Gum Disease & Periodontal Care in Spokane Valley, WA
Bleeding, swollen, or receding gums are often early signs of gum disease, and catching it early makes a real difference. At Family Dental of Spokane Valley, we evaluate gum health and provide periodontal care to help protect your gums, your teeth, and your overall well-being.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It usually begins when plaque and bacteria build up along and below the gumline.
In its early stage, called gingivitis, the gums may look red, feel tender, or bleed when you brush. Gingivitis is often reversible with professional care and good home habits.
Left untreated, gum disease can progress to periodontitis, which affects the deeper tissue and bone that hold teeth in place. Because gum disease can be quiet in its early stages, regular checkups at our Spokane Valley office are an important way to catch it.
Signs to Watch For
Gum disease is easier to manage the sooner it is found. Let us know if you notice any of the following:
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
- Gums that are pulling away from your teeth
- Teeth that feel loose or that fit together differently when you bite
These signs do not always mean advanced disease, but they are worth an evaluation. If you are noticing any of them, we encourage you to schedule a visit so we can take a look.
How We Evaluate Your Gums
A periodontal evaluation is a routine part of caring for your gums. We gently measure the spaces between your gums and teeth, check for areas where the gums bleed or have receded, and look at how firmly your teeth are supported.
We may take X-rays to see the bone that supports your teeth, which helps us understand whether the condition is limited to the gums or has reached deeper tissue.
From there, we put together a treatment plan suited to what we find — and we will explain it in plain language so you understand the condition of your gums and the options available.
Treatment and Referrals
Treatment depends on how far gum disease has progressed. For early gum disease, a professional cleaning along with improved brushing and flossing at home is often enough to help the gums recover.
For more involved cases, we may recommend a deeper cleaning known as scaling and root planing, which removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces so the gums can heal. We may also suggest more frequent maintenance cleanings to keep things stable.
Some advanced periodontal cases benefit from specialized care. When that is the case, we will discuss a referral to a periodontist so you receive the right level of treatment for your situation.
Protecting Your Gums at Home
Day-to-day habits play a big role in gum health. Brushing twice a day, flossing or cleaning between your teeth daily, and keeping up with regular cleanings are the foundation of healthy gums.
Other factors can affect your gums too, including tobacco use, certain medications, and conditions such as diabetes. We are glad to talk through how these may relate to your gum health and what adjustments might help.
Once your gums are stable, ongoing maintenance visits help us keep an eye on things and address any changes early.
Periodontal Care for Spokane Valley Families
Healthy gums are an important part of a healthy smile, and caring for them does not have to be stressful. We focus on clear explanations and a comfortable, no-pressure approach for patients of every age.
We are in-network with most major PPO plans and file claims for you, and we are happy to review your options and any estimated costs before treatment begins. Our goal is to help Spokane Valley families keep their gums healthy for the long term.
Frequently asked questions
Is gum disease reversible?
The earliest stage, gingivitis, is often reversible with a professional cleaning and good home care. More advanced gum disease, called periodontitis, is not fully reversible, but it can usually be managed to slow or stop its progression. An evaluation helps us understand which stage you are dealing with.
What does a periodontal evaluation involve?
We gently measure the spaces between your gums and teeth, check for bleeding or gum recession, and assess how well your teeth are supported. We may also take X-rays to view the supporting bone. Together these help us understand your gum health and plan appropriate care.
What is scaling and root planing?
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning that removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces so the gums can heal and reattach. It is a common, non-surgical treatment for gum disease and is typically done with the area numbed for comfort.
Do you treat all gum disease in your office, or refer out?
We evaluate gum health and provide many non-surgical periodontal treatments in our office, such as cleanings and scaling and root planing. For advanced cases that call for specialized care, we will discuss a referral to a periodontist so you receive the right level of treatment.
Does insurance cover gum disease treatment?
Many dental plans cover a portion of periodontal evaluation and treatment, though coverage varies by plan and the type of care needed. We are in-network with most major PPO plans, will file your claims for you, and can review your estimated costs before treatment begins.
Keep exploring
If your gums bleed, feel swollen, or seem to be pulling away from your teeth, an evaluation is a smart first step. Call our Spokane Valley office today to schedule a visit and protect your gum health.