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Gum Disease Treatment – Everett, WA

Protect Your Teeth & Gums with Gum Disease Treatment

Man pointing to his swollen gums before gum disease treatment in Everett

When it comes to ensuring your teeth last a lifetime, it’s important to consider your whole mouth, including your gums. Unfortunately, it is estimated that approximately 64 million Americans over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease. Gum disease can not only cause bad breath and gum recession, but it can also result in tooth loss and jawbone deterioration that can make it harder to eat, speak, and smile confidently.  Here’s how we can help here at Albright Family Dental with gum disease treatment in Everett.

Why Choose Albright Family Dental for Gum Disease Treatment?

  • Painless and Effective Soft Tissue Laser Therapy
  • Dental Insurance and Flexible Financing Welcome
  • Gentle and Caring Dental Team

What Is Gum Disease?

Close up of a person pointing to their inflamed gums

Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is the result of a bacterial infection within the gum tissue that directly affects the gums and bone structure supporting the teeth. There are two types of gum disease: gingivitis, the earliest stage, and periodontitis, the more advanced stage.

Although gingivitis can often be reversed by improving your oral hygiene routine, periodontitis can only be managed, not cured to prevent it from worsening.

Factors that could increase your odds of developing gum disease include smoking or using tobacco products, poor oral hygiene, genetics, medical conditions such as diabetes, taking certain medications that may cause dry mouth, and even hormonal changes because of pregnancy.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Close up of red, swollen gums

Gum disease can have a variety of symptoms, depending on how far the condition has progressed. Some signs of gingivitis include:

  • Chronic bad breath (halitosis)
  • Red or swollen gums
  • Bleeding gums when flossing or brushing your teeth
  • Tender gums
  • Dark red gums
  • Gum recession

Signs of periodontitis:

  • Pain while chewing
  • Loose permanent teeth
  • Sensitive teeth
  • A change in bite
  • A change in the fit of restorations such as partial dentures
  • Permanent tooth loss

How Do We Treat Gum Disease?

Woman in the dental chair smiling at her dentist

Before determining which gum disease treatment is best for your smile, Dr. Kaopua will thoroughly examine your mouth to determine the severity of your condition. Based on his findings, he will discuss all your treatment options with you and help you make the right choice for your care.

Scaling & Root Planing

Scaling and root planing illustration

Scaling and root planing is a two-part process that can typically be completed in two appointments. First, Dr. Kaopua will thoroughly remove all the plaque and tartar from the teeth to minimize bacteria presence. If you have experienced any gum recession, he will scale as far down as the pockets of your gums to make sure there is no bacteria hiding below the gumline.

At the next appointment, he will smooth out the surface of the roots of your teeth, removing any hardened bacteria deposits. This will help ensure your gums can healthily reattach to your tooth’s structure, protecting the roots.

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Do You Need Scaling & Root Planing?

Woman with gum irritation

To find out if scaling and root planing is right for you, we first need to examine your mouth. X-rays are also taken to college as much information as possible. Depending on the condition of your gums, the depth of the pockets, and the progression of your gum disease, we may recommend scaling and root planing.

The Process of Scaling & Root Planing

Woman at the dentist

The complete scaling and root planing process is usually completed over the course of two appointments, but this can vary from patient to patient. To remove plaque and tartar, we will begin by scaling your teeth with dental tools. We will target the gumline and below – where the bacteria build up.

After the scaling portion is complete, we will move on to the root planing portion of the treatment. This is when we smooth down sections of the teeth beneath. This helps the gums to better adhere to the teeth, speeding up the healing process by making it more difficult for bacteria to build up again. Ultimately, this process reduces the risk of developing gum disease again in the future.

Aftercare Tips for Scaling & Root Planing

Man flossing his teeth

It is normal for the gums to feel sore after scaling and root planing. They may also be inflamed. This is temporary and should subside over a couple of weeks. Here are some tips to help the healing process go quickly and smoothly.

  • Brush your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste.
  • Rinse your mouth with saltwater after meals.
  • Floss every day.
  • Stick to a soft diet following your treatment.
  • Avoid foods and beverages that are spicy, acidic, or hot.
  • Refrain from intense physical exercise until the area has healed.

Antibiotic Treatment

Person taking a pill

For antibiotic treatment, Dr. Kaopua will prescribe an oral antibiotic, typically in conjunction with another form of treatment such as scaling and root planing. This can be picked up at your local pharmacy following your appointment.

Laser Periodontal Treatment

Woman in dental chair receiving laser periodontal treatment

Using a soft-tissue laser to treat gum disease isn’t really a treatment in itself; it simply utilizes a soft-tissue laser in the process of scaling and root planing to kill bacteria and remove any severely damaged gum tissue, leaving behind only healthy tissue.

Using a soft-tissue laser also helps minimize bleeding and eliminates any need for sutures and a scalpel, helping to make your recovery much more comfortable.