Here at Vista Family Dentistry, our highly trained and talented hygienists are committed to delivering top quality periodontal care to our patients.   Whether you have healthy gums that require routine 6 month cleaning visits, or early to moderate periodontal disease requiring more extensive care, Dr. V, Dr. Megan, and our hygiene team will help you determine the best plan for sustained gum health.

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease that damages or destroys the gums and bone that support our teeth.  According to the CDC, almost half of adults in the U.S. have some form of the disease, and it is the leading cause of tooth loss.  In most cases, periodontal disease is a slow, chronic disease that does not cause pain and goes unnoticed by the patient.  Regular examinations by dental professionals allow for early detection and treatment, providing the patient with the best chance of arresting or slowing the disease progression.

Some warning signs of periodontal disease may include gums that bleed when you brush or floss, gums that are red/swollen/tender, gums that have pulled away from your teeth, bad breath that will not resolve, or pus between your teeth and gums.

Initial treatments for early to moderate periodontal disease may include minimally invasive scaling and root planing (“deep cleanings”) in our office with the use of local anesthetic injections for comfort.  After evaluation of initial healing between 1 and 3 months after the deep cleanings, Dr. V and Dr. Megan will adjust your treatment plan and cleaning schedule as needed to best maintain gum health.  In cases of advanced disease, or unsuccessful deep cleanings, you may be referred to a gum specialist (periodontist) for advanced care.

For more information about periodontal health by the ADA, click the PatientSmart box below.