At Avenue Dental Group in Spokane, WA, our doctors provide comprehensive periodontal care focused on protecting the foundation of your smile: your gums and supporting bone. Healthy gums are essential not only for keeping your natural teeth strong, but also for the long-term success of crowns, implants, and other restorations.
Periodontal (gum) disease is common, often painless in its early stages, and highly treatable when caught early. Our goal is to prevent disease whenever possible and provide effective, personalized treatment when it’s needed, helping you maintain a healthy, confident smile for life.
Understanding Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease develops in stages, including:
- Gingivitis: The earliest stage, marked by red, swollen, or bleeding gums. Gingivitis is reversible with proper care.
- Periodontitis: A more advanced stage where infection causes gum recession and bone loss around the teeth. Without treatment, teeth can loosen or be lost.
Because periodontal disease is linked to conditions like heart disease and diabetes, treating it is important for your overall health—not just your smile.
Comprehensive gum treatments at Avenue Dental Group include:
Periodontal Exams & Evaluations
A periodontal exam is a critical part of your routine dental care. During this evaluation, our doctors carefully assess the health of your gums and the bone that supports your teeth. This includes:
- Measuring gum pocket depths around each tooth
- Checking for bleeding, inflammation, and gum recession
- Evaluating bone levels using digital X-rays when needed
- Identifying signs of infection or early periodontal disease
These exams allow us to detect gum disease early—often before you notice symptoms—and recommend the most appropriate level of care to protect your oral and overall health.
Periodontal Cleanings (Deep Cleanings)
When gum disease is present, a standard dental cleaning may not be enough. Periodontal cleanings, also known as scaling and root planing, are designed to remove plaque and hardened tartar from below the gum line, where bacteria cause infection.
This periodontal deep-cleaning process:
- Removes bacteria from deep periodontal pockets
- Smooths root surfaces to help gums reattach to the teeth
- Reduces inflammation, bleeding, and infection
- Helps stop disease progression and bone loss
Periodontal cleanings are typically performed with a local anesthetic for comfort and may be completed over multiple visits, depending on severity.
Gingivectomy
A gingivectomy is a specialized procedure used to remove excess or diseased gum tissue. At Avenue Dental Group, this treatment may be recommended for both functional and cosmetic reasons.
In advanced cases, deep gum pockets can trap bacteria and make proper cleaning impossible. A gingivectomy removes infected tissue and reshapes the gums, allowing for easier hygiene and healthier gum attachment.
Cosmetic Gum Contouring
Gingivectomies can also be used to improve a "gummy smile", by carefully reshaping the gum line. This reveals more of the natural tooth surface and creates a more balanced, aesthetically pleasing smile.
When appropriate, we use advanced techniques, including laser technology, to promote comfort, precision, and faster healing.
Signs You May Need Periodontal Care
You may benefit from a periodontal evaluation if you experience:
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Gum recession or teeth appearing longer
- Loose teeth or changes in your bite
Protect the Foundation of Your Smile
Healthy gums are essential for lifelong oral health. If you’re noticing signs of gum disease, or if it’s been a while since your last periodontal evaluation, contact Avenue Dental Group today to protect your smile and schedule a comprehensive periodontal exam with Dr. Virk or Dr. Liedtka.
