Periodontal Disease TreatmentIn Shelton
At Waypoint Periodontics, our team takes a thoughtful, biology-driven approach to treating periodontal disease that focuses on preserving what is healthy and protecting your smile for the long term.
Understanding gum disease
What is periodontal disease treatment?
Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the gums and the bone supporting the teeth. Left untreated, it can lead to gum recession, bone loss, tooth mobility, and eventually tooth loss. The good news is that with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, it can often be stabilized and managed effectively. At Waypoint Periodontics, our team offers a full range of periodontal treatments, from non-surgical options like scaling and root planing to more advanced procedures including LANAP laser therapy and osseous surgery, so that each patient receives the level of care that is right for their specific situation. Her approach is rooted in minimally invasive techniques and genuine respect for your biology, always prioritizing preservation over removal whenever it is clinically sound to do so. No two cases are the same, and our team will take the time to evaluate your condition carefully and explain your options in plain, honest language before any treatment begins.
Set yourself up for thriving oral wellness
Treating periodontal disease is about far more than saving your teeth. Addressing gum disease early protects your overall health, preserves your bone and tissue, and sets the foundation for a stable, healthy mouth for years to come.
Stop the progression before it advances
Periodontal disease is a progressive condition, meaning it will continue to worsen without treatment. Addressing it early gives our team the best opportunity to stabilize your condition and prevent further bone loss, recession, or tooth mobility.
Preserve your natural teeth
One of the most meaningful outcomes of effective periodontal treatment is keeping your natural teeth. Our biology-driven approach is focused on protecting the tissue and bone that support your teeth, so you can hold onto them for as long as possible.
Support your overall health
Research continues to link periodontal disease to systemic health conditions including heart disease and diabetes. Treating gum disease is not just an investment in your oral health, it is an investment in your overall wellbeing.
Scaling and root planing
Scaling and root planing is the foundational non-surgical treatment for periodontal disease. It involves a thorough deep cleaning of the tooth surfaces and roots below the gumline to remove bacterial plaque and calculus that have built up in the periodontal pockets. By cleaning and smoothing the root surfaces, the procedure helps the gum tissue heal and reattach more firmly to the tooth. At Waypoint Periodontics, scaling and root planing is performed with precision and care, using gentle technique and local anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout. For many patients, especially those with early to moderate periodontitis, this non-surgical approach can be highly effective at stabilizing disease and reducing pocket depth. We will evaluate your response to treatment over time and recommend next steps based on how your gums are healing.
LANAP laser therapy
LANAP, which stands for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure, is a minimally invasive, FDA-cleared treatment for periodontal disease that uses a specialized laser to target and remove diseased tissue while leaving healthy tissue completely intact. Dr. Lav is LANAP certified and considers this one of her favorite procedures to perform, specifically because of how much tissue can be preserved while still achieving meaningful disease stabilization. The PerioLase laser selectively eliminates the bacteria and infected tissue lining the periodontal pocket without the need for cutting or sutures, which translates to less discomfort, less bleeding, and a faster recovery compared to traditional surgery in many cases. It also stimulates the regeneration of healthy bone and tissue, giving patients the opportunity for genuine biological healing rather than just disease management. LANAP is a strong option for patients who want effective treatment with a gentler experience, and we will help you determine whether it is the right choice for your case.
Osseous surgery (gum flap surgery)
For patients with more advanced periodontal disease, osseous surgery, also called gum flap surgery, may be the most appropriate treatment to achieve long-term stability. During this procedure, our team gently folds back the gum tissue to gain direct access to the roots and underlying bone, allowing her to remove bacteria, smooth irregular bone surfaces, and reduce the depth of periodontal pockets more thoroughly than non-surgical approaches can achieve. While our preference is always to use the least invasive approach that will deliver a predictable result, we recognize that osseous surgery is sometimes the most clinically sound path forward for patients with significant bone loss or deep pocketing. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and sedation options are available for patients who would like additional comfort. We will always walk you through why a particular treatment is being recommended and what you can expect during recovery.
Bone regeneration
In some cases of periodontal disease, bone loss can occur around the teeth. If the bone defects are not too severe, bone regeneration may be a viable option. We can perform bone grafting to regenerate or regrow bone, helping to restore the natural structure of the jawbone. This process involves placing grafting material into the affected area, which encourages the growth of new bone tissue. By regenerating bone, this procedure not only supports the stability of existing teeth but also improves the overall foundation for future dental restorations. Bone regeneration plays a crucial role in enhancing long-term oral health and ensuring the success of future treatments.
Periodontal maintenance
Successfully treating periodontal disease is the first step. Keeping it stable over time requires consistent, ongoing care. Periodontal maintenance visits at Waypoint Periodontics are more comprehensive than a standard dental cleaning, involving careful monitoring of pocket depths, bone levels, and gum tissue health, as well as thorough cleaning of the areas most vulnerable to disease recurrence. Our team uses these appointments to track your progress, catch any early signs of reactivation, and adjust your care plan if needed. Most patients on a periodontal maintenance schedule return every three to four months, depending on the severity of their history and how their gums have responded to treatment. Staying consistent with maintenance visits is one of the most important things you can do to protect your long-term results.
The periodontal disease treatment process
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Compassionate care before and after your surgery
From personalized preparation to recovery guidance, our dedicated team ensures you feel informed, comfortable, and cared for throughout your entire journey.
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Frequently asked questions
Find straightforward answers to the questions we hear most often about periodontal disease and its treatment.
Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the gums and the bone that support your teeth. It begins with bacterial buildup along and below the gumline that triggers inflammation in the surrounding tissue. Over time, if left untreated, it can progress to cause gum recession, bone loss, tooth mobility, and eventually tooth loss. The encouraging news is that with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, periodontal disease can often be stabilized and managed effectively, especially when followed by consistent maintenance care.
Patient comfort is a priority at Waypoint Periodontics. Most treatments are performed with local anesthesia, and gentle, minimally invasive techniques are used whenever possible. Sedation options including nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation are also available for patients who feel anxious about treatment. Many patients are genuinely surprised by how comfortable the experience actually is, and we will always talk through your options to make sure you feel at ease before any procedure begins.
Periodontal disease is a progressive condition that will continue to worsen without treatment. As it advances, it can lead to increasing bone loss, deepening gum pockets, tooth mobility, and ultimately tooth loss. Beyond oral health, untreated periodontal disease has also been linked to systemic health concerns including cardiovascular disease and complications with blood sugar management. Early intervention gives our team the best opportunity to stabilize your condition and preserve your teeth and supporting structures for the long term.
Still Have Questions?
We are happy to talk through anything that is on your mind. Give us a call to get more information or to schedule your consultation.