Protect Your Smile With Periodontal Therapy in Tigard
Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. When gum disease develops, it can lead to inflammation, bleeding, bone loss, and even tooth loss if left untreated. Our skilled team at Premier Dental & Implants will provide comprehensive periodontal therapy in Tigard to help you restore gum health, protect your teeth, and improve overall wellness.
Periodontal therapy can help you:
- Reduce bleeding and gum inflammation
- Prevent tooth and bone loss
- Eliminate harmful bacteria below the gumline
- Improve breath freshness and oral comfort
- Support overall health and wellness
Our team takes a gentle, patient-focused approach to periodontal care. We understand that many patients feel nervous about treatment, especially if they have experienced gum sensitivity or discomfort in the past. We work carefully to create a comfortable experience while helping you achieve long-term oral health.
Understanding Gum Disease and Treatment Options
Periodontal disease develops when plaque and bacteria accumulate around the gums and below the gumline. Over time, this bacterial buildup triggers inflammation that can damage gum tissue and supporting bone. Without treatment, advanced gum disease may eventually lead to loose teeth and tooth loss.
Research has shown a strong connection between gum disease and overall health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Maintaining healthy gums may help reduce systemic inflammation and support overall wellness.
Common symptoms of gum disease include:
- Red or swollen gums
- Bleeding during brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- Gum recession
- Tooth sensitivity
- Loose teeth
Periodontal therapy is designed to remove bacteria, reduce inflammation, and support healing during an active infection. One of the most common treatments is scaling and root planing, often referred to as a deep cleaning. This procedure removes plaque and tartar from below the gums while smoothing the tooth roots to help the gums reattach more effectively.
Some patients may also benefit from antibacterial rinses, localized antibiotics, or ongoing periodontal maintenance visits. For advanced cases, additional treatment options may be recommended to help restore gum and bone health.
Healthy gums play a vital role in protecting your smile and supporting your overall health. If you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease or have been told you need treatment, contact our office today to learn more about periodontal therapy in Tigard.
$79 New Patient Dental Exam & Consultation
Get a new patient comprehensive dental exam and consultation with Dr. Williams or Dr. Madani that includes a detailed inspection of your mouth using a miniature video camera, laser-diagnosed cavity detection, gum disease and oral cancer screening, plus all necessary digital imaging.
Offer only available to new patients without insurance. Dental cleaning is not included in special offer. This offer carries no cash value and cannot be combined with any other offer or dental insurance. Offer available for a limited time only.
Find Out What Our Patients are Saying
We're always honored when patients take the time to share their experiences with our practice. Find out what people are saying about their visits with us. You'll discover why our office is a trusted choice for dental implants, cosmetic treatments, and other oral care.
Overcoming Dental Fear and Restoring His Smile
– Steve
Same-Day Crowns
– Dave S.
Why He Keeps Coming Back to Premier Dental
– Gene P.
Her Dental Implant Experience with Dr. Williams
– Louise L.
Quality Care with Dr. Williams
– Richard P.
Her Implant Experience
– Rosemary V.
From Embarrassment to Empowerment with Implants
– Ron
Implants Restored Her Smile and Confidence
– Annette
How We Helped Doug Smile, Laugh, and Eat Again
– Doug
Common Questions About Periodontal Therapy
What is periodontal therapy?
Periodontal therapy is a specialized dental treatment designed to treat gum disease and restore healthier gums. Gum disease occurs when plaque and bacteria accumulate around and beneath the gumline, causing inflammation, infection, and potential bone loss. Periodontal therapy removes harmful bacteria and helps stop the progression of the disease before it leads to tooth loss. Treatments may include deep cleanings, scaling and root planing, antibacterial therapy, and ongoing periodontal maintenance visits.
What are the signs of gum disease?
Common signs of gum disease include bleeding gums, swelling, redness, bad breath, gum recession, tooth sensitivity, and loose teeth. Some patients also notice tenderness while brushing or flossing. In early stages, gum disease may not cause significant pain, which is why many people do not realize they have it until it becomes more advanced. Left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to bone loss and tooth loss over time.
What is scaling and root planing?
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure commonly used to treat gum disease. During treatment, plaque, tartar, and bacteria are carefully removed from beneath the gumline and along the tooth roots. The root surfaces are then smoothed to help the gums heal and reattach more effectively to the teeth. This process helps reduce inflammation, bleeding, and bacterial buildup that contribute to periodontal disease progression. Scaling and root planing is often the first step in periodontal therapy and may help patients avoid more advanced surgical treatments later.
Can gum disease be cured?
While advanced gum disease cannot always be completely reversed, it can often be successfully managed and controlled with proper periodontal therapy and ongoing maintenance. Early-stage gum disease, known as gingivitis, may be reversible with professional cleanings and improved oral hygiene. More advanced periodontal disease requires continued monitoring and preventive care to prevent recurrence and protect supporting bone and tissues.
Is periodontal therapy painful?
Periodontal therapy is generally much more comfortable than many patients expect. During procedures such as scaling and root planing, the gums are carefully numbed to minimize discomfort. Some patients experience mild tenderness or sensitivity afterward, but symptoms usually improve quickly within a few days. Treating gum disease often reduces pain and inflammation caused by the infection itself.
Why is gum health important for overall health?
Research has shown strong links between gum disease and systemic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and respiratory illness. Chronic inflammation caused by periodontal disease may contribute to inflammation elsewhere in the body. Oral bacteria may also enter the bloodstream and affect other systems. Maintaining healthy gums can support overall wellness while reducing the risk of complications related to chronic disease.
How often do I need periodontal maintenance?
Patients with a history of gum disease often benefit from periodontal maintenance visits every three to four months rather than the standard six-month cleaning schedule. These specialized cleanings help remove bacterial buildup beneath the gums and monitor signs of disease recurrence before serious damage occurs. Periodontal maintenance is essential for preserving treatment results and reducing the risk of future bone loss or tooth loss. Patients with diabetes, smoking history, or advanced periodontal disease may especially benefit from frequent maintenance appointments.
Can gum disease cause tooth loss?
Yes, untreated gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. As periodontal disease progresses, it damages the gums, connective tissues, and jawbone that support the teeth. Over time, teeth may loosen and eventually require extraction if the supporting structures become too compromised. Fortunately, periodontal therapy can often slow or stop disease progression when diagnosed early.
What causes periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease develops when plaque and bacteria accumulate along the gumline and beneath the gums. Poor oral hygiene is a major contributor, but other factors such as smoking, diabetes, genetics, stress, hormonal changes, and certain medications can also increase risk. As bacteria multiply, they trigger inflammation that damages gum tissue and supporting bone over time. Without treatment, the disease can become progressively more severe.
Can periodontal therapy improve bad breath?
Yes, periodontal therapy can often improve chronic bad breath caused by gum disease and bacterial buildup beneath the gums. Harmful oral bacteria release unpleasant odors as they accumulate around infected gum tissue. Deep cleanings and periodontal treatment help remove these bacteria while reducing inflammation and infection. Improved oral hygiene habits and regular maintenance visits also help keep breath fresher over time.
