Periodontal (Gum) Treatment and Laser Dentistry
The majority of adults suffer from gum disease at some time during their lifetimes. This could range from beginning stage gum disease, called gingivitis, to advanced gum disease, called periodontitis.
Symptoms vary and can include:
- Bad breath
- Bleeding gums
- Gum recession
- Pain
- Pocketing between teeth and gums
- Sensitivity
- Tooth loss
- Tooth mobility
Neglect, certain medications, excessive biting forces, and lifestyle factors such as stress and smoking can all affect the health of your gums.
The Whole Body Connection
Researchers have linked periodontal disease to a number of other health conditions affecting the whole body.
Some of these include:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Premature or low birth weight babies
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Respiratory issues such as COPD and chronic bronchitis
Addressing your periodontal disease as soon as you notice a change in your oral health may prevent additional health complications.
Periodontal Treatment at Warm Springs Dental
We treat most periodontal conditions in our office effectively and efficiently in order to help our patients achieve better oral health and overall wellness.
When it's in its early stages, we can often reverse gum disease with a dental cleaning designed to remove tartar, bacteria, and diseased tissue. Regular follow-up care and dedicated home hygiene habits are an essential part of the healing process.
Advanced Gum Disease Treatment
When gum disease is in its more advanced stages, we may recommend a series of cleanings over the course of two or more dental appointments. This specialized type of dental cleaning will remove tartar that has collected below the gumline. Once your dental cleanings are complete, regular follow-up appointments and more frequent dental cleanings will help you restore your oral health.
Laser Gum Treatments
Laser dentistry opens the door for us to complete a wide variety of treatments in our Tualatin, OR dental office.
These can include:
Remove diseased tissue – Overgrown or inflamed tissue can easily be remedied and heals quickly with the laser.
Frenectomies – Reducing the tissue that connects your upper and lower lip to your gums. Excessive tissue in these areas can create speech difficulties and gaps between your teeth.
Gingival sculpting – If you have a gummy smile that affects your appearance, we can reshape your tissue using our soft-tissue laser. Often this is performed in conjunction with other cosmetic dental treatments such as porcelain veneers or bonding.
We can even use our laser to reduce the healing time of cold sores and canker sores.
Contact Us for a Periodontal Exam
If you notice a change in the health or comfort of your gums, contact us and take charge of your oral health.
