Periodontics in Gambrills, MD
Periodontics is the division of dentistry focused on the tissue surrounding your teeth, the gums, connective tissue, and jawbone that anchor everything in place. Dr. Bruce Auslander treats patients throughout Gambrills, Crofton, Odenton, and Bowie whose gum disease has progressed beyond what a routine cleaning can address, or whose gums need more advanced attention for other reasons, from recession to bone loss.
Gingivitis, the earliest form of gum disease, can progress into periodontal disease if left untreated. As the infection advances, the jawbone can begin to recede, gums can pull away from teeth, and teeth themselves can loosen or shift. If you’re dealing with early symptoms like bleeding or swollen gums, visit our Gum Disease page to learn about diagnosis and non-surgical treatment. This page focuses on what happens when gum disease has advanced further, and the treatments available to address it.
Signs You May Need Periodontal Treatment
Periodontal problems are often discovered after they’ve persisted for some time, since early recognition depends on regular exams. Common signs that periodontal treatment may be needed include:
- “Long” teeth, where receding gum lines expose more of the tooth root than before
- Discolored or deteriorating tooth structure near the gumline
- Darkened or inflamed gum tissue
- Teeth that feel loose or have visibly shifted
- Gum pockets that measure deeper than normal at your dental exam
Early recognition matters. Catching these issues sooner makes treatment easier and helps contain any damage before it progresses further.
What Periodontal Treatments Are Available?
| Procedure | Used For |
|---|---|
| Scaling and Root Planing | Non-surgical deep cleaning below the gumline (see our Gum Disease page for details) |
| Gum Grafting | Restoring gum tissue lost to recession, protecting exposed tooth roots |
| Crown Lengthening | Removing excess gum tissue to expose more of the tooth, often before a restoration |
| Ridge Augmentation | Rebuilding jawbone or gum contour after tooth loss or bone loss |
| Pocket Reduction Surgery | Reducing the depth of infected gum pockets to make ongoing cleaning easier |
Dr. Auslander will recommend the right treatment based on how advanced your periodontal condition is, and will refer you to a periodontal specialist for cases that call for it.
Understanding Periodontal Pocket Depth
At your dental exam, Dr. Auslander measures the space between your gums and teeth, known as pocket depth, using a small instrument. This number tells us a lot about your gum health:
- 1-3mm: A healthy attachment between gums and teeth
- 4mm: Often a sign of gingivitis or early-stage periodontal disease
- 5-7mm or more: A sign of more serious gum disease that may require advanced treatment
If your pocket depths are trending toward the higher end of this scale, that’s often when periodontal treatment, rather than a standard cleaning, becomes necessary.
Do You Need a Periodontist or a General Dentist?
This is a common and fair question. Periodontists are specialists who complete additional years of training focused specifically on the gums and supporting bone. Dr. Auslander, as your general dentist, is often able to diagnose and treat mild to moderate periodontal issues directly, including scaling and root planing and some early-stage treatment. For more advanced or surgical cases, gum grafting, complex bone loss, or extensive pocket reduction surgery, Dr. Auslander will refer you to a trusted periodontal specialist and coordinate your care with them. Either way, your treatment starts with an honest evaluation, not a one-size-fits-all answer.
Schedule Your Periodontal Evaluation
Average Cost of Periodontal Treatment in Gambrills, MD
Cost depends heavily on which treatment you need and how advanced your case is. Non-surgical treatment like scaling and root planing is generally the most affordable option, while procedures like gum grafting or pocket reduction surgery cost more due to their complexity, and are sometimes performed by a specialist rather than in our office. Based on typical regional and national averages, here’s what patients can generally expect:
| Treatment | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Scaling and Root Planing (per quadrant) | $200 – $350 |
| Gum Grafting (per tooth) | $600 – $2,000 |
| Crown Lengthening (per tooth) | $1,000 – $2,500 |
| Pocket Reduction Surgery (per quadrant) | $1,000 – $3,000 |
These are general estimates, not a quote. Actual cost depends on the number of teeth or sites involved, the specific technique used, and whether your case is treated in our office or referred to a periodontal specialist. We’ll always confirm your exact cost before starting any treatment.
We accept all PPO insurance plans, and many plans cover a portion of periodontal treatment when it’s medically necessary, often 50% to 80% for procedures like gum grafting, though annual coverage maximums may apply. Our team will help verify your benefits and offer financing for anything not covered. Learn more on our Insurance & Payment page.
Why Choose Dr. Auslander for Your Periodontal Care
- Serving Gambrills, Crofton, Odenton, and Bowie patients with honest evaluation and treatment planning
- Mild to moderate periodontal issues treated directly in our office
- Coordinated referrals to trusted periodontal specialists for advanced or surgical cases
- Walk-ins welcome and same-day appointments available for evaluation
- Accepts all PPO insurance plans, with financing options for treatment not fully covered
Scheduling Your Periodontal Evaluation Is Simple
Noticing gum recession, loose teeth, or other signs of advancing gum disease? Reach out by phone or request an appointment online, and our team will help find a time that works for you.
- Contact Us – Call 301-517-7335 or request an appointment online.
- Get Evaluated – Dr. Auslander measures your gum pocket depth and assesses how advanced your condition is.
- Start the Right Treatment – Begin treatment in our office, or get a coordinated referral to a specialist if your case calls for it.
Schedule Your Periodontal Evaluation
Frequently asked questions of Periodontics in Gambrills, MD
What’s the difference between periodontics and general gum disease treatment?
Periodontics generally refers to more advanced care, procedures like gum grafting, crown lengthening, and pocket reduction surgery, while early-stage gum disease is often treated with a standard cleaning or scaling and root planing. Visit our Gum Disease page to learn more about early treatment.
Do I need to see a periodontist, or can my general dentist treat this?
Dr. Auslander can treat many mild to moderate periodontal issues directly. More advanced or surgical cases are referred to a trusted periodontal specialist, and we coordinate your care either way.
What is a gum graft, and why would I need one?
A gum graft restores tissue lost to gum recession, protecting exposed tooth roots and improving both function and appearance. It’s typically recommended when recession has progressed significantly.
What is crown lengthening used for?
Crown lengthening removes excess gum tissue to expose more of a tooth’s surface, often to prepare a tooth for a crown or other restoration, or to correct a “gummy” smile.
How much does periodontal treatment cost?
Cost depends on which treatment you need and how advanced your case is. We’ll give you a clear estimate at your evaluation, and financing is available.
Does insurance cover periodontal treatment?
Coverage varies by plan. We accept all PPO insurance, and many plans cover a portion of periodontal treatment when it’s medically necessary.
What does my periodontal pocket depth number mean?
Pocket depths of 1-3mm are considered healthy. A reading of 4mm often signals early gum disease, while 5mm or more suggests more serious disease that may need advanced treatment.