Periodontal Therapy FAQs

What is Periodontal Therapy?

Periodontal therapy is the non-surgical treatment of gum disease, centered on scaling and root planing to remove bacterial deposits from the root surfaces below the gum line. Mint Dental Loft follows it with a maintenance schedule, because gum disease is controlled through ongoing management rather than cured in a single course of treatment.

How do I know if I need Periodontal Therapy?

Bleeding when brushing or flossing, persistent bad breath, receding gums, loose teeth, and gum pockets deeper than 4 mm all indicate periodontal disease. Mint Dental Loft measures pocket depth at six points around every tooth and compares bone levels on radiographs, so the diagnosis rests on recorded measurements rather than appearance.

Is Periodontal Therapy painful?

No. Scaling and root planing is performed under local anesthetic, so the treatment itself is not felt. Expect tenderness and cold sensitivity for a few days afterward as the inflamed tissue tightens against the cleaned roots. Mint Dental Loft can apply desensitizing agents if that sensitivity persists.

What happens during scaling and root planing?

The area is numbed, then hardened tartar and bacterial film are removed from the crown and root surfaces with ultrasonic and hand instruments, and the roots are smoothed so plaque cannot easily reattach. Mint Dental Loft usually treats one or two quadrants per appointment, taking about an hour each, so anesthetic is confined to one side at a time.

Will Periodontal Therapy cure my gum disease?

It halts the active infection and allows gum tissue to reattach and pockets to shallow, but periodontal disease is chronic and returns without maintenance. Bone already lost does not regrow with non-surgical therapy. Mint Dental Loft measures pockets again four to six weeks afterward to confirm the response and identify any site needing surgery.

How often will I need periodontal maintenance visits?

Every three to four months rather than every six. Bacteria recolonize treated pockets within about 12 weeks, so the shorter interval interrupts that cycle before the infection re-establishes. Mint Dental Loft re-measures pocket depths at each maintenance visit to confirm the disease remains stable.

Can untreated gum disease affect my overall health?

Yes. Periodontal disease produces chronic inflammation and allows oral bacteria into the bloodstream, and it is associated with cardiovascular disease, poorly controlled diabetes, respiratory infection, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The relationship with diabetes runs in both directions, since gum inflammation makes blood glucose harder to control. Mint Dental Loft coordinates with your physician where a medical condition is involved.

What does Periodontal Therapy cost, and is it covered by insurance?

Scaling and root planing generally runs $200 to $400 per quadrant. Dental plans commonly cover 50 to 80 percent when pocket depths and radiographs document the need, and most cover periodontal maintenance at a higher frequency than routine cleanings. Mint Dental Loft submits that documentation with a pre-treatment estimate.

What can I do at home to help my gums heal?

Brush twice daily along the gum line at a 45-degree angle and clean between the teeth every day with floss, interdental brushes, or a water flosser, since brushing alone reaches only about 60 percent of the tooth surface. Stopping smoking has the largest single effect on healing. Mint Dental Loft reviews your technique at each maintenance visit.

How do I get started with Periodontal Therapy at Mint Dental Loft?

Call Mint Dental Loft in Altadena at (626) 639-8618 or request an appointment online. The first visit includes full periodontal charting, radiographs, and pocket depth measurements at six points per tooth, and produces a written treatment plan with the cost per quadrant.