What gum disease does, and why it gets missed
Plaque that stays along the gumline hardens and irritates the tissue. The gum pulls away from the tooth, creating a pocket that is impossible to clean at home, and the pocket collects more bacteria. Left alone it starts affecting the bone that holds the tooth in.
The early stage is reversible with proper cleaning. The later stage is manageable but not reversible, which is why catching it matters.
It rarely hurts until it is serious. That is exactly why it gets missed, and why bleeding gums are worth an appointment even when nothing aches.
Signs worth getting looked at
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Gums that look red or swollen
- Persistent bad breath
- Gums pulling back from the teeth
- A tooth that feels loose
- A change in how your bite feels
How it gets treated
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Measuring the pockets
We check the depth around each tooth. That is what tells us the stage rather than guessing from appearance.
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Deep cleaning
Scaling below the gumline to remove what a normal cleaning cannot reach. Usually done over more than one visit.
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Reassessment
The pockets are measured again to confirm the tissue is responding.
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Maintenance
Usually three visits a year rather than two. Our perio membership tier is built around exactly that schedule.
Who you will see
Dr. Shayan Azimi looks after gum disease treatment at our Bishop Arts practice. You see the same dentist at every visit, so nobody starts your treatment over.
What it costs, and how people pay
Price depends on what you actually need, so we look first and tell you the number before anything starts. What we can tell you now is how it gets paid for.
- Insured. In network with most major PPO plans, and your benefits get checked before treatment is planned.
- Medicaid or CHIP. Both accepted, which a lot of Dallas practices will not do.
- No insurance. Our membership plan covers cleanings, exams and routine x-rays from $30 a month, with 20% off other treatment.
- Larger treatment. Cherry, Sunbit and HFD payment plans spread the cost.
Gum Disease Treatment questions
- Is bleeding when I brush normal?
- No. Healthy gums do not bleed. It is the earliest and most ignored sign of gum disease, and at that stage it is usually reversible.
- Can gum disease be cured?
- The early stage, gingivitis, can be reversed. Once it has progressed and affected bone, it can be controlled and stabilised but the lost support does not grow back. That is why early treatment matters.
- What is a deep cleaning?
- Scaling and root planing. It cleans below the gumline where a standard cleaning cannot reach, and it is usually done in sections across more than one appointment.
- How often will I need appointments afterwards?
- Most patients move to three maintenance visits a year rather than two. Our Perio membership tier covers exactly that for a flat monthly amount.