Gum Disease Treatment in Hillsboro, OR

Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. At East Wind Dental Care in Hillsboro, Oregon, Dr. Merat Ostovar and our skilled team provide comprehensive gum disease treatment to restore your oral health, protect your teeth, and prevent serious complications. Whether you’re experiencing early-stage gingivitis or advanced periodontitis, we offer effective, personalized treatment solutions to help you achieve and maintain optimal gum health.

Gum disease affects millions of Americans and is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. The good news is that with early detection and proper treatment, gum disease can be controlled and even reversed. Our advanced diagnostic tools and proven treatment methods make it possible to restore your gums to health and preserve your natural teeth for a lifetime.

Understanding Gum Disease

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. It begins when bacteria in plaque build up along and under the gum line, causing inflammation and infection. If left untreated, gum disease progressively destroys the soft tissue and bone that hold your teeth in place, eventually leading to tooth loss.

The disease typically develops in stages, starting with gingivitis and potentially progressing to more severe forms of periodontitis. Understanding these stages helps us develop the most effective treatment approach for your specific situation.

Gingivitis: Early-Stage Gum Disease

Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease and affects only the gums, not the supporting bone. At this stage, gums become red, swollen, and may bleed easily during brushing or flossing. The good news is that gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and improved home care.

Many people with gingivitis experience no discomfort, which is why regular dental exams are so important for early detection. When caught early, gingivitis can typically be resolved through professional teeth cleaning and improved oral hygiene practices at home.

Periodontitis: Advanced Gum Disease

If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, where the infection spreads below the gum line and begins destroying the supporting bone and connective tissue. As the disease advances, gums pull away from teeth, forming pockets that become infected. The body’s immune response to this chronic infection, combined with bacterial toxins, breaks down the bone and tissue.

In advanced stages, teeth may become loose and may need to be extracted. Periodontitis requires more aggressive treatment than gingivitis, including deep cleaning procedures and sometimes surgical intervention.

Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease

Recognizing the warning signs of gum disease is crucial for seeking timely treatment. Contact East Wind Dental Care if you experience any of these symptoms:

Bleeding Gums: While occasional bleeding might seem minor, healthy gums shouldn’t bleed during brushing, flossing, or eating. Persistent bleeding is one of the earliest and most common signs of gum disease.

Red, Swollen, or Tender Gums: Healthy gums are firm and pale pink. If your gums appear red, swollen, or feel tender to the touch, it indicates inflammation and infection.

Persistent Bad Breath: Chronic bad breath or a persistent bad taste in your mouth can result from the bacteria associated with gum disease. If improved oral hygiene doesn’t resolve the issue, gum disease may be the culprit.

Receding Gums: When gums pull away from teeth, your teeth may appear longer than normal. Gum recession exposes tooth roots, leading to sensitivity and increasing the risk of decay and bone loss.

Loose or Shifting Teeth: As gum disease destroys the supporting bone, teeth may feel loose or shift position. This is a sign of advanced disease requiring immediate attention.

Pockets Between Teeth and Gums: Deep spaces between your teeth and gums indicate that the tissue has pulled away and the supporting structures are being destroyed.

Pus or Discharge: Any pus or discharge from the gums indicates active infection and requires immediate professional treatment.

Changes in Bite: If your teeth fit together differently when you bite, or if partial dentures no longer fit properly, it may indicate bone loss from advanced gum disease.

Causes and Risk Factors

Understanding what causes gum disease and what factors increase your risk helps you take preventive measures and make informed treatment decisions.

Primary Cause: Bacterial Plaque

The primary cause of gum disease is the buildup of bacterial plaque on teeth and gums. When plaque isn’t removed through proper brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by professional cleaning. The bacteria in plaque and tartar produce toxins that irritate and inflame gum tissue.

Risk Factors

Several factors increase your risk of developing gum disease:

Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing allows plaque and tartar to accumulate, creating an environment where harmful bacteria thrive.

Tobacco Use: Smoking and using other tobacco products significantly increase gum disease risk and reduce treatment success rates. Tobacco use interferes with healing and makes it harder for gums to repair themselves.

Genetics: Some people are genetically more susceptible to gum disease, even with good oral hygiene practices. If gum disease runs in your family, extra vigilance and more frequent professional cleanings may be necessary.

Diabetes: People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing infections, including gum disease. Additionally, gum disease can make it harder to control blood sugar levels, creating a harmful cycle.

Medications: Certain medications reduce saliva flow, which protects against bacteria. Others cause abnormal gum tissue growth, making it harder to keep gums clean.

Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones during pregnancy, monthly menstruation, menopause, or while taking birth control can make gums more sensitive and susceptible to infection.

Poor Nutrition: A diet lacking in important nutrients, especially vitamin C, can compromise your immune system’s ability to fight infection, including gum disease.

Chronic Stress: Stress weakens the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight infections, including periodontal disease.

Other Diseases: Conditions that affect the immune system, such as HIV/AIDS and cancer, increase susceptibility to gum disease.

Comprehensive Gum Disease Treatment Options

At East Wind Dental Care, we customize treatment plans based on the severity of your gum disease and your individual needs. Our goal is to eliminate infection, prevent further damage, and restore your gums to optimal health.

Professional Dental Cleaning

For patients with gingivitis or very early-stage gum disease, professional cleaning may be all that’s needed. During your cleaning appointment, our skilled dental hygienist removes plaque and tartar from above the gum line and polishes your teeth. Combined with improved home care, this is often sufficient to reverse gingivitis and restore gum health.

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure that treats gum disease below the gum line. Also known as periodontal therapy, this non-surgical treatment is typically the first approach for treating periodontitis.

During scaling, Dr. Ostovar or our dental hygienist carefully removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line, cleaning the deep pockets that have formed between your teeth and gums. Root planing smooths the root surfaces, removing bacterial toxins and creating a clean surface that allows gums to reattach to teeth.

We use advanced ultrasonic instruments that make the procedure more comfortable and efficient. Local anesthesia ensures you remain comfortable throughout the treatment. Depending on the extent of your gum disease, the procedure may be completed in one appointment or divided into multiple sessions, treating one section of your mouth at a time.

Antibiotic Therapy

In some cases, Dr. Ostovar may prescribe antibiotics to help control bacterial infection. These may be used in conjunction with scaling and root planing to enhance treatment effectiveness. Antibiotics can be administered orally or placed directly into periodontal pockets as a gel, chip, or microsphere that releases medication over time.

Laser Therapy

East Wind Dental Care utilizes advanced dental laser technology for certain gum disease treatments. Laser therapy can remove diseased tissue and bacteria from periodontal pockets while promoting healing and tissue regeneration. This modern approach often results in less discomfort, reduced bleeding, and faster recovery compared to traditional methods.

Periodontal Maintenance

After your initial gum disease treatment, ongoing periodontal maintenance is essential to prevent recurrence and maintain your results. Maintenance appointments typically occur every three to four months rather than the standard six-month interval for patients without gum disease.

During these appointments, we carefully clean your teeth, measure pocket depths, assess your gum health, and make recommendations to keep your gums healthy. This proactive approach helps us catch any problems early and adjust your treatment as needed.

Surgical Treatments for Advanced Disease

In cases of advanced periodontitis where non-surgical treatments aren’t sufficient, surgical options may be necessary:

Flap Surgery: This procedure involves lifting back the gums to remove tartar deposits in deep pockets. The gums are then sutured back in place so the tissue fits snugly around the teeth, reducing pocket depth and making it easier to keep the area clean.

Bone and Tissue Grafts: When gum disease has destroyed bone or soft tissue, grafting procedures can help regenerate lost tissue and restore support for your teeth. These procedures may also prepare the area for dental implants if tooth loss has occurred.

Tissue Regeneration: Guided tissue regeneration uses special membranes to encourage your body to regenerate bone and tissue that were destroyed by gum disease.

The Connection Between Gum Disease and Overall Health

Research has established strong links between gum disease and various systemic health conditions. Treating gum disease isn’t just about saving your teeth; it’s about protecting your overall health and well-being.

Cardiovascular Disease

Studies show that people with gum disease have a higher risk of heart disease and stroke. The inflammation and bacteria associated with periodontal disease may contribute to clogged arteries, blood clots, and other cardiovascular problems.

Diabetes

The relationship between gum disease and diabetes is bidirectional. People with diabetes are more susceptible to gum disease, and gum disease makes it harder to control blood sugar levels. Treating gum disease can improve glycemic control in diabetic patients.

Respiratory Conditions

Bacteria from periodontal disease can be inhaled into the lungs, potentially causing respiratory infections, pneumonia, and worsening chronic conditions like COPD.

Pregnancy Complications

Pregnant women with gum disease have a higher risk of premature birth and low birth weight babies. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can exacerbate existing gum problems, making preventive care especially important.

Other Health Connections

Emerging research suggests possible links between gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis, certain cancers, Alzheimer’s disease, and other conditions. While more research is needed to fully understand these connections, they underscore the importance of maintaining healthy gums.

Advanced Technology for Better Treatment

East Wind Dental Care invests in cutting-edge technology that enhances our ability to diagnose and treat gum disease effectively. Our digital X-rays provide detailed images of bone levels and help us identify areas of concern with minimal radiation exposure.

We use specialized periodontal probes to measure pocket depths precisely and track changes over time. Our ultrasonic scaling instruments remove plaque and tartar efficiently while being gentler on your gums than traditional hand instruments.

These technological advances allow us to provide more accurate diagnoses, more comfortable treatments, and better long-term outcomes for our patients.

Preventing Gum Disease

While we excel at treating gum disease, our ultimate goal is to help you prevent it altogether. Here’s how you can protect your gums:

Brush Twice Daily: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush for two minutes twice a day. Pay special attention to the gum line where plaque accumulates.

Floss Daily: Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between teeth and below the gum line where your toothbrush can’t reach. Make it a daily habit for optimal gum health.

Regular Professional Cleanings: Professional preventive care removes plaque and tartar that you can’t eliminate at home. Most patients need cleanings every six months, though some may benefit from more frequent appointments.

Don’t Smoke: If you use tobacco products, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your gum health and overall well-being.

Eat a Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports your immune system and helps your body fight infection.

Manage Stress: Find healthy ways to manage stress, which can weaken your immune system and increase inflammation throughout your body.

Control Chronic Conditions: If you have diabetes or other chronic health conditions, work with your healthcare providers to manage them effectively.

Why Choose East Wind Dental Care for Gum Disease Treatment

When it comes to treating gum disease, experience and expertise matter. Here’s why patients throughout Hillsboro, Beaverton, Aloha, Tanasbourne, and Orenco Station trust East Wind Dental Care:

Experienced Periodontal Care

Dr. Merat Ostovar has extensive training and experience in treating gum disease at all stages. He stays current with the latest advances in periodontal therapy to provide the most effective treatments available.

Comprehensive Approach

We don’t just treat symptoms; we address the underlying causes of gum disease and develop comprehensive treatment plans that promote long-term oral health. Our team works closely with you to understand your risk factors and develop strategies to prevent recurrence.

Gentle, Comfortable Treatment

We understand that many patients feel anxious about gum disease treatment. Our gentle approach and sedation dentistry options ensure your comfort throughout the treatment process.

Advanced Technology

Our investment in modern technology allows us to provide more precise diagnoses, more effective treatments, and better outcomes for our patients.

Patient Education

We believe informed patients make better decisions about their health. Dr. Ostovar takes time to explain your condition, treatment options, and prevention strategies in clear, understandable terms.

Convenient Location

Our Hillsboro office at 7546 NE Shaleen St offers easy access and flexible scheduling to accommodate your busy lifestyle.

Cost and Insurance Information

The cost of gum disease treatment varies depending on the severity of your condition and the specific treatments needed. During your consultation, we’ll provide a detailed cost estimate and discuss your payment options.

Most dental insurance plans cover a portion of gum disease treatment, especially when it’s medically necessary. Our knowledgeable team will verify your benefits, maximize your insurance coverage, and help you understand your out-of-pocket expenses.

We offer flexible payment plans for patients without insurance or those who need help managing their portion of the costs. Don’t let cost concerns prevent you from getting the treatment you need; we’ll work with you to find a solution that fits your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gum Disease Treatment

Is gum disease treatment painful?

We use local anesthesia to ensure you’re comfortable during treatment. While you may experience some sensitivity or discomfort after the anesthesia wears off, most patients report that it’s much more manageable than they expected. Any discomfort typically resolves within a few days.

How long does gum disease treatment take?

Treatment duration varies based on the severity of your condition. Scaling and root planing may be completed in one to four appointments, depending on how much of your mouth requires treatment. Improvement typically begins within a few weeks, though complete healing takes longer.

Can gum disease be cured?

Gingivitis can be completely reversed with proper treatment and good home care. Advanced periodontitis cannot be cured, but it can be controlled and prevented from progressing. With proper treatment and maintenance, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy for life.

Will I lose my teeth?

When caught early and treated appropriately, most people with gum disease can keep their natural teeth. However, advanced gum disease can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. This is why early detection and treatment are so important.

How often will I need cleanings after treatment?

Most patients with a history of gum disease need professional cleanings every three to four months to maintain their results and prevent recurrence. Dr. Ostovar will recommend a maintenance schedule based on your individual needs.

Does gum disease treatment prevent other health problems?

While more research is needed, treating gum disease may reduce your risk of certain systemic health conditions. At minimum, controlling oral inflammation and infection supports your overall health and well-being.

What happens if I don’t treat my gum disease?

Untreated gum disease progressively worsens, destroying more bone and tissue over time. This ultimately leads to tooth loss and may contribute to other health problems. Early treatment is always easier, more effective, and less expensive than waiting until the disease advances.

Can children get gum disease?

While severe gum disease is rare in children, they can develop gingivitis. Pediatric dentistry focuses on preventing gum disease through good oral hygiene habits and regular professional care.

Take the First Step Toward Healthier Gums

Don’t ignore the warning signs of gum disease. The sooner you seek treatment, the better your outcomes will be. At East Wind Dental Care, Dr. Merat Ostovar and our caring team are ready to help you restore your gum health and protect your smile for years to come.

If you’re experiencing bleeding gums, bad breath, or any other signs of gum disease, call our Hillsboro office today at (503) 614-0198 to schedule your comprehensive periodontal evaluation. We serve patients from throughout the area, including Beaverton, Aloha, Tanasbourne, and Orenco Station.

Located at 7546 NE Shaleen St, Hillsboro, OR 97124, our modern, welcoming office provides a comfortable environment for your care. We offer flexible scheduling and work with most insurance plans to make your treatment affordable and convenient.

Your gums are the foundation of your oral health. Let us help you build a strong foundation for a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles. Whether you need treatment for existing gum disease or want to learn how to prevent it, we’re here to provide the expert, compassionate care you deserve. Contact us today and take the first step toward optimal gum health.