Healthy gums are essential to a healthy smile. At Excellence in Dentistry, our dentists provide periodontal therapy in Idaho Falls, Idaho, for patients with signs of gum disease, inflammation or other concerns affecting the tissues that support the teeth.
Periodontal care is an important part of general and family dentistry. Our dentists evaluate the condition of your gums, measure areas of concern and recommend treatment based on the severity of the problem and your individual oral health needs.
What Is Periodontal Therapy?
Periodontal therapy includes treatments used to manage gum disease and improve the health of the tissues surrounding the teeth. Gum disease can begin with inflammation along the gumline and may become more serious if bacteria and buildup extend below the gums.
The type of treatment recommended depends on what our dentists find during your examination. Some patients may need more focused cleaning below the gumline, while others may require ongoing periodontal maintenance or additional treatment based on the condition of the supporting tissues.
Signs You May Need Gum Disease Treatment
Gum disease does not always cause significant discomfort, especially in its earlier stages. You may want to schedule an evaluation if you notice:
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste
- Gums that appear to be pulling away from the teeth
- Changes in the spaces between teeth
- Loose teeth or changes in your bite
- Gum sensitivity or discomfort that does not improve
These symptoms can have different causes, so an examination is important before treatment is recommended.
How Our Dentists Evaluate Gum Health
During a periodontal evaluation, our dentists examine the gums and look for signs of inflammation, buildup and changes in the tissues surrounding the teeth. They may also measure the spaces between the teeth and gums to help determine whether deeper areas require treatment.
Depending on your needs, imaging and other diagnostic information may also be reviewed to evaluate the supporting structures around the teeth. The goal is to understand the extent of the problem before developing a treatment plan.
Periodontal Therapy and Deep Cleaning
When plaque and tartar extend below the gumline, a routine dental cleaning may not be enough to address the problem. Our dentists may recommend a deeper periodontal cleaning to remove buildup from areas that cannot be reached effectively during standard preventive care.
The treatment is designed to reduce harmful buildup and help create a cleaner environment around the teeth and gums. The exact approach depends on the depth and location of the periodontal concerns identified during your evaluation.
Ongoing Periodontal Maintenance
Managing gum disease often requires continued monitoring after the initial treatment. Our dentists may recommend periodontal maintenance visits on a schedule tailored to your gum health and risk factors.
These visits allow our team to monitor changes, remove new buildup and evaluate whether the gums are responding as expected. The recommended schedule may differ from a standard preventive cleaning schedule because periodontal disease can require more frequent care.
How Gum Health Affects the Rest of Your Dental Care
Healthy gum tissue helps support the teeth and can influence other parts of your treatment plan. If periodontal concerns are present, our dentists may recommend addressing them before moving forward with certain restorative or cosmetic procedures.
This helps ensure that treatment is planned on a healthier foundation and allows our dentists to consider the condition of both the teeth and supporting tissues when recommending care.
Periodontal Care From Our Dental Team
Dr. Curtis Godfrey has provided comprehensive dental care for more than 20 years and completes more than 100 hours of continuing education annually with Spear Education. Dr. Brock Russell also provides comprehensive and restorative care and continues to expand his clinical skills through advanced continuing education.
Our dentists take a comprehensive approach to periodontal care by evaluating gum health alongside the condition of the teeth, existing restorations and broader treatment needs.
Periodontal Therapy FAQs
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a condition affecting the gums and supporting tissues around the teeth. It can begin with inflammation and may become more serious when bacteria and buildup extend below the gumline.
How is periodontal therapy different from a regular dental cleaning?
A routine cleaning focuses on preventive care and buildup around accessible tooth surfaces. Periodontal therapy may involve deeper cleaning below the gumline when gum disease or deeper buildup is present.
Can bleeding gums be a sign of gum disease?
Bleeding gums can be associated with inflammation or periodontal disease, although other factors can also contribute. Our dentists can evaluate the gums and determine whether treatment is needed.
Will I need periodontal maintenance after treatment?
Some patients benefit from ongoing periodontal maintenance after initial therapy. The recommended schedule depends on your gum health, response to treatment and individual risk factors.
Can gum disease affect restorative or cosmetic treatment?
Yes. The health of the gums and supporting tissues can influence how other dental treatment is planned. Our dentists may recommend addressing periodontal concerns before certain restorative or cosmetic procedures.
Where can I receive periodontal therapy in Idaho Falls, Idaho?
Excellence in Dentistry provides periodontal therapy for patients with gum health concerns. Call 208-529-4321 to schedule an evaluation with our dentists and learn which treatment options may be appropriate.
Schedule a Periodontal Evaluation
If you are experiencing bleeding, swelling or other changes in your gums, periodontal therapy in Idaho Falls, ID, may help address the underlying concern. Call 208-529-4321 to schedule an evaluation at Excellence in Dentistry with our dentists.