At the office of Russell D. Hatfield, DDS, MS, Ltd, we understand that concerns about discomfort may make you hesitant to seek periodontal care. Rest assured, Dr. Hatfield and our team prioritize your comfort and well-being at every step of your treatment. With over 20 years of experience and board certification in periodontics, Dr. Hatfield is dedicated to providing expert care in a way that minimizes pain and ensures optimal oral health outcomes.
Periodontal disease, if left untreated, can lead to gum recession, tooth loss, and even systemic health complications. Thankfully, today’s advanced techniques make treatment far less invasive and more comfortable than ever. Dr. Hatfield carefully evaluates your condition and personal comfort level to tailor a treatment plan designed to suit your needs.
Most periodontal procedures involve little to no pain due to the following:
Depending on the severity of your gum disease, treatment may range from non-surgical options like scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) to surgical interventions such as pocket reduction or grafting. While some mild soreness or sensitivity may occur after treatment, it is typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers and proper aftercare.
Dr. Hatfield takes the time to explain what to expect during and after each procedure, providing clear instructions to promote a speedy and comfortable recovery.
Don’t let fear of discomfort prevent you from addressing periodontal concerns. At Russell D. Hatfield, DDS, MS, Ltd, we are here to ensure your experience is as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of gum disease or would like to learn more about our periodontal treatments, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Let us help you achieve and maintain a healthy, confident smile!
Most people don’t realize that periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults. According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every two adults over the age of 30 in the United States has periodontal disease.
You may be surprised to learn that the human mouth is home to a wide variety of microbes. The fact is that over 700 different strains of bacteria have been detected in the oral cavity. Although some of these bacteria are beneficial, others are harmful to oral health. Without proper oral hygiene and routine dental care, these harmful bacteria can cause tooth decay and gum disease, compromising both your oral health and overall wellbeing.
In addition to inadequate oral hygiene and infrequent professional care, other factors, including smoking, genetic tendencies, and unchecked diabetes, can contribute to the escalation of periodontal disease.
Your gums and teeth have an interdependent relationship, which means healthy teeth depend on the support of healthy gums. Also, taking care of your smile does more than keep your teeth and gums in optimal condition; good oral health also supports systemic health. In addition to being the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, researchers are finding more and more links between periodontal disease and a number of medical problems, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory problems, and adverse pregnancy outcomes such as pre-term and low birth-weight babies.
If you notice that your gums are bleeding with the slightest pressure while brushing or flossing, it’s a sign of gingivitis. Although gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, it can easily be reversed with deeper cleanings as well as an improved regimen of oral hygiene at home.
In the absence of professional treatment and better home care, gingivitis progresses to the next stage, which is known as periodontitis. In this stage, the connective tissue and bone that hold the teeth in place begin to break down with an increase in pocketing between the teeth and bone, gum recession, and bone loss. Without proper treatment by your dentist, periodontitis will progress from a mild to moderate loss of supporting tissue to the destruction of the bone around the teeth.
Although gingivitis can often be reversed with improved oral hygiene and professional cleanings, as periodontal disease advances, more extensive procedures are required to halt its progression. Based on a complete assessment of your periodontal health and a review of possible contributing factors, our office will recommend the best options in care. Treatment for periodontitis may include a series of deeper cleanings known as root planing and scaling, surgical procedures to reduce pocket depth, bone or tissue grafts, laser procedures, or antimicrobial medications.
The cost of care depends on the type of procedures required to restore your periodontal health. If you have dental insurance, plans often cover treatment to prevent gum disease as well as many procedures to treat the various stages of gum disease. Our goal is to help patients restore and maintain good oral health. We do all we can to help you begin care without additional stress or delay. Our business office works with you to maximize your benefits and provide easier, more convenient payment options.
By seeing our office regularly for care and doing your best to eat a healthy diet and practice good oral hygiene, you can keep your smile in tip-top shape as well as protect your overall wellbeing.
At the office of Russell D. Hatfield, DDS, MS, Ltd, we provide a comprehensive range of services to address all your oral healthcare needs. You can rest assured that your smile is in the best of hands at our office. Our skilled and experienced team maintains a position at the forefront of advances in care and remains dedicated to providing the highest quality of skilled and compassionate treatment.
Ready to book your next appointment or have questions about our services?
At Russell D. Hatfield, DDS, MS, Ltd, we make it easy for you to take the next step toward a healthier smile. Whether you’re ready to book an appointment, have questions about a procedure, or need more information on how we can help, our team is here to assist you. Reach out by phone, email, or through our simple online contact form—we’ll ensure your experience is seamless and stress-free. Don’t wait to start your journey to a beautiful smile—contact us now and let us show you the difference care with a personal touch can make.