Periodontal Treatment
Periodontal Treatment in Rexburg, ID — Stop Gum Disease Before It Gets Worse
Gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss in the United States. It’s also linked to heart disease, diabetes, and other health conditions that have nothing to do with your mouth. Most people don’t realize they have it until it’s already done some damage.
That’s the thing about gum disease — it usually doesn’t hurt in the early stages. The good news is that it responds well to treatment when caught early. At Family First Dental, Dr. Craig Stout offers gum disease treatment in Rexburg, ID that’s focused on stopping progression and protecting your teeth for the long haul.
Gingivitis vs. Periodontitis — What's the Difference?
Gum disease comes in two main stages, and understanding them helps you know where you stand.
Gingivitis is the early stage. Your gums may look red, feel puffy, or bleed when you brush. The good news: gingivitis is reversible. With a professional dental cleaning and consistent home care, the inflammation can clear up completely.
Periodontitis is what happens when gingivitis isn’t treated. Bacteria work their way below the gum line and start attacking the bone and tissue that hold your teeth in place. At this stage, the damage can’t be fully reversed — but it can be managed. The goal of treatment shifts to stopping the disease from getting worse.
Dr. Stout will measure your gum pocket depths, take X-rays, and tell you exactly where you stand. There’s no guessing.
Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
Scaling and root planing is the most common treatment for periodontitis. It’s often called a deep cleaning, but it goes well beyond what a routine cleaning covers.
During the procedure, Dr. Stout removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line — areas a regular cleaning can’t reach. He then smooths the root surfaces of your teeth, which makes it harder for bacteria to reattach. The procedure is done with local anesthetic, so you won’t feel pain while it’s happening.
Depending on how much of the mouth is affected, scaling and root planing may be done in one visit or spread across two. Dr. Stout’s team will let you know what to expect before you start.
Periodontal Maintenance
After active treatment, most patients move to a periodontal maintenance schedule — typically every three to four months instead of the standard six. This isn’t just a regular cleaning. Dr. Stout monitors your pocket depths, checks for signs of reinfection, and addresses any problem areas before they get worse.
Periodontitis is a chronic condition. Skipping maintenance visits allows bacteria to rebuild in treated pockets. The patients who keep their teeth longest are the ones who stay consistent with follow-up care.
What Happens If Gum Disease Is Left Untreated?
Gum disease that isn’t treated doesn’t stay the same — it gets worse. Over time, untreated periodontitis causes bone loss around the roots of your teeth. Teeth begin to loosen. Eventually, they may need to be extracted.
If you reach the point where teeth can’t be saved, Family First Dental offers dental implants as a replacement option. But the goal of periodontal treatment is always to protect what you have.
Signs You May Have Gum Disease
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Red, swollen, or tender gum tissue
- Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
- Persistent bad breath that doesn’t go away
- Teeth that feel loose or have shifted position
- Sensitivity where the root is exposed near the gum line
Any one of these is worth a conversation with Dr. Stout. Don’t wait until symptoms are severe.
Ready To Schedule Your Appointment?
Our friendly team at Family First Dental is here to help! Contact our office today and let us take care of your dental health.