Periodontal Services
Periodontitis, also known as gum disease, is a serious oral health condition that is relatively common. The problem occurs when gums are continuously exposed to harmful bacteria, tartar and plaque for an extended period of time. The early symptoms may not seem to be significant. You may find that your gums feel irritated and that they begin to bleed when they brush or floss. Unfortunately, ignoring the condition at this point can lead to very serious consequences.
As periodontitis progresses, the gums will begin to retract from the teeth. When this occurs, empty voids known as periodontal pockets will form. These spaces can become infested with further bacteria, tartar and plaque, allowing the condition to spread throughout the mouth more easily. Eventually, the disease can reach the jawbone and the connective tissue of teeth. If this is allowed to happen, tooth loss can follow.
When treating periodontitis, the goal is to stop the condition before it causes severe damage. At Stein Family Dentistry, our experts are highly trained in detecting gum disease and helping patients recover from the condition. We make sure to keep a close eye out for the condition when providing complete dental check-ups to our Spokane patients, and we will always inform the patient of any findings that are made. If we discover that a patient is suffering from gum disease, we may suggest that they make changes to their regular dental practices. Remember, the condition can largely be prevented by brushing at least twice per day, flossing at least once per day and receiving regular dental check-ups twice per year.
One of the most effective methods for treating gum disease is with a scaling and root planning treatment. By providing this treatment, we can remove the harmful buildups that are present and help a patient’s gums recover. The process involves using specialized dental tools to reach the areas below the gum line, including the root surfaces. These spaces cannot be accessed with normal brushing and flossing, and specialized treatment is required to eliminate any accumulations that are present. Our experts at our downtown Spokane dental office will eliminate the plaque and tartar that has built up over time, and we will smooth out the root surfaces to prevent future build-ups from occurring.
With successful treatment, the periodontal pockets should begin to shrink in size, and the gum line will eventually return to normal. If scaling and root planing is provided early, then the patient may not require any advanced treatment. But if the condition spreads to the jawbone, then bone grafting procedures may be required to restore the structure. Additionally, the patient may require surgery to restore their injured gum line. Because of these serious complications, seeking help early for periodontitis is very important.
Periodontitis can affect a person at any time. Our Spokane dental experts work to detect the condition early so that we can provide the best possible treatment. A complete check-up will allow us to examine your mouth for periodontitis. Please call us at (509) 747-5586 to schedule an appointment.