Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common condition that can lead to serious oral health issues if left untreated. At Radiance Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we prioritize your gum health as an essential component of your overall well-being. Our comprehensive periodontal therapy services are designed to treat and prevent gum disease, ensuring your gums and bones stay healthy and strong.
Periodontal therapy is vital for managing gum disease and preventing further damage. We offer a range of treatments to address various stages of gum disease, helping you achieve optimal oral health.
Am I Struggling with Gum Disease?
Recognizing the symptoms of gum disease early can help prevent its progression. Common signs of gum disease include:
- Bleeding gums, especially during brushing or flossing
- Inflammation or tenderness in the gum tissue
- Persistent bad breath that doesn’t improve with brushing or mouthwash
- Receding gums that are pulling away from the teeth
- Teeth that feel loose or shifting position
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an appointment at Radiance Family & Cosmetic Dentistry for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.
The Benefits of Receiving Periodontal Therapy
Our periodontal therapy can greatly improve your quality of life if your smile is affected by gum disease or infection. Periodontal therapy from Radiance Family & Cosmetic Dentistry helps to:
- Prevent Tooth Loss: Treating gum disease helps prevent tooth loss caused by damage to the tooth root and surrounding gums.
- Reduce Inflammation: Effective treatment reduces inflammation and discomfort in the gums, alleviating pain in the mouth.
- Improve Overall Health: Maintaining healthy gums can reduce the risk of systemic conditions like heart disease that have been linked to gum disease.
Enhance Smile Appearance: Healthy gums contribute to a more attractive smile, improving self-confidence and quality of life.
Understanding Gum Disease
Gum disease is one of the most common—yet often overlooked—oral health conditions. It begins subtly, with inflammation or minor bleeding, and can gradually progress into more serious stages that may threaten your teeth and overall health if not treated early.
The Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease (also called periodontal disease) progresses through several stages:
- Gingivitis: The earliest stage, characterized by red, swollen, or bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing. At this stage, the disease is still reversible with professional cleanings and improved home care.
- Early Periodontitis: As plaque hardens into calculus beneath the gumline, the gums begin to pull away from the teeth, creating small pockets between the gums and the teeth. Bacteria thrive here, leading to increased inflammation. Damage can be halted, but it may not be fully reversible.
- Moderate to Advanced Periodontitis: Without treatment, the disease progresses deeper, affecting the bone and connective tissues that hold your teeth in place. Teeth may become loose, and gum recession becomes more pronounced. This stage is irreversible, but with targeted periodontal therapy, its progression can be managed and controlled.
How Dr. Rath Tracks and Treats Gum Health
At Radiance Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Rebecca Rath includes a thorough gum health screening during every routine exam. She uses advanced diagnostic tools to monitor your periodontal condition over time, identifying even the earliest signs of inflammation.
Digital charting and precise measurements allow Dr. Rath and her hygienists to track changes in your gum pockets and ensure you receive personalized care before symptoms progress. This proactive approach is a key part of our commitment to whole-body health, helping to prevent long-term complications and preserve your natural smile for years to come.
If you’ve noticed bleeding when you brush, receding gums, or persistent bad breath, it’s important to schedule a visit. Early detection makes all the difference.
Our Periodontal Therapy Options
Your recommended treatment plan will always be tailored to your individual needs. Dr. Rath evaluates the severity of your periodontal concerns and develops a customized approach to help restore and maintain your gum health. Whether you’re in the early stages of gum disease or need support managing chronic periodontitis, we offer a range of solutions to meet you where you are.
Oral Rinses or Antibiotics
Dr. Rath may prescribe rinses or antibiotics to help control bacterial infections. These can be applied directly to the affected area (topically) or taken by mouth (orally), depending on the extent of the infection. Antibiotics can reduce inflammation and allow your gums to begin healing, especially when used alongside other periodontal treatments.
Scaling and Root Planing
Also known as a dental deep cleaning, this non-surgical procedure is often the first step in treating gum disease. During this process, plaque and tartar are gently removed from beneath the gumline (scaling), and rough spots on the tooth roots are smoothed (root planing) to prevent bacteria from reattaching. This helps shrink gum pockets and promotes healthy reattachment of the gums to the teeth. Some patients may require more than one deep cleaning, depending on the severity of their condition.
Increasing Routine Cleanings
For patients showing signs of gum disease, more frequent cleanings may be necessary. Instead of the standard twice-yearly visits, Dr. Rath might recommend cleanings every 3–4 months to better manage plaque buildup and reduce inflammation. This proactive approach helps prevent the disease from progressing and keeps your smile in a healthier state between visits.
Home Care
Effective periodontal treatment doesn’t end at the dental office. Dr. Rath will work with you to improve your daily oral hygiene routine with personalized recommendations. This may include specific brushing techniques, the use of antimicrobial rinses, interdental brushes, changing your toothpaste, or using water flossers to ensure that you’re maintaining healthy gums at home. Consistent home care is essential in preventing the recurrence of gum disease.
Specialist Referrals
For advanced cases that require more complex treatment, Dr. Rath may refer you to a trusted periodontist. We believe in a collaborative approach to care and only refer to specialists we know and trust. Whether you need surgical intervention or more specialized therapy, we ensure continuity of care by staying involved in your treatment journey.
Risks of Avoiding Treatment
Your oral health, particularly your gum health, is closely connected to your overall well-being. Addressing your oral health can reduce inflammation throughout your body, but ignoring it can make things worse. Delaying or ignoring gum treatment can have severe consequences, including:
- Tooth Loss: Advanced gum disease can result in the loss of teeth due to the destruction of the supporting bone and gums.
- Bone Loss: Gum disease can cause irreversible damage to the jawbone, affecting your oral health and facial structure.
- Infections: Untreated gum infections can spread to other parts of the body, leading to serious health complications.
- Chronic Health Issues: Research has linked gum disease to systemic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory problems.
If you notice symptoms of gum disease, receiving prompt treatment is essential. We encourage you to contact us, even if it is a small concern, so we can ensure that you are as healthy as you can be.
Preventing Periodontal Disease
The best way to treat gum disease is to stop it before it starts. At Radiance Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we emphasize prevention at every stage of care. Periodontal disease, which begins as mild gum inflammation (gingivitis), can progress into a more serious condition affecting the bone and tissues that support your teeth. Fortunately, routine care and early intervention go a long way in keeping your gums healthy.
Daily brushing and flossing, paired with professional cleanings, are your first line of defense. It’s also important to watch for early signs of gum disease, such as bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or gum recession, and schedule an exam if you notice any changes.
Dr. Rath checks your gum health during every general dentistry visit, using gentle techniques and advanced tools to track your progress over time. If we catch early inflammation, we can often reverse it with conservative treatment.
Support Through Our Periodontal Membership Plan
Managing gum disease often means more frequent dental visits and targeted therapies, something insurance doesn’t always cover. That’s why Dr. Rath offers a Periodontal Health Membership Plan, designed specifically for patients with ongoing gum concerns.
This plan includes:
- Additional cleanings throughout the year to help manage inflammation
- Discounts on periodontal treatments and deep cleanings
- Priority care for patients with recurring gum issues
- A simplified payment model without the restrictions of traditional insurance
Our periodontal plan is built to support your long-term health, reduce your costs, and make your care more predictable. If you’re working to prevent or manage gum disease, this membership makes it easier to stay on track with expert support every step of the way.
Interested in protecting your gum health? Ask about our periodontal membership plan at your next visit.
Gum Disease FAQs
Will periodontal therapy help with my bad breath?
Yes, periodontal therapy can significantly reduce chronic bad breath (halitosis). Gum disease is often caused by a buildup of bacteria and plaque below the gumline, which produces odor. Deep cleaning treatments like scaling and root planing remove these harmful bacteria, allowing your gums to heal and your breath to improve. Many patients notice a fresher, cleaner feeling soon after beginning therapy.
Does a dental deep clean hurt?
A dental deep cleaning—also called scaling and root planing—is a thorough but gentle procedure. Dr. Rath and her team take extra care to keep you comfortable throughout your visit. We use a local anesthetic to numb the area so you won’t feel discomfort during the cleaning. Afterward, you may experience some sensitivity or tenderness, but this usually resolves in a day or two and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Most patients say the results are well worth it.
How often will I need periodontal therapy?
The frequency of periodontal therapy depends on the severity of your gum disease and how well you respond to treatment. Many patients with ongoing periodontal concerns benefit from maintenance cleanings every 3–4 months instead of the standard six-month schedule. Dr. Rath will work with you to create a personalized care plan that keeps your gums healthy and minimizes the need for more extensive treatment.
Is periodontal disease reversible?
In its earliest stage (gingivitis), periodontal disease is often reversible with professional cleanings and improved home care. However, once it progresses into periodontitis, it becomes a chronic condition. While it can’t be fully cured, it can be effectively managed through routine periodontal therapy, ongoing maintenance, and supportive treatments.
Protect Your Gum Health Today
If you are suffering from gum inflammation or infection, visit or call Radiance Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Billings, MT, today to schedule your periodontal evaluation. Our dedicated team is here to help you achieve and maintain healthy gums.
About Dr. Rebecca Rath
Dr. Rebecca Rath was born and raised in Billings. She earned her Doctorate of Dental Medicine degree from Oregon Health and Science University, and after graduating she practiced in community health centers and private practices in Oregon and Montana. Learning has always been an important aspect of her practice, and she has continued that learning at the prestigious Kois Center, a renowned institute for advanced dental education focused on comprehensive patient care. She works with her all-female team to bring you compassionate dentistry in Billings, Montana.
