The damage already done by periodontal disease and future harm can be prevented with treatment.
- Manage your diabetes
If you have diabetes, it’s essential to manage your condition. Diabetes increases a person’s risk of acquiring periodontal disease. Taking care of your diabetes can lower your chance of getting periodontal disease.
You could help prevent periodontal disease and maintain the health of your teeth and gums by heeding these recommendations.
Conclusion
Studying your unique policy to find out what is covered is critical because medical insurance policies differ significantly. Dental cleanings and X-rays are two periodontal disease-related costs frequently partially covered by medical insurance. But it’s unlikely that health insurance will pay for any procedures, implants, or other therapies required to get your gums back to health, including surgery. Examining your alternatives with your dentist and insurance company to see what is covered in each scenario is crucial.