Our periodontists in Glendale and Parker may be where you start when bleeding gums, sensitivity, or loose teeth become a concern. Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile, and early treatment can help prevent tooth loss and protect your overall oral health. At Periodontics of Cherry Creek in Glendale and Mountainview Periodontics and Dental Implants in Parker, Dr. Maryanne B. Butler and Dr. Amy M. Riffel provide advanced periodontal care using modern technology and personalized treatment plans. Contact our Glendale office or our Parker office to schedule your consultation.
What Is A Periodontist?
A periodontist is a dental specialist who diagnoses, prevents, and treats diseases affecting the gums, jawbone, and other supporting structures around the teeth. Periodontists also place dental implants and perform procedures that help preserve natural teeth whenever possible. At Periodontics of Cherry Creek and Mountainview Periodontics and Dental Implants, every treatment begins with a comprehensive evaluation and a clear explanation of your options, so you understand your condition and the recommended next steps.
What A Periodontist Does
Periodontal disease can range from mild gum inflammation to advanced infection that causes bone loss and loose teeth. Our doctors provide comprehensive care, including periodontal disease treatment, deep cleanings, regenerative procedures, and advanced laser therapy designed to stop disease progression while preserving healthy tissue whenever possible.
If teeth cannot be saved, we also provide expertly planned dental implants to restore function after healing. Throughout every stage of care, you’ll receive straightforward guidance, realistic expectations, and a personalized treatment plan.
How To Prepare For Your First Visit
Preparing ahead of time helps us make the most of your appointment.
Before your visit:
- Bring your medical history and medication list.
- Gather any recent dental X-rays if available.
- Write down symptoms such as bleeding, swelling, sensitivity, or loose teeth.
- Make a list of questions about treatment options, healing time, or future implant possibilities.
Our doctors review every detail carefully before recommending treatment that’s appropriate for your condition.
When To See A Periodontist in Glendale and Parker
You should schedule an evaluation if you notice:
- Bleeding while brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- Gum recession
- Swollen or tender gums
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Food becoming trapped between teeth
These symptoms often indicate periodontal disease. Early treatment frequently prevents more extensive procedures later.
We use advanced technology, including CBCT imaging, digital X-rays, and intraoral imaging to accurately diagnose bone loss and gum disease before creating a customized treatment plan.
What To Expect During Treatment
Treatment depends on the severity of your periodontal disease.
Early stages often respond well to scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), and improved home care.
More advanced cases may require periodontal surgery, which refers to a range of treatments that stop the progression of gum disease. When additional treatment is necessary, surgical options include flap surgery, osseous surgery, bone grafting, or LANAP® laser therapy.
Traditional flap and osseous surgery involves gently folding the gums back to remove bacteria and tartar buildup from areas below the gumline. Osseous surgery also reshapes irregular bone that contributes to periodontal disease. Bone grafting may be recommended when defects are too large to simply reshape and additional bone is needed to preserve the jaw.
LANAP laser therapy provides another option by treating infected tissue without traditional cutting or stitches, allowing many patients to experience a more comfortable recovery. Because every case of gum disease is different, a periodontal exam is necessary to determine whether LANAP laser therapy is the right treatment for you. Your dentist or periodontist will evaluate the severity of the disease and recommend the most appropriate option based on your needs.
Throughout treatment, we explain every procedure, review digital images together, and answer questions so you always understand your care.
Key Benefits Of Seeing A Periodontist
Working with a periodontal specialist offers several advantages:
- Stops gum disease before it progresses further.
- Preserves natural teeth whenever possible.
- Uses advanced imaging and laser technology for precise diagnosis and treatment.
- Improves long-term oral health and jawbone preservation.
- Creates customized treatment plans based on your specific needs.
How To Care For Your Gums After Treatment
Following your home care instructions helps promote healing and maintain your results.
We typically recommend:
- Using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Following prescribed rinses or warm saltwater rinses as directed.
- Avoiding tobacco products during healing.
- Keeping all scheduled maintenance appointments.
- Practicing consistent brushing and flossing.
Routine periodontal maintenance allows us to monitor pocket depths, evaluate healing, and detect concerns before they become larger problems.
Preventing Future Gum Problems
Healthy daily habits remain your best defense against periodontal disease.
We recommend:
- Brushing twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush.
- Flossing or cleaning between your teeth every day.
- Using a Waterpik® water flosser or other oral irrigator if recommended to help clean around the gumline and hard-to-reach areas.
- Using proxy (interdental) brushes where appropriate to remove plaque between teeth and around exposed root surfaces or dental restorations.
- Attending periodontal maintenance visits at the intervals recommended for your specific needs.
- Letting us know about medical conditions, such as diabetes, or any changes to your medications, as these can affect your gum health.
- Scheduling an evaluation promptly if you notice bleeding, swelling, persistent bad breath, or loose teeth.
Regular monitoring using digital technology helps us identify subtle changes before significant damage occurs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is periodontal therapy?
Periodontal therapy includes both non-surgical and surgical treatments used to stop gum disease, reduce infection, preserve bone, and help maintain natural teeth.
Is LANAP better than traditional gum surgery?
Each patient is different. LANAP offers a minimally invasive alternative for many cases because it avoids traditional cutting and stitches, while flap or osseous surgery may be recommended for more advanced conditions.
Can a periodontist save loose teeth?
Many loose teeth can be stabilized when periodontal disease is treated early. The sooner treatment begins, the better the chances of preserving natural teeth. Also, sometimes the bite is unstable, and we need to adjust it to distribute chewing forces evenly across all the teeth. When only some teeth are in contact, they can become looser.
Do periodontists place dental implants?
Yes. Periodontists specialize in implant placement after carefully evaluating bone health and overall oral conditions.
How often should I see a periodontist?
Your maintenance schedule depends on your periodontal health. Many patients benefit from periodontal maintenance visits every three to four months after active treatment.
Ready To Get Started?
Whether you’re visiting Periodontics of Cherry Creek in Glendale or Mountainview Periodontics and Dental Implants in Parker, our team is committed to helping you protect your gums with advanced, evidence-based care. Learn more about our doctors and team, visit our complete list of services, or request an appointment at either our Glendale office or Parker office. You can also find us on Google Maps in Glendale or Google Maps in Parker. We look forward to helping you achieve healthier gums and lasting oral health.