Get Your Gum Disease Under Control
Gum or periodontal disease is one of the most common chronic infections. Yet many people don’t realize they have it until it has progressed and caused real problems. The good news is that with routine periodontal exams, we can detect early signs of gum disease and get it under control before it escalates.
Our Commitment to Excellence in Periodontics
- Gum disease and gum recession treatment
- Scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar
- Antibiotic therapy to control bacterial infections
- Surgical procedures to repair damaged gum tissue
- Regular cleanings and exams to catch problems early
- Personalized at-home oral hygiene recommendations
Periodontal Examinations
At your regular cleanings, we perform a thorough periodontal evaluation to check your gums, bone, and tissues. We use specialized probes to measure the depth of gum pockets and look for any signs of bleeding, swelling, or recession. This lets us detect the earliest signs of gum disease before you notice any symptoms.
If we find signs of gum disease, we can get you on a treatment plan to stop its progression. Catching gum disease early means less invasive treatment and a faster recovery. Our goal is always to diagnose and treat periodontal issues before they worsen.
Deep Cleanings for Gum Disease
For patients diagnosed with gum disease, we offer specialized deep cleanings called scaling and root planing. During this procedure, we thoroughly scrub below the gum line to remove plaque that regular cleanings can’t reach. Our hygienists meticulously scrape each tooth surface using ultrasonic scalers and hand instruments to eliminate irritants.
Many patients notice an immediate improvement in their gum health and a reduction in bleeding after deep cleanings. To clean all tooth surfaces fully, we may need to perform the procedure in phases over several visits. Deep cleanings and improved home care are very effective for controlling moderate gum disease.
Laser Treatment for Gum Disease
For some patients with more advanced gum disease, we offer laser treatment in addition to deep cleanings. Using a specialized laser, our periodontist can precisely target and destroy pathogenic bacteria below the gum line. The laser treatment also helps reduce swelling and stimulates healing.
Compared to traditional instrumentation, the laser procedure is often more comfortable for patients and may be more thorough at eliminating infection. Laser treatment, combined with deep cleanings and follow-up therapies, has excellent long-term success rates for reversing gum damage.
Gum Grafting for Recession
If you’ve noticed your gums receding or becoming thin, it could be a sign of advancing gum disease and an increased risk of future problems like sensitivity. Our periodontist is skilled at performing gum grafts to replace lost gum tissue and reduce recession.
Healthy gum tissue is harvested and transplanted to receded areas during this procedure. It is then sutured into place so it can regenerate. A graft provides real, long-lasting coverage to protect roots and reduce sensitivity. Combined with regular cleanings, grafts can help stabilize advanced gum disease.
Additional Periodontal Therapies
Other advanced treatments may be recommended for patients with severe periodontal disease, such as antibiotic therapy or guided tissue regeneration using collagen membranes. Our goal with any periodontal treatment is to halt infection, regenerate lost bone and tissues if possible, and stabilize your gums long-term.
We combine surgical approaches with ongoing supportive periodontal maintenance to achieve the best results.
Supportive Periodontal Treatment
At Pinnacle Dentistry, we understand that periodontal disease is a chronic condition that requires life-long management, not just a one-time fix. That’s why we recommend ongoing supportive periodontal maintenance tailored to each patient’s specific needs and risk factors after active treatment.
During these supportive visits, we closely monitor your gum health and provide professional cleanings and polishing to ensure no new pockets form. This is vital in preventing disease recurrence and keeping your gums, bone, and tissues as healthy as possible for life.
Periodontal Health for the Whole Family
At our practice, we treat adults and children of all ages. We understand that preventing and treating gum disease is essential for a lifetime of oral wellness. During your child’s cleanings, exams, and X-rays, we can detect early signs of gingivitis or periodontitis and get them on the right track. We aim to educate entire families and promote lasting healthy dental habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: How Long Does It Take To Treat Gum Disease?
- A: The length of treatment depends on the severity of the case. For mild gum disease, deep cleanings spaced a few months apart may be all that’s needed. More advanced cases may require several deep cleanings, antibiotics, laser treatment, and occasionally gum surgery over 6-12 months. Most patients see improvements within 3-6 months following our recommended maintenance plan.
- Q: Will Insurance Cover Deep Cleanings or Periodontal Treatment?
- A: Many dental insurance plans cover preventive cleanings and periodontal maintenance once gum disease is stabilized. However, coverage for scaling and root planing or surgical procedures varies significantly between plans. We recommend verifying your specific benefits with your carrier. Even if a procedure isn’t fully covered, investing in gum health is worth it for your long-term oral wellness.
- Q: Is Gingivitis or Periodontitis Serious?
- A: When left untreated, both gum conditions can become severe. Gingivitis is reversible with improved home care but can advance to periodontitis, a more severe stage of gum disease that destroys bone and tissue. Periodontitis increases the risk of other health issues, but when caught early through regular exams and deep cleanings, gum disease can usually be controlled before it causes real damage. At Pinnacle Dentistry, our goal is prevention and early intervention.
- Q: What Is a Periodontist?
- A: Periodontists are experts in treating periodontal disease. They receive up to three additional years of specialized training in both non-surgical treatments and periodontal plastic surgery procedures. Periodontists are also skilled in replacing missing teeth with dental implants.
Book an Appointment With a Colorado Springs Periodontist
Contact Pinnacle Dentistry to book an appointment with a top periodontist in Colorado Springs.