At Hymas Family Dental, our team focuses on healthy smiles for every patient, protecting the teeth and gums as best as possible. For patients who need extra periodontal care, we offer a variety of solutions to prevent and treat periodontal disease.
Offering the top gum disease and periodontal treatment in Spokane Valley, Dr. Hymas and his team work hard to spot any underlying issues in the gums as early as possible, to ensure you get the prompt treatment you need. Periodontal treatments with our caring team are gentle, personalized, and delivered with your optimal health in mind.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, a bacterial infection of the gums and bone around your teeth, begins when sticky bacteria, or plaque, and calcified plaque, or tartar, coats your teeth at and below your gum tissues. The bacteria triggers inflammation that leads to bone loss and pocket formation around your teeth. Unfortunately, you get this infection when your resistance to periodontal bacteria is low and disease susceptibility is high. This infection occurs in bursts of activity and becomes worse fairly quickly. If our team finds periodontal treatment is needed, such as Scaling & Root Planing (SRP), it's important to visit our Spokane Valley office as soon as possible to remove the bacteria causing bone and soft tissue damage.
What are the Symptoms of Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, often painless, may not be noticeable until the presence of advanced bone loss. Symptoms to be aware of include:
- Inflammation – tender or swollen gums
- Bleeding – when brushing or flossing
- Sensitivity – of teeth or gums
- Halitosis – Bad Breath
Left untreated, periodontal disease may wreak havoc on the rest of the body. Some consequences of gum disease may include:
- Lost teeth
- Loose teeth
- Tooth replacement
- Worsening tooth pain
- Dental abscess
- Inflammation in the bloodstream
- Increased susceptibility to heart disease, stroke, cardiovascular disease
Who is Susceptible to Periodontal Disease?
Although periodontal disease is caused by bacteria leading to inflammation, several factors can increase the risk of development and the progression of this infection. Risk factors for periodontal disease include:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Previous periodontal disease infections
- Deep probing depths: 4mm+
- Infrequent dental cleanings and exams
- Genetic predisposition
- Compromised immune system
- Smoking
- Uncontrolled diabetes
How is Periodontal Disease Detected?
At Hymas Family Dental, your hygienist or doctor will look for symptoms of periodontal disease by evaluating the following:
- Current x-rays for bone loss
- Inflammation or bleeding in the mouth
- Probing depths around your teeth
Dr. Hymas will assess the severity of bone loss for the need to refer periodontist. Early to moderate periodontal disease infections can often be treated right here at Hymas Family Dental, with scaling & root planning (SRP), Arestin, gentle gingevectomies, or a therapeutic rinse.
What Treatments are Available for Periodontal Disease?
Our Spokane Valley dental team offers a selection of periodontal treatment to promote your healthiest gums, including gingivectomies, chemotheraputic rinses, and scaling and root planing (deep cleaning, or SRP).
Scaling removes the plaque and calculus with dental instruments or ultrasonic scalers. This “deep cleans” at and below the gum line. Root Planning smooths and polishes the root surface after scaling so it is harder for future bacteria to attach and grow on the root.
A smooth, disease-free root also helps your gums heal and attach back onto your teeth, promoting a shrinking of the pockets and a reduced chance of reinfection. Prior to SRP, a numbing mouth rinse or anesthetic will be given to minimize discomfort during the procedure.
What Happens After My Periodontal Treatment?
After your periodontal treatment with Dr. Hymas, you may feel transient gum tenderness and temperature sensitivity for the first couple of days following treatment. Disinfecting mouth rinses, desensitizing agents, and mild pain relievers may be needed during healing. Patients can plan to return home or to work right after their visit.
With the removal of the bacteria you can expect:
- Healthier gums; firm and pink
- Tighter, more stable, teeth
- Little or no bleeding from gums
- Better breath
Our dentist may recommend returning to our office 4-6 weeks after treatment for an evaluation of your treatment response. At your visit, your dentist will evaluate the gums for plaque and tartar buildup, inflammation, bleeding, and oral hygiene.
How Much Does Gum Treatment Cost?
SRP at Hymas Family Dental is less costly than many dental procedures and is usually partially covered by most dental insurances. The value of treatment is the retention of teeth and gum infection control! If you have questions about financing your periodontal care, give our friendly team a call.
Schedule Your Periodontal Treatment
Dr. Hymas and his team offer periodontal therapy to promote and retain healthy teeth, and control gum infection before it has the chance to impact the rest of the body. For whatever your smile requires, our team is here to make your periodontal treatment as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
If you suspect you may need treatment for periodontal therapy, contact us today. Our preventive care appointments also offer plenty of gentle attention to the gums!