Periodontal Disease Treatment in Boise

The Best Periodontal Disease Care

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, affects at least half of the adults in our country. The more research that has been conducted about gum disease, the more we have realized the vital importance of good oral care. It has been identified as a factor in the persistence of numerous health conditions, including diabetes, chronic inflammation, and cardiovascular disease.

The team at Centennial Dental can help you prevent, treat, and manage this disease using the latest information and techniques. Above all, we take a personal approach through which your unique needs are addressed.

Contact us for the best periodontal disease care in Boise, Idaho.

Frequently Asked Questions

The symptoms of this disease occur very subtly at first. As the stages of disease progress, symptoms will become more evident. This is what to look for:

Gingivitis – may cause chronic bad breath, redness or swelling in the gums, and gum recession. The color of your gums may appear dusky. Your gums may bleed when you brush or floss.

Periodontal disease – if infection is not treated, gingivitis will become periodontal disease. You may notice a bad taste in your mouth, and your teeth may begin to appear longer due to gum recession and root exposure. Gum tissue will pull away from teeth, and your teeth may feel slightly loose.

Advanced periodontal disease – as bone loss occurs and weakened gum tissue releases teeth, these structures may begin to shift position in the mouth. Abscess, or small pockets of pus, may also develop.

During routine dental exams, the gum tissue around each tooth is observed. We use a special instrument called a probe, which measures the depth of pockets around any teeth, if they exist. The gum examination is not painful. In addition to monitoring periodontal pockets, we look at the color and texture of gum tissue, as well as the presence of plaque and tartar at the base of teeth.

Not only is periodontal disease treatable, it is preventable! We work with you to avoid the development of infection, and to manage gum health if the signs of disease have been noticed. The way we treat infection coincides with the degree of severity.

-Often, gingivitis can be treated with professional cleaning in our office, which removes plaque and tartar from around teeth. Good home care is vital to continued success.

-Periodontal disease, in which recession has occurred, usually requires a deeper cleaning called scaling and root planing. This procedure is performed with local anesthetic to assure your comfort. Plaque and tartar that have formed beneath the gum surface is gently removed. If necessary, antibiotics may be applied or prescribed.

-Advanced periodontal disease affects the bone. Depending on the severity of bone loss, we may recommend bone grafting to restore stability. If tooth loss has occurred, dental implants may be discussed as a long-term replacement option.

Each treatment for gum disease can take a short office visit. In the “Big Picture,” periodontal therapy can take several months. To sustain optimal gum health takes a lifetime commitment to good oral care. This includes brushing morning and evening, and flossing every night before bed. Working with you, we will develop a protocol around your needs.
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The various methods of treating periodontal disease incur relative costs. Clearly, the best approach is to prevent gum disease with routine dental care, which is primarily check-ups and cleanings. Deeper cleanings are slightly higher in cost, but are worth the investment into oral and systemic health. Restorative care is also far less costly than having to have your teeth replaced, and suffering the uncomfortable consequences of advanced periodontal disease.

We can create a treatment plan that will consider your budget, timeline, and immediate needs for restored health. Call our Boise office to schedule your exam.

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