How Does a Periodontist Treat Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is a gum infection caused by poor brushing and gum care. When plaque buildup is left on the teeth, gum disease results. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and deterioration of the jawbone itself, which are common symptoms of periodontitis, a later stage of periodontal disease. There are many early signs of periodontal disease that a periodontist can detect during a dental exam. At Premier Periodontics in Bellevue, WA, we specialize in treating patients with gum disease. We have seven locations across Washington in Bellevue, Kirkland, Everett, Mercer Island, Redmond, and Olympia, to help our patients repair their oral health when they think they have periodontal disease.

What does a periodontist do?

A periodontist can evaluate your gums to determine if you need periodontal disease treatment. At Premier Periodontics, we offer different treatment options depending on what stage of gum disease you have. We can also offer important oral hygiene tips that will help you to ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy after gum treatment.

Symptoms of periodontal disease

Periodontal disease can be a silent disease. This is because most symptoms don’t always appear until they become more advanced. Some early signs of periodontal disease include:

Mouth sores
Gum recession
Bleeding, especially when brushing or flossing
Tender, swollen, or red gums
Loose or separating teeth
Persistent bad breath
Bite changes

When you suspect you have periodontal disease, our periodontal specialists can evaluate your oral health and provide periodontal disease treatment.

What are the stages of periodontal disease?

There are four stages of periodontal disease, including:

Gingivitis: This first stage of periodontal disease is the only one that is reversible. This is because it hasn’t started to attack any bone. Bleeding gums is an early warning sign of gingivitis. An efficient oral hygiene routine, and regular dental exams and routine dental cleanings help treat gingivitis best at Premier Periodontics.
Slight Periodontal Disease: The second stage of periodontal disease isn’t reversible, but can be managed. At this time, the infection has spread to the bone. Scaling and root planing are the best periodontal disease treatment used to deep clean the gums and remove bacteria found in pockets around the gumline.

Moderate Periodontal Disease: The third stage of periodontal disease is more advanced because the infection is deeper into the gums. Our periodontal team can use different periodontal disease treatments to thoroughly clean the gums and clear your infection.

Advanced Periodontal Disease: The final stage of periodontal disease sometimes requires periodontal gum surgery. When it’s left untreated, it can lead to spaces or gaps left on your smile, gum recession, and even severe tooth loss.

Treating periodontal disease quickly is important to both your oral health and maintaining your smile.

Periodontal disease treatments

Our periodontist in Bellevue, WA will examine your gums to determine the best treatment for you. This depends on the severity and stage of the disease you’re at. Treating gum disease early can help minimize damage and decrease the need for gum surgery. Some common periodontal disease treatments used at our office include:

Deep dental cleaning: During a deep dental cleaning, all plaque or tartar is removed from both above and below the gumline. When you have periodontal disease, we recommend more frequent dental cleanings to ensure that it doesn’t progress to more devastating stages.
Scaling and Root Planing: Scaling and root planing is a nonsurgical deep cleaning procedure performed while the patient is under local anesthesia. During this gum treatment, tartar and plaque are scraped away. Planing is used on rough spots on the tooth root to make them smooth, which helps remove bacteria and offers a clean surface for gums to reattach to your teeth.
Flap Surgery/Pocket Reduction Surgery: For more advanced stages of periodontal disease, surgery may be necessary. During this surgery, your gums are lifted back, and all tartar is removed. Your gums are then placed snugly, which helps reduce the space between the gum and teeth.
Bone Grafts: When bone loss has occurred, bone grafts may be needed. A periodontist can use parts of your own bone or synthetic bone to replace any that has been destroyed because of periodontal disease.

Learn about periodontal disease treatment in Bellevue, WA

When you leave periodontal disease untreated, it will continue to worsen. At Premier Periodontics, a periodontist will work closely with a patient to make sure that their oral health remains its best. This is achieved with regular dental exams, routine dental cleanings, and an efficient oral hygiene routine from home. For more information on periodontal disease treatment and to schedule an appointment with a periodontist at one of our convenient locations in Bellevue, Everett, Kirkland, Mercer Island, Olympia, and Redmond, WA, call today.