Periodontics In Renton, WA
Periodontics in Renton, WA, focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating conditions that affect the gums and bone around teeth. At Valley Smiles, patients receive evidence-based care that helps control infection, protect oral health, and preserve natural teeth whenever possible.
Periodontics services we provide:
Periodontics Explained
Periodontics is the branch of dentistry dedicated to the structures that support your teeth, including gums, bone, and ligaments. When bacteria accumulate along and under the gumline, inflammation can lead to gingivitis and, if not managed, periodontal disease. Periodontal disease causes the gums to detach from teeth and can lead to bone loss and tooth mobility. Common signs include red or swollen gums, bleeding when brushing or flossing, persistent bad breath, and gum recession.
Early detection and treatment are important because gum infection rarely improves on its own. Professional care targets the source of inflammation, reduces harmful bacteria, and creates conditions that allow tissues to heal. Care may include scaling and root planing, periodontal maintenance, localized antibiotics, and, when needed, surgical procedures to reshape or regenerate supporting tissues.
How Periodontal Care Helps Your Oral Health
- It Reduces Bleeding, Swelling, And Tenderness By Removing Bacterial Deposits Below The Gumline.
- It Helps Prevent Tooth Loss By Limiting Bone Loss And Deepening Pockets.
- It Improves Breath And Gum Appearance By Controlling Infection And Inflammation.
- It Supports Long-Term Stability For Restorations And Dental Implants.
- It Can Lower The Risk Of Gum Infection Flares That Affect Comfort And Chewing.
How Treatment Works
Assessment And Diagnosis
A periodontal evaluation includes a review of medical and dental history, periodontal charting to measure pocket depths, and dental imaging to assess bone levels. This information guides a customized plan for gum disease treatment.
Non-Surgical Therapies
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning that removes plaque and tartar from below the gums and smooths root surfaces to discourage bacterial buildup. Local anesthetic keeps the procedure comfortable. Antimicrobial rinses or localized antibiotics may be recommended to reduce bacterial load in specific areas. A re-evaluation follows to measure healing and determine next steps.
Periodontal Maintenance
After active therapy, periodontal maintenance visits every three to four months help control plaque in areas that are prone to deeper pockets. These visits are different from standard cleanings and are essential for long-term stability.
Surgical Options When Needed
When pockets remain deep or bone loss is advanced, surgical care may be recommended. Options can include flap surgery to access and clean deep areas, reshaping of bone to reduce trap zones, regeneration procedures when indicated, and soft tissue grafting to address gum recession and protect exposed roots.
Your Periodontal Care Experience
Most patients begin with non-surgical care. Numbing keeps visits comfortable, and mild soreness or sensitivity usually resolves within a few days. Good daily home care supports healing. Effective habits include gentle brushing with a soft brush, cleaning between teeth with floss or interdental brushes, and using recommended antimicrobial rinses if prescribed. Tobacco use slows healing, so avoiding smoking improves outcomes.
Follow-up is part of every plan. Re-checks monitor pocket depths, bleeding points, and home care effectiveness. If areas do not respond as expected, additional focused treatment may be advised. Many patients maintain excellent results with consistent home care and regular periodontal maintenance.
Who Can Benefit From Periodontics?
- People With Bleeding Gums, Gum Tenderness, Or Bad Breath That Does Not Improve With Brushing And Flossing.
- Individuals Noticing Gum Recession Or Teeth That Look Longer.
- Patients With Loose Teeth Or Changes In How Teeth Fit Together When Biting.
- People With A History Of Gum Disease Or Risk Factors Such As Smoking Or Diabetes.
- Patients With Dental Implants Who Need Ongoing Monitoring To Prevent Peri-Implantitis.
What To Expect Over Time
Gum tissues can tighten and become less inflamed after therapy, though lost gum and bone do not regrow without specific regenerative procedures. Recession can often be improved with grafting. Many patients see bleeding decrease within weeks and experience smoother, cleaner root surfaces. Long-term success depends on daily plaque control and scheduled maintenance visits.