Gum disease is a more common oral health issue than many people realize. According to the CDC, nearly 50 percent of Americans over the age of 30 have an advanced form of the condition known as periodontitis. If you’re worried about your oral health, the best way to prevent gum disease is to schedule a periodontal consultation with us at Moses Lake Family Dentistry. Dr. Harder will create a customized treatment plan for your needs and set your smile on the path to recovery.
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection that affects the tissues that support your teeth. It starts with plaque buildup along your gumline and can progress into deeper inflammation, eventually damaging your jawbone and even causing tooth loss if left untreated.
Gingivitis, the earliest stage, may only involve minor symptoms, but periodontitis requires more intensive care. At our Moses Lake dental office, Dr. Harder uses gentle, effective methods to diagnose and treat this bothersome condition at any stage.
But how do you know if you have gum disease? While the symptoms can often spread silently at first, here are some common things to watch for:
If you notice one or more of these symptoms, don’t wait. By acting quickly, you’ll get the care you need to manage or eliminate your condition and prevent it from getting worse.
The first step to a healthy mouth at our Moses Lake practice is a consultation with Dr. Harder. He’ll examine your teeth and gums thoroughly and create a treatment plan to get your mouth moving in the right direction. Depending on the severity of your gum disease, Dr. Harder may recommend a combination of scaling and root planing and laser periodontal treatment.
The earliest stage of gum disease can sometimes be reversed with good oral hygiene and a traditional dental cleaning. That said, these steps alone are not always enough to treat the infection. In many cases, we may need to perform a deep cleaning procedure, which is divided into two major steps: scaling and root planing.
You might need scaling and root planing if you have mild to moderate gum disease. Some signs that this treatment may be required include:
Dr. Harder will thoroughly examine your mouth before determining whether you need scaling and root planing or if another treatment would be the best way to get your oral health back on track.
Scaling and root planing may take one or more appointments. It consists of two main parts:
It can take a few weeks to fully recover from scaling and root planing. Some sensitivity and discomfort are normal. To make your healing process as easy as possible, you should:
Are you looking for an effective way to eliminate gum disease without more traditional invasive procedures? If so, our team at Moses Lake Family Dentistry uses advanced soft tissue laser technology to treat gum disease with efficiency. This procedure targets infected areas with precision, reducing discomfort and speeding up recovery.
Whether you're dealing with mid-stage gingivitis or more advanced periodontitis, read more below to learn everything you need to know about this hi-tech solution for gum disease.
Laser periodontal treatment uses focused light energy to remove bacteria and infected tissue from around your teeth and gums, usually in conjunction with scaling & root planing.
Dr. Harder carefully guides our Waterlase laser across infected areas to target damaged tissues and flush them simultaneously with water. The wavelength of the beam determines what it removes, effortlessly preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
The laser also promotes natural healing by stimulating tissue regeneration and reducing inflammation. This precise, patient-friendly approach is excellent for those looking for a less invasive alternative to traditional gum surgery.
Say goodbye to anxiety-inducing instruments and itchy stitches!
Laser periodontal therapy offers several key advantages over traditional methods, including:
At our Moses Lake dental office, our team uses this cutting-edge technique to help patients achieve healthier gums with minimal downtime, maximum comfort, and the greatest chance of success long-term.
Proper aftercare helps ensure a smooth recovery and lasting results. Here are a few tips from Dr. Harder to keep your smile healthy and safe after your procedure:
With good habits and smart choices, you’ll likely recover fully from your treatment in about a week’s time. If any discomfort persists after that time, we’ll schedule a follow-up appointment to assess your smile. Ready to recover from gum disease once and for all? Schedule a consultation with us today!