Periodontics

Periodontics can help preserve your teeth if you’re one of the more than 45% of American adults with gum disease. At Newport Dental in Bellevue, Washington, general and family dentists Sarah Park, DDS, David Rubinov, DDS, and the team offer a full suite of periodontal services, including scaling and root planing, antibiotic therapy, and flap surgery. Call the office today to request a periodontal consultation or book online.

What is periodontics?

Periodontics is a dental subspecialty that diagnoses and treats gum disease. At Newport Dental, the team treats both types of gum disease, including:

Gingivitis 

Gingivitis occurs when plaque –– a mixture of food particles, saliva, and bacteria –– collects on your teeth and beneath your gums. If you don’t regularly brush and floss, plaque hardens into tartar, causing your gums to become red and irritated.

Periodontitis

Gingivitis progresses to periodontitis (a more serious infection) without treatment. Periodontitis causes your gums to recede or pull away from your teeth and form pockets. Plaque collects in these pockets, increasing the risk of cavities and other oral health problems.

Who can benefit from periodontics?

You might be a candidate for periodontics if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Swollen or puffy gums
• Tender or sensitive gums
• Gums that bleed easily
• Bad breath
• Gums that are bright red or purple

You should also seek treatment for gum disease if you notice pus between your teeth and/or gums.

What happens during a periodontal visit?

At Newport Dental, a periodontal visit begins with a review of your dental records, a discussion of your symptoms, and an oral exam. Your provider also takes digital X-rays to get a closer look at your tooth roots, jaw, and alveolar bone (the bone that anchors your teeth). If your provider determines that you have gum disease, they make custom treatment recommendations.

What services does periodontics provide?

At Newport Dental, the team offers various periodontal services, including:

Scaling and root planing

Scaling and root planing is an outpatient procedure that removes plaque from the surfaces of your teeth and beneath your gums. Removing plaque and tartar prevents recession and helps your gums reattach to your teeth.

Antibiotic therapy

If you have severe gum disease, the team might prescribe antibiotic therapy. Antibiotic therapy uses implantable antibiotic beads or oral antibiotics to eliminate the harmful bacteria inside your mouth. Stopping the infection can prevent potentially adverse outcomes and ensure good oral health.

Flap surgery

If you have large pockets around your teeth because of gum recession, the team might recommend flap surgery. During flap surgery, your provider uses special tools to remove a small piece of tissue from the roof of your mouth. They stitch the tissue over the receding tissue, restoring your gum line to its near-original condition.

Call Newport Dental to learn more about the benefits of periodontics today, or click the online booking feature.