Non-Surgical Periodontal Care in Newtown, PA
Periodontal disease is silent. We help you catch it, treat it, and stay ahead of it.
Gum Disease Is Quiet — That's What Makes It Dangerous
Gingivitis Versus Periodontal Disease
When inflammation becomes generalized, you may notice puffy, tender gums. This early infection is known as Gingivitis. Gingivitis is synonymous with Gum Infection. The good news about Gingivitis is that the infection has not begun to attack the supportive bone structure — meaning the bone that keeps our teeth securely in our dental arches. With our periodic professional help, your daily maintenance is going to be the key.
If the infection has affected the supportive bone structure and begun to cause bone loss, this is called Periodontal Disease. Periodontal Disease is a silent infection and the number one reason why adults lose their teeth. This is sad because Periodontal Disease is totally preventable with a bit of awareness and early intervention.
Pink in the Sink Is the First Clue
Your first clue is becoming aware. If you see PINK in the SINK after brushing, it is a sign that bleeding is occurring. Bleeding occurs when there is an infection going on somewhere in your mouth. Bleeding is not normal. If your body was bleeding somewhere else, you'd be concerned. Your awareness is key to getting intervention. Another clue may come from someone kindly whispering that your breath is smelling bad.
Why Bleeding Gums Aren't Just a Gum Problem
When gums are infected and inflamed, they become "leaky" — and because they're closely connected to the circulatory system, bacteria from the mouth can flow freely throughout the body. Periodontal Disease is a main component of the Oral Systemic Connection and is associated with Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, Pulmonary Disease, Dementia, AFib (atrial fibrillation), Low Birth Weight Babies, and a surprising number of other systemic diseases. Studies have proven that the health of the mouth has a reflection on the health of the body. Read more on our oral-systemic health page.
How Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment Works
When infection is present, we'll discuss our Non-Surgical Soft Tissue Therapy Program This therapy includes Scaling and Root Planing (SRP), medicaments, home care instruction, and comfort agents. As we effectively clean four or five millimeters under the gum line, the irritating buildup is removed, causing inflammation to go down, the gums de-puff as they heal, and upon healing, they “shrink back down to normal. Periodontal Disease is managed and maintained with regular care. If bone loss is more than five millimeters and not improving, we may bring in a specialist — but most patients don't need to. We encourage everyone to get their regimen at home down. It works.
Customized Home Care
We customize a home care routine and maintenance plan to prevent relapse. We may recommend Perio Protect — a tray system that delivers focused care to your specific periodontal pockets — or IO Rinse for daily home care or in a Waterpik. There's always something new coming out on the market, so ask us what's right for you.
What is Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy?
Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy treats gum infection without cutting or grafting. It includes deep cleanings (Scaling and Root Planing), targeted home care products, customized maintenance scheduling, and in some cases the use of a soft-tissue laser. For Gingivitis through early to moderate Periodontitis, this conservative approach is highly effective. For advanced cases, we may coordinate with a Periodontist.
How much does Periodontal Treatment cost in Newtown, PA?
Cost varies depending on the severity of disease and how many quadrants need treatment. We are transparent with our fees before treatment begins, and we work with most PPO plans even though we are out-of-network. Most of the time, your benefit can be applied toward care. Financing through Alphaeon and CareCredit is available, and our Loyalty Membership Club includes preventive cleanings plus a discount on additional treatments for uninsured patients.
Does Periodontal Treatment hurt?
Most patients are surprised by how comfortable it is. We use targeted topical anesthetic when needed, take time to talk you through every step, and our hygienists are exceptional at gentle technique. If you're worried, raise your hand at any point and we stop. The discomfort of treatment is far less than the discomfort of letting infection progress.
How many appointments will I need?
Treatment typically spans two to four appointments depending on severity, followed by a customized maintenance schedule. For patients who've been treated for periodontal disease, returning every three to four months is often what is needed to maintain healthy levels. The right schedule for you depends on how your tissues respond and how consistent your home care is. There is about a 90-day threshold for bacteria before it can become harmful, and individuals vary on that range.
Non-Surgical Gum Care in Newtown, PA
➔ Conservative, non-surgical approach for gingivitis to periodontitis
➔ Full Periodontal Charting at every hygiene visit
➔ Customized home care with products that actually work
➔ Goal: stay below 10 bleeding points (or none)
Frequently Asked Questions
What home products do you recommend?
We may recommend Perio Protect, a tray system that delivers focused care to your specific periodontal pockets. Or IO Rinse, which works for daily home care or in a Waterpik. There's always something new coming out on the market, and we try to stay up on different things — we'll customize the recommendation to your specific needs.Will I lose my teeth?
Not if we catch this early enough and you stay on your maintenance plan. Periodontal Disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss, but it's also highly preventable when treated and maintained. The earlier you start, the more we can do.Is bleeding when I brush actually a problem?
Yes. Bleeding gums are not normal. If you cut your arm, you wouldn't just let it bleed — you'd be concerned. The same logic applies in your mouth. Bleeding means infection. The good news is, gingivitis and early periodontal disease respond well to treatment. The earlier you address it, the simpler the path back to health.Will my insurance cover Gum Disease Treatment?
Most PPO plans include some coverage for Periodontal Therapy. Even though we're not in-network, we file your claims as a courtesy and apply your benefit toward your care. We will review your specific plan before treatment so there are no surprises.
The Mouth-Body Connection —
Lantzy DMD Blog
Dementia prevention. Sleep apnea. Why your child's behavior might be a breathing problem. Dr. Bob writes about the things most dentists don't, because he believes patients deserve to understand what's really going on.
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