Gum disease (periodontal disease) is a bacterial infection affecting the gums and supporting structures of your teeth. Left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and serious health complications. Emergency Dental Services of Washington in Lakewood provides comprehensive periodontal therapy to stop gum disease progression and restore your oral health.
Gum disease begins as gingivitis—inflammation caused by plaque buildup along the gumline. Early symptoms include red, swollen gums that bleed when brushing or flossing. At this stage, the damage is reversible with professional cleaning and improved home care. However, if left untreated, gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, where infection spreads below the gumline, destroying the bone and tissue that support your teeth. Advanced periodontal disease can cause tooth loss and has been linked to serious health conditions including heart disease, diabetes complications, respiratory infections, stroke, and complications during pregnancy. At Emergency Dental Services of Washington in Lakewood, we diagnose gum disease through comprehensive visual examination, periodontal probing to measure pocket depth around each tooth, and X-rays to check bone levels. Nearly half of American adults over 30 have some form of gum disease, making it one of the most common oral health problems—but it’s also one of the most preventable and treatable when caught early.
Treatment for gum disease depends on its severity and stage of progression. Gingivitis can often be reversed with a professional dental cleaning (prophylaxis) that removes plaque and tartar, combined with improved oral hygiene at home. Mild to moderate periodontitis requires scaling and root planing (often called deep cleaning), a non-surgical procedure where we remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline and smooth the root surfaces to help gums reattach to teeth. This process typically requires 2-4 appointments, with one or two quadrants of your mouth treated at each visit under local anesthesia. We may apply antibiotic gel directly into periodontal pockets or prescribe oral antibiotics to eliminate bacterial infection. Advanced cases may require periodontal surgery including pocket reduction surgery to reduce deep pockets, gum grafts to cover exposed roots and prevent further recession, bone grafts to regenerate lost bone structure, or guided tissue regeneration. We also offer laser periodontal therapy for less invasive treatment with faster healing times. After active treatment, maintenance cleanings every 3-4 months (rather than the standard 6 months) are essential to prevent recurrence and keep gum disease under control.
Warning signs of gum disease include red, swollen, or tender gums, bleeding when brushing or flossing (gums should never bleed), receding gums that make teeth look longer than normal, persistent bad breath (halitosis) or bad taste in your mouth that won’t go away, loose or separating teeth, changes in how your teeth fit together when you bite, pus between teeth and gums, and gums that have pulled away from teeth creating visible pockets. Risk factors that increase your susceptibility to gum disease include smoking or tobacco use (the single biggest risk factor), diabetes (especially if poorly controlled), poor oral hygiene habits, genetics and family history, stress and hormonal changes, certain medications that reduce saliva flow, grinding or clenching teeth, poor nutrition and vitamin deficiencies, and conditions that compromise your immune system. The good news is that gum disease is both preventable and treatable when caught early. Maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing twice daily for two minutes with a soft-bristled brush, flossing once daily to remove plaque between teeth, using antimicrobial mouthwash, eating a balanced diet low in sugar, avoiding tobacco, and visiting us for regular check-ups and professional cleanings. Our Lakewood periodontal team serves patients from JBLM, Parkland, Spanaway, Steilacoom, University Place, and throughout Pierce County. We accept most major insurance plans and offer flexible financing through CareCredit and Cherry. Don’t let gum disease rob you of your smile and overall health—call +1 206 853 3458 schedule your periodontal evaluation today.
Located on Bridgeport Way SW, we proudly serve patients from Lakewood, Tacoma, University Place, Steilacoom, Puyallup, Bonney lake, Olympia, Lacey and nearby communities. Whether you’re experiencing a sudden toothache or a serious infection, we’re here to provide fast, reliable care when other offices are closed.
Call us or book an appointment online to get fast, gentle emergency care.
