Protecting the Foundation of Your Smile
At Times Square Dental, we believe that a beautiful smile is built on a foundation of healthy gums. Since our doors opened in 1997, our goal has been to provide the Boise community and surrounding Ada County with dental care that treats the whole person, not just their teeth. Dr. Jon Hastings, a native of Idaho Falls, and Dr. Katie Travelle, who brings over a decade of private practice experience to our team, understand that gum health is often the most overlooked aspect of oral hygiene until a problem arises.
Gum disease (periodontal disease) is a serious infection that can damage the soft tissue and, without treatment, can destroy the bone that supports your teeth. It is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. However, with early detection and the right gum disease treatment, we can halt the infection and help you regain optimal oral health. Our practice combines neighborly compassion with clinical excellence to ensure your gums remain strong and healthy for a lifetime.
Do not wait until you are in pain to seek help. Call our top dentists in Boise today at 208-343-1981 to schedule a periodontal assessment.
Recognizing the Signs of Periodontal Disease
Recognizing the Signs of Periodontal DiseaseMany patients ignore the early warning signs of gum disease because they are often painless. You might think that seeing a little pink in the sink when you brush is normal, but bleeding gums are a signal that your body is fighting an infection. Periodontal disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. If plaque is not removed, it hardens into tartar (calculus), which can only be removed by a dental professional.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is time to schedule an evaluation at our Boise dentist office:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums.
- Bleeding while brushing or flossing.
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth.
- Receding gums (teeth looking longer than usual).
- Deep pockets forming between your teeth and gums.
- Loose or shifting teeth.
The Stages of Gum Disease
Understanding the progression of gum disease is crucial for effective treatment. The condition generally develops in two main stages:
Gingivitis
This is the mildest form of gum disease. It causes irritation, redness, and swelling of the gingiva (the part of your gum around the base of your teeth). The good news is that gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care.
Periodontitis
If left untreated, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. At this stage, the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth and form pockets. These small spaces between teeth and gums collect debris and can become infected. The body’s immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. Toxins produced by the bacteria, along with the body’s “good” enzymes involved in fighting infections, start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place.
If you are searching for a “dentist’s office near you” that can handle complex periodontal cases, look no further than Times Square Dental. We have the expertise to manage these conditions effectively.
Our Approach: Scaling and Root Planing
Our Approach: Scaling and Root PlaningAt Times Square Dental, we emphasize non-surgical solutions whenever possible. For patients showing signs of gum infection, the most common and effective treatment is a deep cleaning procedure known as scaling and root planing.
Scaling involves carefully removing plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces and deep within the gum pockets. Root planing is the process of smoothing the tooth roots to remove bacterial toxins and create a clean surface. This helps the gums heal and reattach to the teeth more firmly, reducing pocket depth and eliminating environments where bacteria thrive.
Depending on the severity of the infection, this treatment may be completed in one or more visits. Our goal is to thoroughly clean the area while keeping you comfortable.
If you suspect you have gum disease, reach out to us at 208-343-1981 to discuss your treatment options.
Advanced Technology for Accurate Diagnosis
Successful treatment starts with a precise diagnosis. At Times Square Dental, we invest in state-of-the-art technology to see what the naked eye cannot.
- Iris Intraoral Cameras: We use these cameras to take high-resolution, close-up images of your gums and teeth. This allows Dr. Hastings and Dr. Travelle to show you exactly where the inflammation is located and track the progress of your healing over time.
- Digital Radiography: Our digital X-rays provide clear views of the bone structure beneath the gum line with significantly less radiation than traditional film. Checking for bone loss is a critical part of diagnosing periodontitis.
By utilizing these advanced tools, we can create a targeted treatment plan that addresses your specific needs without unnecessary procedures.
The Systemic Health Connection
Treating gum disease is not just about saving your teeth; it is about protecting your entire body. Extensive research has linked periodontal disease to serious systemic health issues, including:
- Heart Disease: The inflammation in the gums can lead to inflammation in the blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Diabetes: Gum disease can make it more difficult to control blood sugar levels, and conversely, diabetes can increase the risk of gum infections.
- Respiratory Issues: Bacteria from the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs, potentially causing pneumonia or other respiratory diseases.
By maintaining healthy gums through general dentistry and periodontal therapy, you are taking a proactive step toward better overall health.
Anxiety-Free Periodontal Care 
We understand that the thought of a “deep cleaning” can make some patients nervous. Fear should never be a barrier to health. At Times Square Dental, we are dedicated to relieving dental anxiety and ensuring you feel safe and relaxed.
Our care rooms feature ceiling-mounted flat-screen TVs, so you can distract yourself with a movie or show while we work. For those who need a little extra help relaxing, we offer multiple sedation options:
- Inhaled Sedation (Laughing Gas): Takes the edge off and wears off quickly.
- Oral Sedation: A pill that provides a deeper state of relaxation.
- IV Sedation: Ideal for patients with severe anxiety or those undergoing longer procedures.
We are one of the few “dentists near you” offering this range of comfort options to ensure your experience is positive.
Periodontal Maintenance
Once the initial phase of gum disease treatment is complete, maintenance is key. Gum disease is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management. Instead of standard six-month cleanings, we may recommend a schedule of periodontal maintenance visits every three to four months.
These frequent visits allow us to disrupt bacterial growth before it can cause damage again. Dr. Hastings and Dr. Travelle will monitor your pocket depths and bone levels closely to ensure the disease remains inactive. We will also work with you to customize an at-home hygiene routine that fits your lifestyle and keeps your smile healthy between visits.
If it has been a while since your last dental visit, call 208-343-1981 to get back on track.
Why Choose Times Square Dental?
When you choose Times Square Dental, you are not just a patient; you are a neighbor. We have been serving Boise since 1997, and our team is committed to building long-lasting relationships. From our front desk staff who help you navigate insurance benefits to our skilled hygienists who provide gentle care, we make your health our priority.
Whether you need a routine exam or advanced therapy for periodontitis, you can trust our experienced doctors to provide honest, transparent, and effective care.
Frequently Asked Questions
The primary cause of gum disease is plaque buildup due to inadequate brushing and flossing. However, other factors can increase your risk, including smoking or tobacco use, genetics, hormonal changes (such as during pregnancy or menopause), certain medications that cause dry mouth, and underlying health conditions like diabetes.
Technically, the bacteria that cause gum disease can be spread through saliva. This means that sharing toothbrushes, utensils, or even kissing can transfer the bacteria to others. However, the presence of bacteria alone does not guarantee gum disease will develop; the host’s immune response and oral hygiene habits play a significant role. If you have active gum disease, it is a good idea to encourage your partner and family members to schedule a check-up at our Boise dentist office.
While excellent at-home hygiene is essential, you cannot treat established gum disease (periodontitis) with brushing and flossing alone. Once tartar has formed below the gum line, it must be professionally removed. However, improving your home care routine is vital for preventing the disease from returning after professional treatment. We may recommend specific mouthwashes, electric toothbrushes, or interdental cleaners to help you maintain your results.
Your comfort is our top priority. Before beginning a deep cleaning, we typically use local anesthesia to numb the area being treated. This ensures that you do not feel pain during the procedure. You may experience some sensitivity or tenderness for a day or two afterward as your gums heal, but this is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers and typically resolves quickly.
Schedule Your Periodontal Evaluation Today
Don’t let gum disease compromise your smile or your health. At Times Square Dental, we provide the expert care you need in the comfortable environment you deserve. Contact our Boise dentists near you today at 208-343-1981 or use our online form to request your appointment. Let us help you achieve a foundation of health that lasts a lifetime!