Email Us
|      online consultation
About Rasmussen Periodontics and Implant Dentistry
Learn what makes Rasmussen Periodontics and Implant Dentistry unique and the best choice for your oral care. Coming from a legacy of accomplished dentists, Dr. Rasmussen has the expertise to make your experience comfortable while achieving ideal outcomes.
Our Services
From a simple tooth extraction to full mouth reconstruction, we promise our patients the highest level of care. All of our procedures are performed with the utmost precision by Dr. Rasmussen. 
Patient Information
Office visits, financial options, new patient forms, expectations and more. Start your journey to oral health at Rasmussen Periodontics and Implant Dentistry. 

Periodontal Disease Treatment

Healthy Gums For Healthy Lives

Nearly 65 million Americans currently suffer from gum disease, an increasingly common inflammatory disease that is the leading cause of tooth loss. Gum disease develops when bacterial plaque forms on your teeth and creates an inflammatory response of the gums, leading to deepened gum pockets in the space between your gums and teeth, which allows for more bacteria to accumulate and additional damage to occur. 
Over time, this bacteria plaque will harden and turn into tartar. Once gum disease has progressed to this point, periodontal intervention will be necessary. If left untreated, gum disease can result in increasingly severe oral health issues, such as gum recession, loosened or missing teeth, and jawbone deterioration. Gum disease is also linked to other systemic health issues, such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, kidney disease, neurological disorders and diabetes. Dr. Rasmussen offers several treatment options for halting, reversing, and preventing gum disease.

About Periodontal Disease

There are many diseases that affect the tooth-supporting structures, however, plaque-induced inflammatory lesions make up the majority of periodontal diseases. Periodontal disease can affect one or multiple teeth and is typically divided into two categories, gingivitis or periodontitis.
Gingivitis is a form of periodontal disease that only affects the gums. It is a less advanced version of periodontitis that can be reversed with proper treatment. Many patients’ bodies will begin to destroy the supporting tissue around the teeth as an inflammatory reaction to the bacteria. Once this occurs, the disease has advanced into periodontitis, which is a more serious form of periodontal disease.
During this stage, the gums will begin to separate from the teeth and form pockets of infected space between the teeth and gums. Eventually, the pocket of space will grow and more bone and gum tissue will be destroyed. Ultimately, the teeth will begin to loosen until it is removed. This harmful phase of the disease occurs silently and often painlessly which is why many individuals are unaware that they have it.
Over one in three people over the age of 30 have some form of advanced periodontal disease. Periodontitis is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults.
Bacterial plaque is the main cause of periodontal disease. It is a sticky, colorless substance that constantly forms around your teeth. Studies have revealed a direct link between periodontal disease and systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and preterm low birth weight babies. In addition, there are lifestyle factors that could impact your periodontal health:
• Smoking/tobacco use
• Genetics
• Puberty, pregnancy, and menopause in women
• Stress
• Clenching or Grinding Your Teeth
• Diabetes
• Poor Nutrition

DID YOU KNOW?
80% of Americans will be afflicted with periodontal disease by the age of 45.

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums are the most common sign of periodontal disease.

Receding gums

Periodontal disease weakens and deteriorates the gum around your teeth.

New spacing between teeth

Pockets of space begin to develop as the disease advances.

Persistent bad breath

Periodontal disease encourages bacteria growth which leads to persistent bad breath.

Pus around the teeth and gums

This is an indication of an infection often caused by periodontal disease.

Loose Teeth

Loose teeth can occur due to the weakening of periodontal fibers or bone loss.

Red and Swollen gums

Red and inflamed gums are other indications of periodontal disease.

Tenderness or Discomfort

Plaque and bacteria can irritate the gums and cause discomfort.

Types of Periodontal Disease Treatment

Treatment for periodontal disease depends on the type of disease and how advanced it is. If caught in its early stages, nonsurgical periodontal treatment may be enough to manage the disease. If the disease is too advanced, surgical treatment may be necessary.

Non-Surgical

Prophylaxis (Periodontal Cleaning) is a routine dental cleaning performed to maintain health and prevent dental diseases. It is typically performed on patients with minor build-up below the gum line or the management of mild gingivitis.
Scaling and root planing is recommended when gum disease has advanced beyond the point where the improvement of oral hygiene or having a regular cleaning won't be enough to reverse the damage that has already been done. During the procedure, the bacteria that has built up around and beneath the gum line is removed. The roots of the tooth are then smoothed, allowing the gum tissue to reattach itself, reducing gum pockets.
Periodontal maintenance is recommended for patients who have had periodontal disease in the past and are now free of active disease. In order to prevent a recurrence of disease it is recommended that patients schedule regular periodontal maintenance every 3 months. In more advanced cases, a more frequent regimen may be indicated. During your periodontal maintenance appointment, we will perform a thorough examination of your gum pockets and provide a deep cleaning. Additional treatment will be provided if necessary.

Surgical

Laser periodontal therapy is a modern and minimally invasive surgical approach to treat advanced periodontal disease. The procedure involves the use of a laser to remove diseased tissues and bacteria. It also encourages the reattachment of gum tissues and the elimination of gum pockets.
Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR) is a surgical technique utilized to regenerate bone and supporting tissue around teeth affected by periodontal disease. During the procedure Dr. Rasmussen will create access to the bone defect and remove all the disease-causing bacteria. A combination of bone, growth factors and a membrane are then used to regenerate the lost supporting bone and tissue.
Osseous surgery, also known as pocket reduction surgery is a surgical technique used to correct the underlying damage caused by advanced periodontal disease. During the progression of periodontal disease, the bone underlying the gum tissue is reduced in a fashion that results in "pot holes" around the tooth that house bacteria. These "pot holes" correlate to the higher numbers you hear during probing of the gums.
During the procedure a local anesthetic is used to numb the area that will be treated. Small incisions are then made to access the underlying roots and bone. After all infection and bacteria has been removed the bone is recontoured to a healthy architecture. The gums are then sutured back into place.
The ultimate goals of osseous surgery are to eliminate the pockets that cause periodontal disease, prevent future bone loss and facilitate proper oral hygiene.

What our patients say

“Dr. Rick was recommended by my family dentist for some rather extensive periodontal work. Even though I was apprehensive about the work recommended, Dr. Rick thoroughly explained and educated me on the procedure and the whys and wherefores and patiently answered all my questions. Dr. Rick and his office staff are all friendly, helpful and professional. The procedure was easier than I anticipated and the outcome successful.”
Linda Armstrong

Schedule a Consultation Today

Contact us
2024 © Copyright      |      Created by energyhill
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram