Periodontal Care in Vancouver, WA
It’s easy to let oral health slide—life gets busy. But if you’re noticing signs of gum disease, you’re not alone. Gingivitis and periodontitis are more common than you think. The good news? We're here to help you take back control of your smile.
Do I really need periodontal care?
If your gums are swollen, bleed easily, or you’re experiencing discomfort, it may be time to see a dentist for periodontal care. Treating gum disease early can help protect your natural teeth and prevent long-term damage. Left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and serious oral health issues. The sooner we catch it, the better the outcome.
Gum Grafting
Gum grafting is a gentle surgical procedure that restores receding gums and protects your teeth from further damage. By adding healthy tissue to the affected areas, we can reduce sensitivity and enhance the natural beauty of your smile.
We’re proud to refer our patients to a trusted local expert—Dr. Mikhail Garibov of Columbia River Implants & Periodontics. Located just around the corner from our office, Dr. Garibov offers exceptional periodontal care in a modern, patient-centered environment. If gum grafting is part of your treatment plan, you’ll be in excellent hands.
Join Our Perio Membership Plan!
We believe everyone deserves affordable dental care, even patients who require a little extra TLC. By signing up for our periodontal care membership plan, you’ll be giving your smile the high-quality care it deserves and saving money along the way.
The Benefits of Periodontal Care
Restore Gum Health
With early intervention, we can stop gingivitis in its tracks and bring your gums back to a healthy state.
Stop Progression
Regular deep cleanings and maintenance help prevent bacteria from building up again, protecting your gums long-term.
Avoid Costly Treatment Later
Catching gum disease early can prevent the need for more invasive (and expensive) treatments like grafts or implants.
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The Deep Cleaning Process
Local Anesthetic
We begin by applying a local anesthetic to the affected area. This ensures you stay comfortable throughout the entire procedure. Deep cleanings—also known as scaling and root planing—go below the gum line, which can cause some sensitivity if not properly numbed. Our team uses gentle techniques to make the numbing process quick and easy, so you can relax during your visit and feel confident knowing your comfort is our top priority.
Scaling & Root Planing
Once you're fully numb, we begin the cleaning itself. Using precise instruments, your dentist or hygienist will remove the buildup of plaque and tartar that has accumulated around and under your gums. This is called “scaling.” These deposits are what allow bacteria to thrive and cause gum disease. After scaling, we move to “root planing,” which smooths the surfaces of the tooth roots. This helps your gums reattach to the teeth more securely and reduces the risk of future bacterial buildup by eliminating the rough surfaces where bacteria can hide.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.
Gum disease progresses through three main stages. It starts with gingivitis, which is the only stage that’s reversible. At this point, your gums may bleed when you brush, feel tender, or appear red and puffy—but no permanent damage has occurred yet. If not treated, it can progress to periodontitis, where the infection begins to damage the structures that support your teeth, leading to gum recession, sensitivity, and bone loss. The most severe form is advanced periodontitis, which can result in deep gum pockets, loose teeth, or even tooth loss. Early detection and treatment are key to preventing long-term damage.
Not exactly. Gum disease itself isn’t contagious like a cold or the flu. It’s caused by harmful bacteria that already exist in the mouth. However, it is possible for those bacteria to be transferred through saliva—like sharing utensils or kissing—especially if one person has poor oral hygiene. Even so, just having the bacteria doesn’t mean you’ll get gum disease. Factors like oral care habits, genetics, and immune health play a much bigger role in whether or not the disease develops.
Gum disease is caused by the buildup of bacteria-laden plaque and tartar on your teeth, especially around and beneath the gum line. When this buildup isn’t removed regularly through brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings, it triggers an inflammatory response that damages your gum tissue. Other contributing factors include smoking, diabetes, stress, hormonal changes, and even your genetics. That’s why even people with good oral hygiene can sometimes struggle with gum issues if they have a family history of periodontal disease. Early diagnosis and ongoing maintenance are key to preventing serious damage.
Periodontal disease often involves deep bacterial infection that can’t be fully removed with scaling and root planing alone. Antibiotics provide a way to target and reduce the bacteria lingering in the gum pockets, helping your body heal more effectively. Depending on your needs, we may apply a concentrated antibiotic gel directly into the gums during your cleaning, or prescribe oral medication or rinses to use at home. It’s important to take all medications exactly as prescribed—finishing the full course helps prevent bacterial resistance and ensures the best possible results from your treatment.
