Gum disease might start silently, but its long-term effects can be devastating—to both your health and your wallet. At Smile Well Dentistry in Duncanville, TX, Dr. Marneni and her team want patients to understand the real risks of ignoring periodontal disease. Treating it early not only preserves your smile—it protects your overall health and saves you from costly future procedures.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a chronic infection of the tissues that support your teeth. It begins as gingivitis—red, swollen, bleeding gums—and can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form that damages the bone and connective tissue holding your teeth in place.
Unfortunately, gum disease is incredibly common. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half of U.S. adults over 30 have some form of periodontal disease, and the risk increases with age.
The Physical Cost of Untreated Gum Disease
Periodontal disease can slowly impact your oral and overall health. The following are the physical costs of gum disease:
Tooth Loss
The number one cause of adult tooth loss in the U.S. is advanced gum disease. As the infection progresses, it destroys bone and tissue. Teeth begin to loosen and eventually fall out or require extraction. This affects not only your appearance but also your ability to chew and speak comfortably.
Costly Surgeries
If left untreated, gum disease can lead to the need for:
- Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning)
- Gum grafts to restore receded gum tissue
- Bone grafting to rebuild lost jawbone
- Flap surgery to clean out deep pockets of infection
- Dental implants to replace missing teeth
These treatments, while effective, are more invasive and more expensive than early intervention.
Systemic Health Problems
The consequences don’t stop at your mouth. Numerous studies have linked periodontal disease to serious systemic health conditions, including:
- Heart disease and stroke
- Diabetes complications
- Respiratory infections
- Pregnancy issues, such as premature birth and low birth weight
- Cognitive decline in older adults
Chronic inflammation in the gums may allow harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream, contributing to these and other conditions.
The Financial Cost of Delaying Treatment
Ignoring gum disease now can lead to significantly higher dental costs later. Preventive cleanings and early gingivitis treatments are affordable and typically covered by dental insurance. However, the price tag for treating advanced periodontitis can escalate quickly.
Here’s a quick comparison of costs (without insurance) for preventive cleanings versus gum disease treatments:
- Routine cleaning – $100 – $200 per visit
- Scaling & root planing – $800 – $1,200 (full mouth)
- Periodontal surgery – $1,000 – $3,000+ per quadrant
- Dental implant (per tooth) – $3,000 – $5,000
These costs multiply quickly when multiple teeth or full-mouth treatment is required. Add to that the lost productivity from time off work, possible medications, and even long-term health care costs tied to systemic issues.
Preventing the Consequences Starts with a Visit
At Smile Well Dentistry, Dr. Marneni provides gentle, personalized periodontal care using the latest techniques and technologies. Whether you’re in the early stages of gum disease or struggling with advanced symptoms, we’re here to help you avoid the pain, expense, and stress of severe dental problems.
Dr. Marneni is known for her compassionate approach and dedication to clinical excellence. She understands that every patient is different and takes time to build trust and deliver care that’s both effective and comfortable.
Don’t Wait—Protect Your Health and Your Smile
If you’ve noticed bleeding gums, bad breath, or gum recession, don’t ignore the signs. The earlier you act, the easier and more affordable it is to treat gum disease. Contact Smile Well Dentistry in Duncanville, TX, to schedule your periodontal evaluation and take control of your oral health—before it costs you more than you bargained for.
Posted on behalf of Smile Well Dentistry