105 E. 10th Ave., Post Falls, ID 83854
208-773-8388 
Periodontal disease affects the gums and the supporting structures around the teeth. It may begin with mild inflammation and bleeding gums, but without appropriate care, it can progress and contribute to gum recession, bone loss and tooth loss. At 7 Day Dental Smiles, our dentists evaluate your gum health and recommend treatment based on the type and severity of periodontal disease present. Your periodontal care may include professional cleanings, scaling and root planing, periodontal maintenance or referral to a periodontist when more advanced care is needed.
Call 208-773-8388 to schedule an evaluation and learn more about periodontal care in Post Falls, Idaho.
Signs of Gum Disease
Gum disease does not always cause significant discomfort in its early stages, so regular dental examinations are important.
Possible signs of periodontal disease may include:
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- Gum recession
- Teeth that appear longer than they used to
- Changes in the spaces between the teeth and gums
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Changes in your bite
- Discomfort when chewing
If you notice changes in your gums, our dentists can evaluate the area and determine whether periodontal treatment may be appropriate.
Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums may be a sign of inflammation caused by plaque and tartar buildup around the teeth and gumline. Gums may bleed during brushing or flossing when the tissues are irritated.
Occasional irritation can have different causes, but frequent or persistent bleeding should be evaluated. Our dentists can examine your gums, review your home-care routine and determine whether professional treatment is needed.
Gum Recession
Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue pulls away from the tooth and exposes more of the tooth or root surface.
Recession may be associated with periodontal disease, aggressive brushing, tooth position, grinding or other factors. Exposed root surfaces may also become more sensitive to temperature or touch.
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the recession. Our dentists can evaluate your gums and discuss whether periodontal treatment, changes in home care or referral to a specialist may be appropriate.
Periodontal Pockets
Healthy gums fit closely around the teeth. When periodontal disease progresses, spaces between the teeth and gums may deepen and form periodontal pockets.
These pockets can collect plaque and bacteria below the gumline, where routine brushing and flossing may not be enough to clean effectively.
During a periodontal evaluation, our team may measure the spaces around your teeth and use those measurements, along with other findings, to assess your gum health and determine the appropriate level of care.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a nonsurgical periodontal treatment sometimes referred to as a deep cleaning. It is used to remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline and clean the root surfaces of affected teeth. The procedure is often completed in sections of the mouth and may be performed using local anesthetic for comfort.
The goal of scaling and root planing is to reduce bacterial buildup below the gums and help create an environment where the gum tissues can heal and be maintained more effectively.
After treatment, our dentists will monitor how your gums respond and determine whether additional periodontal care is necessary.
Periodontal Maintenance
Periodontal maintenance is ongoing professional care for patients who have been treated for gum disease. These visits are different from routine preventive cleanings because they focus more closely on areas affected by periodontal disease and may include cleaning below the gumline, monitoring periodontal pockets and evaluating changes in the gums and supporting bone.
The recommended frequency of periodontal maintenance depends on your individual gum health and how your tissues respond to treatment. Some patients may need periodontal maintenance more often than routine preventive cleanings.
Supporting Gum Health at Home
Good home care plays an important role in managing periodontal disease and maintaining the results of professional treatment.
Our dentists and team may recommend:
- Brushing thoroughly twice a day
- Cleaning between the teeth with floss or other interdental aids
- Using an electric toothbrush when appropriate
- Using specific rinses or other products when recommended
- Avoiding tobacco use
- Keeping scheduled periodontal maintenance visits
Your dentists can recommend home-care techniques and products based on your specific needs.
When Is Referral to a Periodontist Appropriate?
A periodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease and the supporting structures around the teeth.
Referral to a periodontist may be appropriate when periodontal disease is more advanced, does not respond adequately to nonsurgical treatment or requires treatment beyond the scope of care provided at 7 Day Dental Smiles.
A referral may also be recommended for certain cases involving significant gum recession, advanced bone loss, complex periodontal surgery or other specialized periodontal needs.
If referral is recommended, our dentists will explain why and help coordinate the next step in your care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontal Care
Why do my gums bleed?
Bleeding gums are often associated with inflammation caused by plaque and tartar buildup, although other factors may also contribute. If your gums bleed frequently when brushing or flossing, our dentists can evaluate your gum health and determine whether treatment is needed.
What causes gum disease?
Gum disease commonly begins when plaque accumulates around the teeth and gumline. If plaque is not removed effectively, it can contribute to inflammation and periodontal disease. Individual health, oral hygiene habits, tobacco use and other risk factors may also affect gum health.
What is a deep cleaning?
A deep cleaning is another term commonly used for scaling and root planing. Unlike a routine dental cleaning, scaling and root planing removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and cleans the root surfaces of teeth affected by periodontal disease.
What is scaling and root planing?
Scaling and root planing is a nonsurgical periodontal treatment used to clean below the gumline. Scaling removes plaque and tartar deposits, while root planing smooths and cleans the affected root surfaces to support healthier gum tissue.
Can gum disease cause tooth loss?
Yes. Advanced periodontal disease can damage the gums and supporting bone around the teeth. If enough support is lost, teeth may become loose and may eventually be lost or require removal. Early diagnosis and ongoing periodontal care can help manage the condition.
How often do I need periodontal maintenance?
The appropriate maintenance schedule depends on the severity of your periodontal disease, your response to treatment and your individual risk factors. Some patients need periodontal maintenance more frequently than routine preventive cleanings. Our dentists will recommend a schedule based on your needs.
Protect Your Gum Health
Healthy gums are an important part of maintaining your smile and supporting your teeth. If you have bleeding gums, gum recession, periodontal pockets or other signs of gum disease, our team can evaluate your oral health and discuss appropriate treatment.
Call 208-773-8388 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Rheanna Burnham, Dr. Scott Lake, Dr. Wade Dinse, Dr. Stephen Gloudeman or Dr. Nora Svihl and learn more about periodontal care in Post Falls, Idaho.
