Periodontal Therapy in Moses Lake, WA
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, and a large number of people have some form of it without knowing. The earliest stage, called gingivitis, causes gum inflammation that is often painless and easy to overlook. When gingivitis goes untreated, it can advance to periodontitis, a more serious infection that damages the bone and tissue holding your teeth in place.
Dr. Nick Smith, DDS, provides non-surgical periodontal therapy at Moses Lake Family Dentistry. If you have been told you have gum disease, or if you have noticed symptoms like bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or gum recession, schedule an evaluation at 509-765-4351. Catching gum disease early makes it much more manageable.
Gum disease gets harder to treat the longer it progresses. Call 509-765-4351 to schedule a periodontal evaluation. We are open early mornings and Wednesday evenings until 7:00 PM.
Signs of Gum Disease to Watch For
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Red, swollen, or tender gum tissue
- Gums pulling away from the teeth (recession)
- Persistent bad breath that does not improve with brushing
- Teeth that feel loose or have shifted position
- Sensitivity along the gumline
- Changes in how your teeth fit together when you bite
Not all of these symptoms appear at once, and some patients have gum disease with very mild symptoms. The only way to accurately assess the depth of the pockets around your teeth is a periodontal exam at the dental office.
How We Assess Periodontal Health
A periodontal evaluation at Moses Lake Family Dentistry begins with a probing measurement. Using a small instrument, we measure the depth of the pockets between your gums and teeth at multiple points around each tooth. Healthy gum pockets are typically 1 to 3 millimeters deep. Pockets of 4 millimeters or more may indicate gum disease. Depths of 5 millimeters or greater often require active treatment beyond a standard cleaning.
We also review your X-rays for signs of bone loss, examine gum tissue color and texture, and note any areas of recession. This information guides our treatment recommendations.
Periodontal Treatments Available
Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
Scaling and root planing is the primary non-surgical treatment for gum disease. It is performed in sections, typically one or two quadrants per appointment, to keep each session comfortable. During scaling, special instruments remove calculus (hardened tartar) and bacteria from below the gumline and from the surfaces of the tooth roots. Root planing then smooths the root surfaces so that gum tissue can reattach more easily and bacteria have fewer rough areas to cling to. Local anesthesia is used to keep you comfortable throughout. Most patients experience mild soreness for a day or two afterward. Follow-up visits to check healing and re-measure pocket depths are a standard part of the process.
Laser-Assisted Periodontal Treatment
Moses Lake Family Dentistry uses the Waterlase laser system by Biolase as part of periodontal care. Laser bacterial reduction targets bacteria in periodontal pockets with precision. In some cases, laser treatment can be used alongside scaling and root planing to reduce bacteria more thoroughly and support gum tissue healing. Waterlase uses a combination of light, water, and air rather than heat, which is more comfortable for the surrounding tissue.
Periodontal Maintenance
Once active gum disease has been treated, the focus shifts to maintenance. Patients who have been treated for periodontitis typically need more frequent cleanings than the standard twice-yearly schedule. Three to four visits per year is common. These maintenance appointments monitor pocket depths, remove calculus before it can re-accumulate to problematic levels, and catch any new areas of concern early. Periodontal maintenance is not the same as a standard prophylaxis cleaning. It involves more thorough cleaning below the gumline and ongoing assessment of treated areas.
Gingival Grafting
When gum recession has exposed significant root surface, a gingival graft may be recommended to protect the exposed area and restore tissue coverage. Dr. Smith will discuss whether this is indicated for your situation and, if so, refer you to the appropriate specialist.
The Connection Between Gum Health and Overall Health
Research has found associations between untreated gum disease and several systemic health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and complications during pregnancy. The bacteria involved in periodontal infection can enter the bloodstream and affect tissues throughout the body. Managing your gum health is not only about protecting your teeth; it is part of maintaining your overall health.
Patients with diabetes in particular tend to be more susceptible to gum disease, and untreated gum disease can make blood sugar harder to control. If you have a systemic health condition, let our team know at your visit so we can factor that into your care.
What Happens If Gum Disease Is Left Untreated
Gum disease does not resolve on its own. Without treatment, the infection progresses, the supporting bone around the teeth breaks down, and teeth eventually become loose. Tooth loss from advanced periodontitis often requires replacement with implants, bridges, or dentures. That outcome is significantly more expensive and disruptive than early treatment would have been.
Treating gum disease early preserves the teeth you have and avoids the need for more intensive procedures down the road.
Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontal Therapy
Is scaling and root planing painful?
We use local anesthesia for scaling and root planing, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. Mild soreness and sensitivity in the treated area for one to two days afterward is common and manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. Most patients are surprised by how tolerable the procedure is.
How many appointments does gum disease treatment take?
Scaling and root planing is typically done in two to four appointments, treating one to two sections of the mouth per session. After treatment, a follow-up visit is scheduled to re-evaluate the gum tissue and measure pocket depths. Your total number of appointments depends on the severity of the disease and how your gums respond to treatment.
Can gum disease come back after treatment?
Yes. Gum disease is a chronic condition, which means it requires ongoing management rather than a one-time cure. That is why periodontal maintenance at more frequent intervals is standard after treatment. With consistent professional care and good home hygiene, most patients can keep their gum disease controlled and their teeth stable.
Does gum disease treatment affect my dental implants?
Active gum disease must be fully treated before dental implants can be placed. This is because the same bacteria that cause gum disease around natural teeth can also cause infection around implant posts, a condition called peri-implantitis. If you are interested in implants and have been diagnosed with gum disease, we will address the periodontal situation first.
Call 509-765-4351. Appointments available from 7:00 AM on most weekdays and until 7:00 PM on Wednesdays.