Periodontal

Early intervention is essential to preserve your gum health if you have periodontal disease. At WA Dental in Federal Way, Washington, the team of experienced family and general dentists deliver exceptional periodontal care that focuses on prevention and early treatment to protect your gums and tooth-supporting tissues. Call the dental clinic today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about periodontal care.

What is periodontal care?

Periodontal care is the attention you pay to your gum health. As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports, nearly 50% of adults have some form of periodontal disease by age 30. 

This gum infection is just as dangerous to your oral health as tooth decay. Without healthy gums, your teeth don’t have a strong foundation. Addressing periodontal disease early on is essential to protect your health and prevent the disease from progressing.

Why might I need periodontal care?

Everybody can benefit from periodontal care, but the team at WA Dental may recommend professional intervention if you have gum disease (periodontal disease). This infection develops when plaque, a sticky bacteria, eats away at your gum tissue. If plaque travels beneath the gum line, it can erode your tooth-supporting bone.

The team at WA Dental treats two types of periodontal disease:

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a mild form of periodontal disease that causes redness and inflammation. At this point, your teeth are still firmly intact. The effects of gingivitis are reversible with proper periodontal care.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis occurs when plaque travels beneath the gum line and forms small pockets. An advanced form of gum disease, periodontitis is not reversible, but the team can help manage the condition and prevent its progression.

What are the signs I need periodontal care?

Periodontal care is essential to protect your gums. Common signs you need periodontal treatment include:

• Red, swollen, tender gums
• Pain when chewing
• Loose permanent teeth
• Tooth loss
• Visible pockets of pus between the teeth and gum line
• Bad breath
• Gum recession
• Bleeding gums

If you experience any of the above symptoms, the WA Dental team can perform a comprehensive periodontal exam.

What are the different periodontal treatments?

Periodontal treatments depend on the progression of your condition. If you have gingivitis or mild symptoms, a routine teeth cleaning can help remove plaque and relieve your symptoms.

Teeth cleanings aren’t always enough to treat gum disease. The team may perform scaling and root planing if plaque travels beneath the gum line. Also called a deep cleaning, scaling and root planing involves cleaning out pockets of plaque beneath the gum line and smoothing your tooth roots to re-attach the gums for a tight seal that wards out bacteria.

Call WA Dental today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about periodontal care.