
Periodontal Care In Lawrence, KS
If you've let your oral health slip, don't worry - it happens to many of us. Developing gingivitis or gum disease is more common than you might think. The good news is, we can help you get back on track.
Do I really need periodontal care?
If you think you might need periodontal care, it's best to take action sooner rather than later. By protecting your smile now, you can preserve your natural teeth for years to come. Periodontitis can cause serious damage if left untreated. In severe cases, it can even lead to tooth loss. If you notice symptoms like swollen or bleeding gums, don't wait - it’s time to get help right away.

Join Our Perio Membership Plan!
We believe everyone deserves affordable dental care, even patients who require a little extra TLC. By signing up for our periodontal care membership plan, you’ll be giving your smile the high-quality care it deserves and saving money along the way.
Perio Cleanings Included
No Insurance Needed
Discounts On Additional Services
The Benefits of Periodontal Care
Restore Your Health
When caught early, periodontal treatment can undo the effects of gingivitis and restore your smile to its natural, healthy state.
Prevent Further Damage
By getting regular periodontal maintenance, you can keep your smile healthy and prevent the damaging buildup of plaque and bacteria.
Save Money
Investing in periodontal care now can help you avoid more expensive and invasive procedures down the line, such as gum grafts, tooth extractions, and dental implants.
What Conditions Can Invisalign Treat?
How many orthodontic issues can be solved by Invisalign? Lawrence dentists use Invisalign to address a wide range of orthodontic concerns, from mild cosmetic adjustments to more complex bite issues. While every smile is unique, these clear aligners are well-suited for many of the most common alignment challenges.
- Crowded teeth. When there is not enough space in the jaw, teeth can overlap or twist. Invisalign gradually shifts teeth into proper alignment to open up that crowding.
- Gapped teeth. Spaces between teeth can affect both your appearance and your bite. Clear aligners close those gaps progressively over the course of your treatment.
- Overbite. An overbite occurs when your upper front teeth overlap too far over the lower teeth. Invisalign can guide your bite into a healthier, more balanced position.
- Underbite. When the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth, it can cause uneven wear and jaw discomfort. Invisalign treats many underbite cases without the need for traditional braces.
- Crossbite. A crossbite means some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth rather than outside. Left untreated, this can lead to wear, chipping, and jaw strain. Invisalign addresses crossbites with targeted, precise movement.
- Open bite. If your upper and lower teeth do not meet when you close your mouth, that is an open bite. Invisalign can help close this gap and improve both function and appearance.
- Relapse after previous orthodontic treatment. Teeth can shift over time after earlier treatment. Invisalign is often an excellent option for patients looking to fine-tune or restore their results.
Not every case is a fit for clear aligner therapy alone. During your consultation, Dr. Salava will review your bite, spacing, and alignment in full and walk you through which treatment approach is best suited to your goals.
Our Difference
The Deep Cleaning Process
Local Anesthetic
To start, your dentist will numb the area with a local anesthetic. This ensures that you stay comfortable throughout the treatment. Deep cleanings can sometimes cause more sensitivity than regular dental cleanings, but our gentle numbing techniques will keep you at ease.
Scaling & Root Planing
Once you're comfortably numb, your dentist will use specialized tools to "scale" away the tartar and plaque that has built up between your teeth and below your gum line. This removes the harmful bacteria that cause gum disease. After your teeth and gums are cleaned, your dentist will "plane," or smooth out, the roots of your teeth. This step eliminates the pockets and pits that form below the roots, where harmful bacteria like to hide.
Antibiotic Treatment
To complete your deep cleaning, your dentist will provide an antibiotic treatment to promote healing. Depending on your specific needs, this may involve topical antibiotics applied directly to your gums during the procedure, an antibiotic rinse for you to use at home, or an oral antibiotic prescription.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.
Gum disease typically progresses through three stages. The first stage, gingivitis, is when there's usually no permanent damage to your teeth or gums yet. With proper care, your dentist can likely reverse and eliminate gum disease at this stage. Common symptoms of gingivitis include bleeding when brushing, swollen and discolored gums, and persistent bad breath.
If gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance to the second stage, periodontitis. Unfortunately, the damage caused by periodontitis is not reversible, but it can be managed with proper treatment. Symptoms of periodontitis often include receding gums, increased sensitivity or soreness in teeth and gums, excessive gum bleeding, and noticeably swollen or puffy gums.
The final stage is advanced periodontitis, where permanent damage occurs to your teeth, gums, and jawbone. Common symptoms include pus formation between the teeth and gums, shifting teeth, changes in your bite, or loosening of one or more teeth. Surgical intervention is usually necessary to treat advanced periodontitis. In severe cases, teeth may need to be extracted and replaced with dental prosthetics like dentures or implants.
No, gum disease is not contagious. It's caused by bacteria that are already present in everyone's mouth. In a healthy mouth, these bacteria are not abundant enough to cause gum disease. Problems arise when these bacteria are allowed to multiply and grow unchecked. Gum disease occurs when poor oral hygiene enables bacterial growth, or if a person is genetically predisposed to gum disease.
Gum disease is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth. This can result from poor oral hygiene. When you don't brush and floss properly, the bacteria in your mouth can multiply and form plaque and tartar between your teeth and gums. Over time, these bacteria start to attack and infect your gum tissue. If left untreated, this infection can lead to permanent, irreversible damage to your oral health.
Some people are also genetically predisposed to developing gum disease. That's why it's important to discuss any family history of gum disease with your dentist. Together, you and your dentist can develop a plan for the best at-home care and in-office treatments to protect your oral health.
Periodontal disease is caused by inflammation in the gums, which can lead to infection from an overgrowth of harmful oral bacteria. Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help eliminate and control these harmful bacteria, allowing your gums to heal. If you're prescribed antibiotics for periodontal disease, it's crucial to follow your dentist's instructions exactly to ensure the harmful bacteria are completely eradicated. If you don't finish the full course of antibiotics, the bacteria could become resistant to future treatments with the same medication.
Schedule Your Invisalign Consultation in Lawrence Today
If you have been putting off treatment because you did not want metal braces, the answer could be Invisalign. Lawrence patients have an opportunity for a solution that better fits their lives. Dr. Salava and the team at The Dental Studio are here to answer your questions, review your options, and help you take the first step toward a smile you feel great about. Call us at (785) 331-0027 or request an appointment online to get started.

