You deserve the proactive and gentle periodontal disease treatment in Spokane WA, available at the office of Richard D. Weigand, DDS. Although very common, gum disease is highly preventable. As a progressive condition, it is also easy to resolve in its earlier stages. In fact, the damage caused by gingivitis can be reversed if treated efficiently and effectively.
Front-line treatment
Gum disease can be prevented with a mix of consistent and thorough brushing and flossing at home, as well as professional cleanings at Dr. Weigand’s office. Usually, these cleanings are scheduled every six months with your routine checkup; however, some patients are at heightened risk of developing periodontal disease. So, if gum disease tends to run in your family, or you have diabetes or other conditions that are associated with periodontal problems, Dr. Weigand may recommend more frequent visits.
Professional cleanings are imperative; hygienists have the training and instruments to effectively remove stubborn hardened tartar or plaque from the teeth and in hard-to-reach places. Lingering tartar and bacteria promote the development of tooth decay and gum disease and can’t be removed with a toothbrush and floss alone. Also, patients who buy dental instruments online aren’t trained to use such devices. When not used properly, these instruments can damage delicate tissues. Trust scaling and periodontal therapy to our professionals, the skilled hygienists at Richard D. Weigand, DDS.
When you need scaling and root planing (Periodontal Therapy)
Think of scaling and root planing as a “deep clean” of your gumline and tooth roots. By cleaning under the tissue, the sticky plaque and hard tartar that irritates the gums is lifted. By cleaning and smoothing the roots of the teeth, reattachment of the gums is encouraged.
As disease marches on, the gums can separate from the teeth, which produces a “long in the tooth” appearance. The spaces in-between the teeth and gums are measured using special instruments, and further indicate the presence of disease. These “pockets” are measured as follows:
- 1 to 3 mm – the “baseline” or healthy gum tissue
- 4 mm – early gum disease or gingivitis
- 5 or 6 mm – mild periodontitis, which is the advanced form of gum disease
- 6 to 8 mm – moderate periodontitis
- 8 to 12 mm – advanced periodontitis
Scaling and root planing may be an appropriate treatment if you have gingivitis or early gum disease. For more moderate cases of periodontitis, Dr. Weigand may recommend periodontal therapy with lasers. With more than 30 years of clinical experience, Dr. Weigand is a fellow of the World Clinical Laser Institute. So, you can trust the health of your gums and the look of your smile to Richard D. Weigand, DDS.
The power of laser dentistry
Lasers are an alternative to invasive surgical procedures. Dr. Weigand and his team of certified dental hygienists will gently apply the laser to the periodontal pockets, thus reducing their size. In this way, food and bacteria can’t become trapped in these spaces and make the condition worse, ultimately threatening the integrity of your teeth.
Laser devices may even be used to precisely remove inflamed or diseased gum tissue. Treatment is targeted, and well-tolerated as a minimally invasive option for those patients who may have been treated in the past with traditional surgery.
Comfortable gum disease treatment worth smiling about! Call [phone] to schedule an appointment with Dr. Weigand at the Spokane WA office. We look forward to acquainting you with advanced, gentle, and proactive dentistry.