Treatment

Periodontal treatment methods depend upon the type and severity of the disease.  Your dentist and dental hygienist will evaluate for periodontal disease and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Periodontal disease progresses as the sulcus (pocket or space) between the tooth and gums gets filled with bacteria, plaque, and tartar, causing irritation to the surrounding tissues.  When these irritants remain in the pocket space, they can cause damage to the gums and eventually, the bone that supports the teeth!

If the disease is caught in the early stages of gingivitis, and no damage has been done, one to two regular cleanings will be recommended.  You will also be given instructions on improving your daily oral hygiene habits and having regular dental cleanings.

If the disease has progressed to more advanced stages, a special periodontal cleaning called scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) will be recommended.  It is usually done one quadrant of the mouth at a time while the area is numb.  In this procedure, tartar, plaque, and toxins are removed from above and below the gum line (scaling) and rough spots on root surfaces are made smooth (planing).  This procedure helps gum tissue to heal and pockets to shrink.  Medications, special medicated mouth rinses, and an electric tooth brush may be recommended to help control infection and healing.

If the pockets do not heal after scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery may be needed to reduce pocket depths, making teeth easier to clean.  Your dentist may also recommend that you see a Periodontist (specialist of the gums and supporting bone).

Testimonials.

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Testimonials

Anyone who hates going to the dentist ~ keep reading please. For me ANY dental work and/or getting my teeth cleaned is followed by 10 to 15 days of jaw pain due to TMJ on both sides. The jaw pain is far worse than any of the many root canals, posts inserted or any other things done. I'll put up with a lot of root canal pain before going to the dentist. So you'll know I'm serious when I say that I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Bryan Johnson and the entire staff at Lewis River Dental: Schedule Coordinators, Insurance Coordinators, Registered Dental Hygienists, Dental Assistants, and Administrative Assistant! The staff has gone above and beyond to accommodate me. Dr. Bryan Johnson has been professionally exceptional in understanding, discussing, and performing superb dental work. We are fortunate to have Lewis River Dental in Woodland and La Center.

Teresa M.

I adore the entire staff at Lewis River Dental! We are always greeted by first name with a smile the moment we walk through the door of their very clean, family friendly, professional offices. Dr. Seal provides fantastic dental care and thorough informative detail to any dental concerns you bring to him.

Janelle

I have anxiety about dental visits and so hadn't been to a dentist in several years. I had my first appointment at this clinic and it went very well. Everyone was very kind, professional and non-judgemental. I'm happy to say my anxiety is greatly reduced. This is the best clinic I've ever been to!

Lisa P.

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