Periodontal Disease in Seattle, WA

Gum (periodontal) disease is an inflammation in the gums, which may lead to severe damage to your oral health. There are three stages of periodontal disease ranging from mild to severe. The very first phase is gingivitis, which happens because of plaque buildup under the gumline. Without treatment, gingivitis can develop into the second phase known as periodontitis, which impacts the bone and fibers that hold your tooth roots. Advanced periodontitis is the most severe stage of gum disease, which may cause teeth to become loose or fall out. To treat periodontal disease, Dental@888 offers both nonsurgical and surgical treatments based on the seriousness of the disease, such as scaling and root planing, antibiotics, gum grafts, gum surgery, as well as extractions. If you have signs of gum disease, please contact our office in Seattle, WA to schedule an exam and consultation with Dr. Hal Kussick.

The primary cause of periodontal disease is a buildup of plaque and tartar. Many different types of harmful oral bacteria live in plaque and can potentially infect the gums. A buildup of plaque can come from poor oral hygiene, which is why it is crucial to maintain a good oral hygiene routine. Several risk factors can put individuals at a higher risk of developing gum disease, such as:

• Smoking or other forms of tobacco use
• Diabetes
• Autoimmune diseases
• Stress
• Hormonal changes
• Genetics

Treatment for gum disease is based on the severity of your infection. If Dr. Kussick determines you have periodontal disease, he will discuss his recommendations for your treatment program. In mild cases, scaling and root planing (SRP) helps clean out the gum pockets. In more advanced cases, you may need to take antibiotics (antimicrobial agents) and undergo periodontal maintenance cleanings. Severe cases of gum disease will typically call for gum surgery, such as regenerative (grafting) or pocket reduction. We will help determine what you need during a dental exam and develop a detailed treatment plan.

Is there anything I should know before my gum disease treatment?
Before your periodontal treatment, we'll review your medical history, including any medications you are taking. You should also connect with your insurance company to determine what your out-of-pocket expenses may be. If you have any questions or concerns about your gum treatment, please bring them up to any of our staff members.

What are some of the most common signs of gum disease?
It's important to understand the symptoms of gum disease so that you can seek out gum decay treatment as soon as possible. Some common signs of gum disease include:

• Red, swollen gums

• Painful gums

• Blood while brushing or flossing

• Receding gums

• Loose teeth

• Bad breath

How quickly does periodontal disease progress?
The progression of periodontal disease is slow but steady. However, plaque takes around four days to reach its maximum extent. With this, you may see signs of gum disease on day 5. Advanced stages of gum disease can be seen in a few weeks if no gum loss treatment is started. If you see signs of gum disease, it's important to schedule an appointment as early as possible to receive proper treatment.

Periodontal disease will continue to progress if you don't get the proper treatment so it is crucial to get expert help when any symptoms occur. At Dental@888, we work with you to renew your gums and prevent future instances of disease. To learn more or schedule a consultation with Dr. Kussick, please contact our office in Seattle, WA.