Periodontist
Spokane Valley, WA

Periodontal disease is a progressive condition that affects the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. There are several stages of periodontal disease, ranging from mild to severe. The different stages of periodontal disease are:

• Gingivitis | This is the earliest stage of periodontal disease and is characterized by inflammation of the gums. Gingivitis is caused by the buildup of plaque and bacteria around the teeth and gums, which can lead to redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums.
• Early periodontitis | In this stage, the supporting structures of the teeth, such as the bone and connective tissue, begin to break down due to chronic inflammation. This can lead to the formation of pockets between the teeth and gums, which can trap bacteria and cause further damage.
• Moderate periodontitis | As periodontal disease progresses, the pockets between the teeth and gums become deeper, and the bone and connective tissue continue to break down. This can cause the teeth to become loose and shift in the mouth.
• Advanced periodontitis | In this final stage of periodontal disease, the bone and connective tissue that support the teeth have been severely damaged or destroyed. This can cause the teeth to become extremely loose, and they may eventually fall out or need to be removed.

It’s important to note that periodontal disease is a chronic condition that can be managed but not cured. Early detection and treatment of periodontal disease are key to preventing further damage and maintaining good oral health. Regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing, can help prevent the development of periodontal disease.

In its early stages, periodontal disease (gingivitis) can be reversed with proper treatment and good oral hygiene habits. However, in its later stages (periodontitis), the damage to the gums and supporting structures of the teeth cannot be reversed, but it can be managed through ongoing treatment and maintenance.

To reverse gingivitis, the following steps may be taken:

• Professional cleaning | Dr. Jimmy or Dr. Lisa can remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth and gums through a process called scaling and root planing. This helps to eliminate the bacteria that cause gingivitis.
• Improved oral hygiene | Brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily can help remove plaque and prevent the buildup of bacteria that cause gingivitis.
• Antimicrobial mouthwash | An antimicrobial mouthwash may be recommended to kill any remaining bacteria and reduce inflammation.
• Regular dental checkups | Regular dental checkups can help catch and treat gingivitis early before it progresses to periodontitis.

Once periodontitis has developed, the damage to the gums and supporting structures cannot be reversed, but it can be managed through ongoing treatment and maintenance, including:

• Scaling and root planing | This procedure removes plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth and gums to prevent further damage.
• Surgery | In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or regenerate damaged gum tissue or bone.
• Ongoing maintenance | Regular dental checkups and cleanings, along with good oral hygiene habits at home, can help manage periodontitis and prevent further damage.

It’s important to note that periodontal disease is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management and maintenance to prevent further damage and maintain good oral health. If you suspect that you have periodontal disease, please call Nightingale Family Dental as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

Periodontal disease surgery may be covered by insurance, but it depends on the specific insurance policy and the severity of the periodontal disease.

In general, most dental insurance policies cover basic preventive care, such as regular cleanings and checkups. Some policies may also cover periodontal treatments, such as scaling and root planing or gum surgery, to treat periodontal disease. However, the extent of coverage for periodontal disease surgery may vary depending on the insurance policy and the severity of the disease.

It’s important to check with your dental insurance provider to determine what is covered under your specific policy. Dr. Jimmy and Dr. Lisa can also help determine the best course of treatment and work with your insurance provider to maximize your benefits.

Keep in mind that even if periodontal disease surgery is not fully covered by insurance, it’s still important to seek treatment as untreated periodontal disease can lead to serious oral health problems and potentially impact your overall health.

Non-surgical periodontal therapy is often the first line of treatment for periodontal disease and may be used in combination with surgical treatments for more advanced cases.

Non-surgical periodontal therapy typically involves the following steps:

• Scaling and root planing | This is a deep cleaning procedure. Scaling involves the removal of plaque and tartar from the teeth and gum line, while root planing involves smoothing out the roots of the teeth to promote healing and prevent bacteria from reattaching.
• Antibiotics | Antibiotics may be prescribed to eliminate any remaining bacteria and reduce inflammation in the gums.
• Bite adjustment | If malocclusion or bite problems are contributing to periodontal disease, bite adjustment may be recommended to redistribute biting forces and reduce the strain on the gums and supporting structures of the teeth.
• Ongoing maintenance | Regular dental checkups and cleanings, along with good oral hygiene habits at home, are important to prevent the recurrence of periodontal disease.

Non-surgical periodontal therapy can be very effective in treating mild to moderate cases of periodontal disease. However, in more advanced cases, surgical treatments may be necessary to repair or regenerate damaged gum tissue or bone.

Yes! At Nightingale Family Dental, we offer a variety of periodontal therapy treatments depending on the severity of your case. Dr. Jimmy or Dr. Lisa will perform a detailed examination and discuss your treatment options with you. Give us a call or book your appointment online today!

Periodontal maintenance therapy is a type of ongoing treatment for patients who have been diagnosed with periodontal disease. It’s a critical component of managing the disease and preventing its progression.

Periodontal maintenance therapy typically involves the following steps:

• Monitoring and evaluation | A periodontal evaluation is performed to assess the health of the gums, teeth, and bone. This may involve measuring the depth of periodontal pockets, checking for bleeding or inflammation, and taking x-rays to assess bone loss.
• Scaling and root planing | This is a deep cleaning procedure. Scaling involves the removal of plaque and tartar from the teeth and gum line, while root planing involves smoothing out the roots of the teeth to promote healing and prevent bacteria from reattaching.
• Antibiotics | Antibiotics may be prescribed to eliminate any remaining bacteria and reduce inflammation in the gums.
• Bite adjustment | If malocclusion or bite problems are contributing to periodontal disease, bite adjustment may be recommended to redistribute biting forces and reduce the strain on the gums and supporting structures of the teeth.
• Ongoing maintenance | Regular dental checkups and cleanings, along with good oral hygiene habits at home, are important to prevent the recurrence of periodontal disease. The frequency of periodontal maintenance appointments will depend on the severity of the disease and the patient’s individual needs.

Periodontal maintenance therapy is typically recommended every three to four months for patients with a history of periodontal disease. It is important to adhere to the recommended maintenance schedule to prevent the progression of the disease and maintain good oral health.

You’re in the right place! Dr. Jimmy and Dr. Lisa are very experienced with periodontal disease therapy and located right here in Spokane Valley. Give Nightingale Family Dental a call or schedule your appointment online today!