Periodontics or Periodontology is the branch of dentistry that specializes in treating the supporting structures of teeth and the conditions and diseases that can afflict them. These supporting tissues, known together as periodontium, include the gums, the alveolar bone, and the periodontal ligament, among others.
As Periodontology treats a great variety of diseases and conditions, the cost of treatment can vary as well. In the United States, the average periodontal treatment starts at a little under $700 and can reach beyond the $10,000 mark. As even the simplest and least costly procedure in periodontics can take a big chunk out of your finances, even with insurance coverage, we can provide you with a much more cost-efficient alternative to having periodontics done in your country.
Our dental professionals are highly trained and certified by the some of the most prestigious dental schools in the U.S. and can provide you with all the periodontal care you require at a much lower cost. Periodontics in Costa Rica utilize the same cutting-edge technology as is used by periodontists in the U.S., Canada., and Europe, but are considerably less expensive.
What is Periodontics?
Periodontics is the subfield of dentistry that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease, as well as the placement of dental implants. Periodontists are also specialists in the treatment of oral inflammation, therefore covering a wide range of conditions.
To better understand what Periodontics is, we need to look at the types of situations that concern it. One of the most common causes of periodontal disease is the coalescence of bacterial plaque biofilm of a certain variety of bacteria, referred to as red complex bacteria, on the gums and teeth, in combination with host immune-inflammatory mechanisms and other risk factors. These can often lead to the degradation and destruction of the supporting bone tissue around natural teeth. When left untreated, periodontal disease will invariably cause the loss of bone tissue and tooth loss.
A periodontist’s task is the review of a patients gums and teeth to analyze if there is any gum line recession and inflammation, as well as examining and measuring just how the patient’s teeth are fitted together, how their bite aligns, and whether there are any loose teeth. They do this by using specialized tools to probe and test tissue. In some cases, they will employ X-rays to assess bone density below the gum line.
Types of Periodontal Treatment
Periodontists seek to attain a patient’s periodontal health in as un-invasive and inexpensive a method as possible. Hence, most treatments in periodontics will be of the non-surgical variety. However, this is dependent on the gravity the disease being treated and extent of a patient’s periodontal decay. If non-surgical periodontal treatment’s limitations prevent it from fully rehabilitating a patient’s gums and teeth, surgical procedures will be necessary.
Scaling and Root Planing: This type of treatment is the careful scraping of the teeth’s root surfaces to remove plaque and tartar (calculus) from deep periodontal pockets, as well as smoothening the root and eliminating bacterial toxins. In some cases, this process is followed by the delivery of local antimicrobials, systemic antibiotics, and host modulation. It is generally agreed among periodontists that scaling and root planing is often enough to restore a patient’s periodontal health as long as they continue to undergo ongoing maintenance therapy.
Tray Delivery System: This treatment type consists of the use of a custom-fit tray made based on impressions of the patient’s mouth. Like traditional fluoride trays, patients must use these trays at home to deliver medication that has been prescribed by their periodontist. Tray delivery systems in periodontics are considered an adjunct treatment and not a solution to periodontal disease on their own.
Gum Graft Surgery: This surgical procedure repairs the gum tissue damage caused by gum recession, correcting exposed roots that result from disease. This procedure also helps prevent further bone loss and additional gum recession. During gum graft surgery, the periodontist will take gum tissue from your palate or another donor source to develop gum tissue that had previously been afflicted, as well as cover any exposed roots. This procedure can be used for one or more teeth at once and can be employed to even your gum line and reduce sensitivity.
Laser Treatment: Similar to scaling, lasers of certain wavelengths and power can be used to remove bacterial plaque and tartar (calculus) from the tooth and root surface. Some periodontists, depending on a patient’s gingival state, may opt to use this type of treatment instead of traditional scaling and planning.
Regenerative Procedures: In cases where periodontal disease has caused severe enough damage to bone tissue and gums, and the supporting structure of the patient’s teeth is considerably compromised, regenerative procedures may be used by a periodontist to bolster and stimulate the body’s natural regeneration of damaged tissue. During this procedure a periodontist will fold back the gum tissue, remove any bacterial plaque, and proceed to apply any of a variety of regenerative techniques. Membranes (filters), bone grafts, and even tissue-stimulating proteins may be administered to encourage and stimulate the body’s natural regenerative mechanisms and induce full rehabilitation.
Dental Crown Lengthening: This type of procedure falls more in the field of aesthetic dentistry, as it is used to change the cosmetic look of what is commonly known as a “gummy” smile. This can be used restoratively as well, as in some cases a tooth may have decayed and rotted below the gumline. Crown lengthening adjusts the bone and gum level to expose more of the tooth, hence making it both more cosmetically appealing, and allowing any restoration that may be necessary.
Dental Implants: The insertion and installation of dental implants may be considered necessary in some patients who have lost any number of teeth due to decay. A healthy bone structure and healthy gum tissue are necessary, however, for any implants to be placed. Dental implants can vary from one single tooth, to multiple teeth depending on the needs of the patient and their viability for the procedure. This treatment is surgical in nature and consists of inserting implants of different materials – often titanium – into the bone of the jaw and then screwing artificial teeth on to them.
There are other variations on the above periodontal procedures, some veering closer to plastic surgery in scope, while others remaining solely in the realm of the restorative and the corrective.
Benefits of Getting Periodontics Treatments in Costa Rica
Periodontics provide a variety of treatment choices geared toward restoring and sustaining your dental health, especially where the gum and bone tissue are concerned. Periodontics correct and prevent periodontal diseases that would otherwise lead to tooth loss and the decay of your mouth’s bone and gum tissue.
Costs of Periodontics
The costs of periodontics can be considerably high, and depending on your periodontal state of health, may severely impact your finances. With the average cost of periodontal treatment going anywhere from under $1,000 to well over $10,000, even with insurance coverage, it can make you think twice about getting the treatment you need.
We provide you with the option to find that same level of quality and excellence in periodontal care at a much more affordable price. Periodontics in Costa Rica are much more cost-efficient and just as advanced. Our periodontists are all graduated from some of the most distinguished dental schools in the U.S. and utilize the most advanced equipment and tools in the field.
Things to Consider When Thinking of Getting Periodontics
As with any dental treatment, it is important to consider that consistent upkeep and standard dental health and hygiene habits must be maintained to ensure long lasting results. Special post-treatment indications will vary and be given by your periodontist.
Given the nature of some of the treatments and procedures, you may require visiting a periodontist a few times to complete necessary treatment and get the best possible results.
Find out more about affordable Periodontics in Costa Rica by contacting us today.