How is gum disease treated? Kirkland, WA dentist describes the ways to restore the smile’s health

Conditions such as periodontal disease can develop and result in extensive damage to the smile if not adequately addressed. Periodontal disease, more commonly referred to as gum disease, is a condition that requires early diagnosis and intervention for the best results. Dr. Ann Kelley and her team at Kingsgate Dental in Kirkland, WA discuss the ways to treat gum disease and restore the smile’s health as much as possible.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is often referred to as periodontal disease. This condition starts in the soft tissues and begins to breed bacteria. Bacteria will often rest in the pockets that begin to form between the gum tissue and the natural teeth. Then, as the condition worsens, it results in the loss of gums, jawbone, and even teeth. Periodontal disease can be devastating to a patient’s overall oral health and wellness and can also travel through the bloodstream and cause inflammation and infection elsewhere. This oral-systemic connection can cause an increased risk in conditions, including heart disease and strokes. With proper care, patients can bring their smile back to health and manage their condition with the help of their dental team.

How is gum disease treated?

The stage the condition has reached will be used in determining the best solution for a patient. In the earlier stages, simple cleaning and application of antibiotics directly on the soft tissues may help in reversing the condition. If the disease has been diagnosed and not treated, it can progress into the later stages of periodontitis, which is how teeth, bone, and tissues are permanently lost. The best treatment in this situation is a procedure known as scaling and root planing. This is a more invasive cleaning but is often chosen for late-stage periodontitis because it is:

• Affordable
• Effective at reducing bacteria
• Safe
• Completed during one visit

Additionally, patients who need scaling and root planing performed may visit their dentist more often than twice a year to ensure their condition is being monitored and treated accordingly for successful intervention.

Are you in need of periodontal care?

Contact Dr. Ann Kelley’s office team to schedule an appointment at Kingsgate Dental. Her practice is located at 12308 NE 144th Street in Kirkland, WA, and can be reached at (425) 385-0080.

Ann Kelley, DDS

Dr. Ann Kelley is a graduate of the Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska. She highly values the comfort of her patients, and places the needs of the patient above her convenience. Her dental clinic is built to bring the best and most comfortable dental experience to all her patients. She builds relationships with her patients based on trust and always acts to safeguard this trust.