Achieve Healthy, Beautiful Gums with Periodontal Care

Woman smiling after professional hygiene and periodontal treatment in Meridian, ID

Do you have tender, swollen, or bleeding gums? The culprit could be periodontal disease, the leading cause of tooth loss among adults. At Stonehaven Dental, we provide advanced periodontal care to patients in Meridian, Idaho, and the surrounding areas. Don’t let gum disease ruin your smile. Schedule your periodontal consultation with Dr. Timothy Matthews and his team.

What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?

Gum disease is a common oral infection that affects the gums and surrounding structures. Gum disease develops in stages, with gingivitis as the earliest stage. In gingivitis, the infection is only at the surface of the gums, and its symptoms include:

  • Swollen or tender gums
  • Gums that easily bleed when brushing or flossing
  • Sensitive teeth
  • Red or inflamed gums

Gum disease doesn’t just stop at the gingivitis stage. If left untreated, the infection can attack the periodontal ligaments, leading to gum recession. Here, deep pockets form, and your teeth may appear longer. Over time, the infection destroys the underlying bone, causing loose teeth. Worse yet, the infection may seep into the bloodstream, triggering systemic conditions, such as heart disease, dementia, respiratory complications, and diabetes.

How is gum disease treated?

Treatment for gum disease depends on its severity. After examining your gums, periodontal treatment options include:

  • Deep teeth cleaning: This non-surgical treatment is the first step in addressing gum disease. This two-part procedure involves scaling that removes deep-seated plaque and tartar from the tooth surface and deep pockets. The second step is to smooth (plane) the root surfaces of your teeth to allow the gums to heal naturally.
  • Antibiotic therapy: The dentist may use topical or oral antibiotics to reduce the bacterial load after deep teeth cleaning.

You may need surgery if the gums have receded so significantly or if tissues have been severely damaged. We’ll guide you on the best treatment to ensure you achieve optimal periodontal health.

Is gum disease treatment painful?

Not at all! Our office uses gentle techniques and potent anesthetics to ensure a comfortable dental experience. You may feel pressure but not pain. After treatment, you may experience tenderness, sensitivity, and mild pain. Our team will provide aftercare tips to ensure a seamless recovery. We’ll provide medications and home remedies to ensure you heal comfortably.

Happy couple following periodontal and dental hygiene services in Meridian, ID
Family smiling after professional hygiene and periodontal treatment in Meridian, ID

Are certain people at more risk of gum disease?

Periodontal disease doesn’t discriminate, but certain people have a heightened risk of gum disease. Risk factors for gum disease include smoking, hormonal changes, genetics, certain medications, and diabetes. Limited or reduced blood flow increases the risk of diseases. That’s why smokers, pregnant women, and individuals with diabetes are more susceptible to gum disease.

If you are at risk of gum disease, it’s time to ramp up your dental care regimen. Visit our office every 3-4 months and be diligent with your brushing and flossing. Additionally, maintain a healthy diet and avoid tobacco use.

Do you need periodontal care in Meridian, ID?

Everyone deserves healthy, beautiful gums. If you notice signs of periodontal disease, don’t wait any longer. Call (208) 370-5620 and schedule a consultation with Stonehaven Dental, serving Meridian, Boise, Nampa, and the nearby areas. Reclaim your healthy gums with expert care and a compassionate approach.