For advanced gum disease, treatment may include:
Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing): Your dentist will clean below the gum line, removing infection and plaque buildup. Root planing smooths the tooth roots, helping gum tissue reattach and reducing pocket depth. This procedure removes plaque and bacteria from deep periodontal pockets, promoting healing.
Polishing: After cleaning, the teeth are polished to create a smooth surface, helping prevent future plaque accumulation and making it easier to remove plaque during daily brushing.
Ongoing Care: Your dentist may suggest a medicated rinse, an electric toothbrush, or a Waterpik to help maintain gum health at home**. Regular professional cleanings and monitoring are essential to prevent gum disease from returning**.
Advanced Periodontal Treatments: In advanced cases, surgical procedures such as pocket reduction surgery, bone grafts, or gum grafting may be necessary to restore supporting structures and prevent further bone tissue loss. Our dental professionals are trained in these advanced techniques to address even the most complex periodontal conditions.
Though gum disease cannot be completely cured, it can be managed effectively. Consistent care at home is crucial to maintaining healthy gums and preventing further issues. Working with board certified periodontists or experienced dental professionals ensures you receive the highest quality periodontal therapy tailored to your specific needs.
Crown Lengthening: Restoring Function and Aesthetics
Sometimes, gum tissue needs to be removed to make room for restorations or enhance the appearance of your smile. Crown lengthening is a procedure that can help by removing excess gum tissue or bone to expose more of the tooth’s surface. This treatment addresses both functional and cosmetic concerns, ensuring optimal results for patients seeking comprehensive periodontal services.
There are two types of crown lengthening:
Restorative Crown Lengthening: In this case, the gum tissue is reshaped to allow for a better fit for crowns or other dental restorations. This helps prevent bacteria and oral bacteria from entering under the crown, reducing the risk of decay and infection. By exposing more tooth structure, this procedure ensures that dental implants and other treatments have adequate bone and gum tissue for long-term success.
Cosmetic Crown Lengthening: For patients with “gummy” smiles, excess gum tissue is removed to reveal more of the tooth, making the smile appear more balanced and natural. This aesthetic enhancement can dramatically improve your smile’s appearance, creating better proportions between your gums and teeth.
Crown lengthening not only improves the aesthetic appeal of your smile but also helps ensure that restorative treatments are more secure and long-lasting. The procedure typically involves careful reshaping of gum tissue and sometimes bone to achieve the desired result, with healing usually complete within a few weeks.
Comprehensive Periodontal Care in Seattle
At our Seattle practice, we understand that each patient has unique needs when it comes to gum health. Our approach to periodontal care combines preventive strategies with advanced treatment options to help you maintain a healthy smile for life. From managing gum recession to addressing persistent bad breath caused by bacteria, our team provides comprehensive solutions.
Whether you’re experiencing symptoms like bleeding gums, gum recession, or bone loss, or you’re simply interested in preventive periodontal care, we’re here to help. Our commitment to using advanced techniques and providing personalized care ensures that every patient receives treatment tailored to their specific needs. Contact Seattle Dental Studio today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward optimal gum health and a confident, healthy smile.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – Seattle Dental Studio
What causes gum disease and how can I prevent it?
Gum disease is primarily caused by plaque buildup along the gum line, which harbors bacteria that irritate gum tissue. Poor oral hygiene, diabetes, certain medications, and hormonal changes increase your risk. You can prevent gum disease through consistent brushing twice daily, daily flossing, and regular professional cleanings every six months. Avoiding tobacco and maintaining a balanced diet also support gum health. Early detection through routine dental visits helps identify issues before they progress to advanced stages requiring more intensive periodontal therapy.
How do I know if I need periodontal treatment?
Common symptoms indicating you may need periodontal treatment include bleeding gums during brushing, persistent bad breath, gum recession, loose teeth, and visible plaque or tartar buildup. You might also notice swollen or tender gums that appear red instead of healthy pink. Advanced cases may involve bone loss visible on x rays or changes in how your teeth fit together. If you experience any of these symptoms, schedule an evaluation with your dentist promptly. Early intervention with scaling and root planing or other treatments can prevent progression to more serious periodontal disease.
What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontal disease?
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, characterized by inflammation, redness, and bleeding gums, but without damage to supporting structures or bone tissue. At this stage, the condition is reversible with improved oral hygiene and professional cleanings. Periodontal disease represents a more advanced stage where infection has spread below the gum line, causing bone loss and potentially affecting surrounding teeth. This condition requires more intensive treatment such as scaling and root planing, pocket reduction surgery, or even bone grafts in advanced cases to manage the disease and prevent tooth loss.
How long does it take to recover from periodontal procedures?
Recovery time varies depending on the specific procedure performed. Minor treatments like scaling and root planing typically require only a few days of sensitivity, with patients resuming normal activities immediately. Gum contouring using laser technology heals within three to five days with minimal discomfort. More extensive surgical procedures such as gum grafting, crown lengthening, or pocket reduction surgery may require one to two weeks for initial healing, with complete tissue maturation taking several months. Your dental professionals will provide specific aftercare instructions and may prescribe medications to manage pain and prevent infection during recovery.
Can gum disease affect my overall health?
Yes, research has established strong connections between periodontal disease and systemic health conditions. The bacteria and infection in diseased gums can enter your bloodstream, potentially contributing to heart disease, stroke, and complications with diabetes management. Pregnant women with gum disease face higher risks of preterm birth and low birth weight babies. The chronic inflammation from periodontal disease may also impact conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and respiratory disease. Maintaining excellent gum health through regular periodontal care, professional cleanings, and proper home hygiene protects both your mouth and your overall health, making periodontal services an essential component of comprehensive healthcare.
