Periodontal Therapy
When your gums start bleeding during brushing or you notice they’re pulling away from your teeth, it’s your body telling you something needs attention. At Today’s Dental Care, we provide periodontal therapy in Buhl to help patients restore their gum health before small problems turn into bigger ones. Dr. Don S. Wyatt and Dr. Raffaele Vitelli understand that gum disease affects more than just your mouth, which is why our team takes a comprehensive approach to treating it.
Gum disease is surprisingly common, but that doesn’t make it any less serious. What starts as inflammation can progress into bone loss if left untreated, and we’ve seen patients who wish they’d addressed the warning signs sooner. The good news is that with proper treatment and maintenance, you can have your healthy smile back.
Understanding Gum Disease and Why It Matters
Periodontal disease develops when bacteria in plaque irritate your gum tissue, causing inflammation and infection. Early-stage gum disease, called gingivitis, appears as red, swollen gums that bleed easily. You might not feel pain at this stage, which is exactly why so many people ignore it. But when gingivitis advances to periodontitis, the infection starts destroying the bone that holds your teeth in place.
Here’s what makes this particularly concerning: gum disease doesn’t just stay in your mouth. Research continues to show connections between periodontal health and conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Your gums are basically a gateway to your bloodstream, so keeping them healthy protects more than just your smile.
How We Approach Periodontal Therapy in Buhl
Dr. Wyatt and Dr. Vitelli start every treatment plan with a thorough evaluation of your gum health. We measure pocket depths around your teeth, check for bone loss, and assess any areas of inflammation. This gives us a complete picture of what’s happening below the gum line, not just what we can see on the surface.
Treatment approaches vary depending on the disease progression. For early-stage issues, we might recommend more frequent cleanings and improved home care routines. When the infection has advanced, we use scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning that removes bacteria and tartar from below the gum line. This procedure smooths the root surfaces so your gums can reattach properly.
Some patients benefit from antimicrobial treatments that we place directly into the periodontal pockets. These medications help reduce bacteria and inflammation right where the problem exists. We also work with patients who feel anxious about treatment by offering sedation dentistry options that make the experience more comfortable.
What to Expect During Your Treatment Journey
Most patients wonder what the process actually feels like. During scaling and root planing, we numb the treatment area so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. Afterward, your gums will feel tender for a few days, similar to how your mouth feels after a regular cleaning, but slightly more pronounced. Over-the-counter pain relievers and gentle brushing usually manage any discomfort.
The real results show up in the weeks following treatment. Your gums will start to look healthier, bleeding should decrease significantly, and those deep pockets we measured initially should become shallower. We schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and make sure the infection hasn’t returned.
Maintaining Your Results Long-Term
Here’s something we tell every patient: periodontal therapy works, but it’s not a one-time fix. Gum disease is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management. Think of it like maintaining a garden; you can’t just pull the weeds once and expect them never to come back.
Your home care routine becomes crucial after treatment. We’ll show you proper brushing and flossing techniques that actually clean below the gum line. Some patients need special tools like interdental brushes or water flossers to reach tricky areas. Regular maintenance cleanings, usually every three to four months, help us catch any potential problems before they develop into something serious.
The Connection Between Restorative Dentistry and Gum Health
Sometimes patients will need additional treatment beyond periodontal therapy in Buhl. If gum disease has caused tooth loss or significant damage, we’ll recommend options like dental implants or bridges. The key is addressing the gum disease first; restorative dentistry solutions work best when used in healthy tissue.
We’ve also seen patients interested in cosmetic dentistry who discover they need periodontal treatment first. Receding gums or inflammation can affect the appearance of your smile, so treating the underlying disease often improves aesthetics, too. Dr. Vitelli can guide you through how different treatments work together to give you the results you’re looking for.
benefits
Taking the First Step Toward Healthier Gums
If you’ve been putting off dental care because you’re worried about costs, we encourage you to explore financial options that make treatment more accessible. Addressing gum disease early almost always costs less than dealing with advanced periodontitis later, and your overall health benefits, too.
You can learn more about our team and approach on our dentist page, or find directions to our Buhl office for your convenience. Our practice serves patients throughout the Magic Valley, and we’re here to help you protect your smile for years to come.
Ready to address your gum health concerns? Contact Today’s Dental Care today to schedule your periodontal evaluation with Dr. Wyatt or Dr. Vitelli at our Buhl location, and let’s create a treatment plan that works for your unique needs and gets your oral health back where it should be.
