Periodontal disease is a common oral health issue that affects the gums and supporting bone around your teeth. If it’s left untreated, it can progress into serious problems that threaten the foundation of your smile. The good news is that professional care can restore gum health and keep your teeth secure for the long term. At Seahurst Smiles of Burien in Burien, WA, we’re here to help you protect your smile, so call today to schedule your visit.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is a gum infection caused by harmful bacteria that thrive in plaque and tartar. Over time, the infection can damage gum tissue and weaken the bone that holds your teeth in place. Without treatment, it only gets worse.
- Caused by bacteria buildup: Forms when plaque and tartar are not removed through daily care or professional cleanings.
- Affects gums and bone: Leads to swollen gums, tissue breakdown, and gradual bone loss around teeth.
- Progressive condition: Starts small but worsens over months or years if ignored.
The Stages & Symptoms
This condition develops in stages, and the signs become more severe as it advances. At first, you may only notice mild irritation, but eventually, it can impact both your comfort and your ability to keep teeth in place. Knowing the symptoms makes it easier to seek treatment early.
- Gingivitis: The earliest stage with redness, tenderness, and bleeding when brushing or flossing.
- Periodontitis: Gums begin to pull away from teeth, forming pockets that trap bacteria.
- Advanced periodontitis: Severe bone loss, shifting teeth, and a higher chance of tooth loss.
The Importance Of Early Detection & Treatment
Catching gum disease early makes a big difference in how simple and effective treatment can be. Acting quickly helps you avoid more complicated procedures and reduces the risk of tooth loss. Early treatment also restores comfort and confidence.
- Stops progression: Prevents gum disease from advancing and causing permanent damage.
- Protects natural teeth: Preserves stability and prevents the need for tooth replacement.
- Improves comfort: Reduces everyday issues like bleeding gums and sensitive teeth.
How Is Periodontal Disease Diagnosed?
A thorough exam is the first step toward healthier gums. Your dentist will look closely at your gums and use precise tools to measure pocket depth and bone health. This allows them to create a treatment plan designed just for you.
- Visual exam: Checks for common warning signs like swelling, redness, or gum recession.
- Periodontal probing: Uses small instruments to measure the space between gums and teeth.
- Digital imaging: Creates clear images of bone levels to confirm if deeper infection is present.
How Is Periodontal Disease Treated?
The type of treatment depends on how advanced the condition is, but the focus is always on eliminating infection. By removing bacteria and creating a clean environment, your gums can begin to heal. With the right care, your smile can recover.
- Individualized plans: Treatment options are tailored to the severity of your gum disease.
- Deep cleaning techniques: Specialized cleanings target bacteria below the gumline.
- Maintenance visits: Regular follow-ups keep gums healthy and prevent the disease from returning.
Antibiotic Therapy
Antibiotics may be recommended to reduce bacteria that cleaning alone can’t fully eliminate. These medicines help target infection in deep gum pockets where brushing and flossing can’t reach. They work best when combined with other treatments.
- Targets infection: Attacks bacteria in areas that standard cleaning can’t fully reach.
- Different delivery options: May be applied as a gel, taken orally, or used in rinses.
- Boosts recovery: Enhances the effectiveness of scaling, root planing, or laser therapy.
Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is often called a deep cleaning, and it’s one of the most common ways to treat gum disease. It removes harmful buildup beneath the gums and smooths root surfaces so bacteria have fewer places to hide. This treatment helps gums heal more securely.
- Deep cleaning: Removes hardened tartar and bacteria from below the gumline.
- Smooths roots: Polishes tooth roots so gums can reattach more effectively.
- Encourages healing: Creates an environment where healthy tissue can grow back.
Laser Periodontic Therapy
Laser therapy is a modern option that can make gum treatment more comfortable. By targeting only infected areas, it preserves healthy tissue and encourages faster healing. Many patients appreciate the gentle approach this therapy provides.
- Minimally invasive: Uses light energy to remove infection with minimal discomfort.
- Precise treatment: Accurately removes diseased tissue while leaving healthy gums intact.
- Faster recovery: Shortens healing time compared to traditional surgery.
Periodontal Disease Prevention
The best way to avoid gum disease is to prevent it before it starts. With good daily habits and regular dental visits, you can lower your risk significantly. Prevention saves you time and protects your smile.
- Daily hygiene: Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day keeps bacteria under control.
- Routine check-ups: Professional cleanings and exams catch early changes before they worsen.
- Lifestyle choices: Quitting smoking and controlling conditions like diabetes help lower risks.
Maintaining Gum Health
After treatment, long-term maintenance is the key to keeping your gums healthy. Regular dental visits paired with strong at-home habits ensure the disease doesn’t return. Healthy gums mean a healthier smile overall.
- Scheduled visits: Periodic periodontal maintenance visits help monitor gum stability.
- Home care routines: Proper brushing, flossing, and rinsing support your long-term health.
- Overall benefits: Strong gums keep teeth secure and contribute to better overall wellness.
Invest In Gum Health, Invest In Yourself
Your gums are the foundation of a strong and confident smile, and keeping them healthy protects everything built on them. With trusted periodontal care at Seahurst Smiles of Burien in Burien, WA, you can take control of your oral health and avoid long-term complications. Patients here benefit from advanced treatment options and compassionate support that create lasting results. Call today to schedule your appointment and take the next step toward healthier gums and a healthier you.
