NORTHERN COLORADO PERIODONTICS
PERIODONTAL CARE
WHAT IS PERIODONTAL DISEASE?
Protect Your Gums, Protect Your Health
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a serious condition that affects the gums and the connective tissue supporting your teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to significant discomfort, tooth loss, and a range of other oral health problems. In addition to damaging your teeth and gums, periodontal disease has been linked to serious health concerns, including heart disease, stroke, lung disease, and complications during pregnancy. Keeping your gums healthy is essential for preventing this disease, as the soft tissues play a vital role in stabilizing your teeth.
At Northern Colorado Periodontics, we offer both non-surgical and surgical treatments to help patients in Fort Collins and Greeley, CO address gum disease and achieve lasting oral health. Our highly trained doctors utilize the latest dental technologies to provide effective, personalized care and help you maintain strong, healthy gums and teeth.
PERIODONTAL DISEASE TREATMENT
Combat Gum Disease with Expert Treatment
At Northern Colorado Periodontics, we offer a variety of treatment options to address all stages of periodontal disease, from gingivitis to advanced periodontitis. Our goal is to restore gum health and prevent further damage to your teeth and gums. Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment may include:
- Scaling and Root Planing: A non-surgical, deep cleaning procedure for mild to moderate cases, designed to remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline.
- Laser Treatment (LANAP®): A virtually painless procedure that removes damaged tissue, sterilizes gum pockets, and encourages the reattachment and growth of healthy gums.
- Periodontal Surgery: For advanced cases, procedures such as bone-smoothing osseous surgery or bone grafting may be necessary to restore the health of your gums and jawbone.
Our expert team will work with you to determine the best treatment plan to restore and maintain your oral health.
PERI-IMPLANTITIS CASES
Comprehensive Care for Peri-Implantitis Treatment
Our comprehensive care includes treatments for peri-implantitis, an inflammatory gum disease surrounding a dental implant. A potential cause of bone loss and premature implant failure, peri-implantitis is relatively rare, but patients with past or present periodontal disease are at an increased risk to develop the condition. Treatment of peri-implantitis may include antibiotics, laser therapy, and bone regeneration surgery. It is important for implants patients with a history of gum disease to receive frequent exams and cleanings to ensure proper maintenance.
WHAT IS PERIODONTAL MAINTENANCE?
The Key to Lasting Gum Health
Periodontal maintenance utilizes periodic cleanings by your periodontist, general dentist, or dental hygienist to remove bacterial plaque and tartar from above and below your gums. Because you have already undergone procedures to bring your gum disease under control, these cleanings are typically simple and pain-free. Periodontal maintenance visits take about an hour and include an oral cancer examination to monitor the status of your overall health by Dr. Shumaker and Dr. Allen.
Periodontal cleanings are often rotated between your general dentist’s office and the office of your periodontist. This allows both members of your dental team to closely monitor your gingival health and any dental conditions that may affect it.
ROUTINE PERIODONTAL MAINTENANCE
Consistent Care, Healthier Gums
Periodontal maintenance cleanings are typically performed every 2 to 3 months. Why so often? The particular types of bacteria that are commonly associated with gum disease take about 6 to 8 weeks to reach levels high enough to cause damage to your gums and bone. Periodic maintenance cleanings reduce the numbers of these harmful bacteria, allowing beneficial harmless bacteria to take their place.
Multiple long-term studies have documented that improvements in oral health following periodontal surgery may be maintained for decades with proper periodontal maintenance. These same studies have also shown that gum disease is likely to return and the incidence of tooth loss can increase by nearly 500% when periodontal maintenance is ignored.
WHY CHOOSE NOCO PERIO?
Your Trusted Partner in Periodontal Care
At Northern Colorado Periodontics, we understand the vital role gum health plays in maintaining long-term oral wellness. Our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive periodontal care, ensuring that patients with a history of gum disease follow the right protocols for effective maintenance.
We offer targeted cleanings, scheduled at least every three months, to keep your gums healthy and prevent further issues. We also emphasize the importance of vigilant oral hygiene, recommending practices like brushing with a sonic toothbrush, using oral rinses, and pulse water therapy.
Whether you’re in need of prevention, treatment, or ongoing care, you can trust the professionals at Northern Colorado Periodontics to deliver effective and gentle solutions that support your lasting oral health.
FAQs
About
Periodontal
Care
What is periodontal care?
Periodontal care focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease and the structures that support your teeth. At NOCO Perio in Fort Collins and Greeley, CO, our board-certified periodontists specialize in keeping your gums healthy and your smile strong through preventive care, advanced therapies, and minimally invasive procedures.
Why is periodontal care important?
Healthy gums are essential for maintaining your teeth and overall wellness. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss and has been linked to systemic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and inflammation. At our Fort Collins and Greeley offices, periodontal care helps stop gum disease progression and supports long-term oral and general health.
What treatments are included in periodontal care?
Comprehensive periodontal care at NOCO Perio includes:
Deep cleanings (scaling and root planing)
Periodontal maintenance visits
LANAP® laser therapy for gum disease
Bone and gum grafting
Dental implant surgery and peri-implant care
Cosmetic gum contouring and crown lengthening
Patients in Fort Collins and Greeley receive personalized care plans tailored to their needs.
What are the signs that I might need periodontal treatment?
Common symptoms include:
Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
Receding gums or teeth that look longer
Loose or shifting teeth
If you notice these symptoms in Fort Collins or Greeley, schedule an evaluation at NOCO Perio to prevent further damage.
How often should I visit a periodontist?
Patients with healthy gums should visit their general dentist for regular cleanings every six months. However, if you’ve had gum disease or periodontal treatment, you may need maintenance visits every 3–4 months. Our Fort Collins and Greeley periodontal specialists will recommend a customized schedule to keep your gums and implants healthy.
