Periodontal Therapy

You may not notice anything wrong at first, but periodontitis can have serious consequences if left untreated. If brushing or flossing causes your gums to turn red or bleed, if you’re noticing persistent bad breath, or if your teeth feel loose, periodontal gum therapy by a dentist at Seven Lakes Dental here in Smokey Point, WA may be required.

What is Periodontitis?

Periodontitis is a chronic infection of the gums and the tissue holding the teeth in place. It’s caused by bacteria that stick to the surface of the tooth and thrive in the soft gum tissue around the teeth. It can lead to bone loss, loose teeth, and – if left untreated – eventual tooth loss.

“What you do today affects what happens 20 years from now”
— Dr. Brad Larreau

How is Periodontitis treated?

At Seven Lakes Dental, periodontal therapy involves a few steps. First, we divide your mouth into four quadrants, and clean each thoroughly to remove the plaque and calculus located below the gumline. This procedure can result in some discomfort, so we split the treatment over multiple visits and offer local anesthesia.

After your initial treatments, we recommend scheduling follow-up cleanings every three months. Because periodontal disease is a chronic infection, frequent cleanings are necessary as the bacteria repopulates. Contact Seven Lakes Dental in Smokey Point and Arlington, WA to schedule your follow-up cleaning