509-327-8681The Mouth Should Be Healthy With No Bone Or Gum Problems
Do you suffer from periodontal disease? Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a permanent degenerative disease that targets gum tissue. Dr. Nicolas Gallegos offers treatments to help stall the progression of the disease and maintain your oral health. See what we provide below and contact our dental office at 509-327-8681 to learn more about periodontics in Spokane, Washington, and schedule an appointment with our dentist.
Periodontics focuses on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease and other conditions that affect the gums and soft tissues of the mouth. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection caused by bacteria in plaque. When plaque builds up on the teeth, the bacteria irritate and inflame the gum tissues. If this condition is not treated in the early stage, called gingivitis, it can develop into periodontitis, which is the more advanced stage of gum disease. Gingivitis is characterized by red, tender, bleeding and swollen gums; periodontitis additionally involves gum recession and can eventually lead to bone loss and tooth loss. Gingivitis can usually be controlled, and even reversed, with professional cleanings and improved at-home oral care if the condition is diagnosed and treated early. Periodontitis, on the other hand, generally requires more involved, frequent treatment. We are pleased to provide high-quality treatment for gum disease at our office to return your smile to good health. We welcome you to contact us today; our dentist and team look forward to caring for you!
Our Periodontal Dentistry Services Include
Procedure involving removal of dental plaque and calculus and then smoothing of the surface, removing dentine that is impregnated with microorganisms that cause inflammation.
Learn MoreInvolves a cleaning that is deeper than a normal cleaning because periodontal “pockets” have formed in the spaces between the teeth and gums, where plaque and tartar form.
Learn MorePeriodontal Disease
and Your Health
We believe strongly that your smile not only gives you confidence, but is an indicator of overall health. We love our patients and want the best for them, so when we come across cases of periodontal disease, we want to make sure you address it before it worsens. Periodontal disease is more than just inflamed gums, it can truly affect your overall health.
Researchers have discovered oral bacterium enters the bloodstream and attaches to fatty plaques, leading to clots in the heart’s blood vessels, heart disease and stroke. Studies show specific oral bacteria can also be easily drawn into the lower respiratory tract, then colonize in the lungs through inhalation of fine droplets from the mouth associated to pneumonia, COPD and bronchitis. Expectant mothers have an increased risk of developing gingivitis and periodontal disease due to hormonal changes which have been linked to preeclampsia, low birth weight and premature birth. Lastly, diabetic patients are more likely to develop periodontal disease because they are more susceptible to develop infections than non-diabetes sufferers.
In most cases, periodontal disease can be prevented with regular cleanings and proper home care. The dentist is able to conduct deep cleaning treatments such as scaling and root planing to remove hardened calculus deposits from the gum pockets. An antibiotic may be prescribed to ensure that the bacterium is destroyed and the periodontal infection does not spread. Depending on how severe your gum disease is, we may refer you to a periodontist who can assess the exact condition of the teeth, gums and jawbone and recommend treatment based on your individual needs.