Periodontal or perio medicine is a medical specialty focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of gum (periodontal) disease. This specialized field of dentistry encompasses maintenance techniques and preventative and restorative treatments that promote the health of the gums and bone structures supporting the teeth.

At Essence of Dentistry in Redmond, WA, our dentists have years of experience in preventing and treating gum disease and using modern techniques to restore gum health. At our dental practice, we take a holistic approach to dental care and create personalized treatment plans to manage and address periodontal disease. We use the latest and most advanced treatments and equipment to ensure the best outcomes, our patients’ comfort, and their long-term health.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is a gum infection typically caused by plaque buildup. Plaque is a sticky deposit that builds up on the teeth and harbors bacteria. As plaque accumulates on the surfaces of the teeth, it hardens into tartar which irritates and inflames the gum tissue.

If left untreated, gum irritation and inflammation can lead to infection and slowly damage the soft and hard tissues supporting the teeth. This can eventually lead to tooth loss.

While anyone can develop gum disease, certain risk factors may make certain individuals more susceptible to developing the disease. These risk factors include:

• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Pregnancy
• Old age
• Genetics
• Stress
• Teeth grinding
• Orthodontic treatment
• Poor diet

Periodontal Disease Treatments

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing, also known as periodontal cleaning, is a deep cleaning procedure often recommended as a first step in the treatment of gum disease. Scaling helps remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria deposits from below the gum line and root planing is the process of smoothing out the root surfaces to promote gum reattachment. The procedure is typically performed every three to four months to treat early signs of gum disease.

Pocket Reduction Surgery

If gum disease has progressed and pockets of bacteria and tartar have spread below the gum line, our dentists may recommend pocket reduction surgery. This procedure is performed by our dentists using the most advanced technologies to ensure your comfort and quick and efficient results. It helps restore the gums to a healthy state by folding back the gum tissue and removing the bacteria caught in the gum pockets. The gums are then sutured back into place to reduce the depth of the pockets.

In some cases, our dentists may apply a biocompatible material to the roots of the teeth to protect them and prevent future bacteria growth.

Soft-Tissue Grafts

Our dentists may recommend soft tissue grafts for more complex or advanced cases of periodontal disease. For this procedure, the dentist takes a small portion of tissue from the roof of the mouth or another source and grafts it as needed to restore damaged gum tissue. This procedure restores gum health and helps protect the tooth root from damage.

Perio Medicine At Essence of Dentistry

Certain bacteria in the mouth can be quite problematic, leading to a range of chronic diseases that impact our overall health. These include conditions such as dementia (Alzheimer's disease), colon cancer, heart disease (arteriosclerosis), and diabetes. While we have traditionally focused on removing tartar and plaque from our teeth, there is one crucial aspect that often goes unnoticed – the biofilm. At Essence of Dentistry, we understand the link between oral health and these chronic diseases. That is why we offer innovative laser and microabrasion therapy to effectively eliminate the harmful biofilm lurking in your mouth. By doing so, we not only improve your dental hygiene but also work towards reducing both the expression and severity of these debilitating conditions.