Gum Disease Treatment In Renton, WA

Gum disease treatment in Renton, WA, helps stop infection, protect bone support, and stabilize your smile. At Valley Smiles, patients receive clear guidance on causes, stages, and therapy options so they can make informed choices about periodontal care.

Periodontal Care Explained

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums and the bone that hold teeth in place. Plaque bacteria trigger inflammation. Early gingivitis causes red, swollen gums and bleeding when brushing or flossing. Without care, inflammation can progress to periodontitis, where gums pull away from teeth, pockets deepen, and bone is lost.

Common signs of gum disease include tender gums, bleeding, persistent bad breath, gum recession, tooth mobility, and changes in your bite. Early diagnosis and non-surgical periodontal therapy can prevent further damage and lower the risk of tooth loss.

Why Treat Gum Disease?

Treating periodontal disease is about more than fresher breath. It is a vital step to protect long-term oral health and comfort.

• Reduce Bleeding And Swelling By Removing Irritants From Below The Gumline.
• Preserve Bone Support And Help Prevent Tooth Loss.
• Improve Breath And Oral Comfort.
• Support Overall Health, As Research Links Periodontal Inflammation With Certain Systemic Conditions.
• Make Daily Home Care More Effective By Shrinking Pocket Depths.

The Gum Disease Treatment Process

Assessment And Diagnosis

Your visit typically includes periodontal charting (measuring pocket depths), a review of medical history, and dental imaging to evaluate bone levels. This step answers common questions such as “What is periodontal disease?” and helps plan precise care.

Initial Therapy: Scaling And Root Planing

Scaling and root planing, also known as deep cleaning, is the cornerstone of non-surgical periodontal therapy. After numbing the area for comfort, instruments remove calculus and bacteria from below the gumline, and root surfaces are smoothed to discourage bacterial re-attachment. This is how deep cleaning works to reduce pocket depths and inflammation.

Adjunctive Treatments

Depending on findings, dentists may recommend antimicrobial rinses, localized antibiotic medication placed into specific pockets, or irrigation. In select cases, laser-assisted therapy can be considered alongside standard care.

Re-Evaluation And Maintenance

Gums are rechecked about 4–8 weeks after deep cleaning. Many patients then follow a periodontal maintenance schedule every 3–4 months to control bacteria and monitor healing. This ongoing care supports the benefits of scaling and root planing and helps maintain stable gums.

When Surgery Is Considered

If deep pockets and bone loss persist, surgical options may be discussed. These can include pocket reduction procedures, regenerative treatments to encourage bone support, or soft tissue grafting for recession. The choice depends on disease severity, anatomy, and overall health.

Your Gum Disease Experience

Before treatment, share medications, especially blood thinners, and discuss any health concerns. Most deep cleanings are completed with local anesthesia for comfort. You may feel pressure and vibration, but pain is usually minimal.

After treatment, expect mild tenderness for a day or two. Eat soft foods, avoid smoking, and use a warm saltwater rinse as directed. Improve home care by brushing twice daily with a soft brush, cleaning between teeth with floss or interdental brushes, and considering a water flosser if recommended. Consistent home care is essential to control plaque and support healing.

Long-term success depends on daily hygiene and consistent periodontal maintenance visits. With timely care, many patients stabilize gum health and reduce the risk of future tooth loss.