Gum disease treatment in Boise, ID
Gum disease prevention and treatment from routine deep cleanings to scaling and root planing. Protect your teeth and overall health at Lamb Family Dental.
Why choose us for periodontal care
Early detection
We measure pocket depths, evaluate gum recession, and screen for gum disease at every routine visit. Catching periodontal problems early means simpler treatment, less discomfort, and a much better prognosis for keeping all of your natural teeth.
Gentle deep cleaning
Our hygienists use ultrasonic scalers and hand instruments to thoroughly remove plaque and tartar below the gumline. We numb the area for your comfort and work methodically so the process is as gentle as possible, even for patients who have put off treatment for years.
Prevent tooth loss
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, not cavities. By treating periodontal infection before it destroys the bone supporting your teeth, we help you keep your natural teeth for life. Consistent periodontal maintenance dramatically reduces the risk of progression.
Whole-body health connection
Research links untreated gum disease to heart disease, diabetes complications, respiratory infections, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Treating periodontal disease is not just about your mouth, it is about protecting your overall health and reducing systemic inflammation throughout your body.
Understanding gum disease
Gum disease, known clinically as periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It begins when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, accumulates along and below the gumline. If plaque is not removed through daily brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar (calculus) that can only be removed professionally. The bacteria in plaque and tartar produce toxins that irritate gum tissue, triggering an inflammatory response that gradually breaks down the structures holding your teeth in place.
The earliest stage is gingivitis, characterized by red, swollen gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss. Gingivitis is reversible with professional cleaning and improved home care. If left untreated, gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, where the infection spreads beneath the gumline and begins destroying the bone and connective tissue fibers that anchor your teeth. Pockets form between the teeth and gums, trapping more bacteria and accelerating the cycle of destruction.
The challenge with gum disease is that it is often painless until advanced stages. Many patients do not realize they have it until significant damage has already occurred. That is why professional screening at every dental visit is so important. We use a periodontal probe to measure the depth of the pockets around each tooth. Healthy gums typically measure one to three millimeters. Pockets of four millimeters or deeper indicate active periodontal disease that requires treatment beyond a standard cleaning.
Risk factors include smoking (the single greatest risk factor), diabetes, hormonal changes during pregnancy, certain medications that reduce saliva flow, genetic susceptibility, and a history of infrequent dental care. Even patients with excellent brushing habits can develop gum disease if they have a genetic predisposition or other contributing factors, which is why regular professional evaluation is essential regardless of how well you care for your teeth at home.
The periodontal treatment process
Comprehensive periodontal evaluation
We measure pocket depths around every tooth, assess gum recession and bleeding points, take digital X-rays to evaluate bone levels, and review your medical history for risk factors. This data creates a complete picture of your periodontal health and allows us to classify the severity of disease and design a targeted treatment plan.
Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning)
This is the gold standard non-surgical treatment for periodontal disease. Using ultrasonic and hand instruments, our hygienist removes plaque, tartar, and bacterial toxins from the tooth surfaces above and below the gumline. Root planing smooths the root surfaces so gum tissue can reattach more easily. We typically treat one or two quadrants per appointment under local anesthesia for your comfort.
Follow-up and reassessment
Four to six weeks after scaling and root planing, we re-evaluate your gum health. We measure pocket depths again to determine how well the tissue has responded to treatment. In many cases, pockets shrink by one to three millimeters and bleeding is significantly reduced. If areas of persistent disease remain, we discuss additional treatment options including localized antibiotic therapy or referral to a periodontal specialist.
Periodontal maintenance
After active treatment, you transition to a periodontal maintenance schedule, typically cleanings every three to four months instead of the standard six. These maintenance visits include thorough cleaning above and below the gumline, pocket depth monitoring, and early intervention if any areas begin to relapse. Consistent maintenance is the single most important factor in long-term periodontal stability.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I have gum disease?
Common signs include gums that bleed when you brush or floss, persistent bad breath, red or swollen gums, gums pulling away from the teeth, loose teeth, and changes in your bite. However, gum disease can progress without noticeable symptoms, which is why professional screening is essential. If you notice any bleeding when brushing, that is not normal, healthy gums do not bleed, and you should schedule an evaluation.
Is a deep cleaning painful?
We use local anesthesia to numb the treatment area, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. Most patients report mild soreness and sensitivity for a day or two afterward, which responds well to over-the-counter pain medication and warm salt water rinses. We work carefully and gently, and we check in with you throughout the appointment to make sure you are comfortable. For patients with dental anxiety, nitrous oxide sedation is available.
Can gum disease be cured?
Gingivitis, the early stage, is fully reversible with professional treatment and good home care. Once it progresses to periodontitis with bone loss, the damage cannot be completely reversed, but the disease can be controlled and stabilized. With proper treatment followed by consistent periodontal maintenance every three to four months, most patients can keep their teeth and prevent further bone loss for decades. The key is stopping the progression and maintaining the results.
Does insurance cover deep cleanings?
Most dental insurance plans cover scaling and root planing when there is a documented diagnosis of periodontal disease, typically at 50 to 80 percent after the deductible. Periodontal maintenance visits are also usually covered, though some plans limit the number per year. We verify your specific benefits before treatment so you know your out-of-pocket cost in advance. For uninsured patients, we accept our in-house membership plan and offer CareCredit financing.
How is gum disease connected to heart disease and diabetes?
The bacteria that cause periodontal disease can enter the bloodstream through inflamed gum tissue, contributing to systemic inflammation. Research published in the Journal of Periodontology and the American Heart Association has found associations between periodontal disease and increased risk of cardiovascular events, difficulty controlling blood sugar in diabetic patients, respiratory infections, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Treating gum disease reduces the bacterial load and inflammation, which may help improve outcomes for these systemic conditions.
Patient Resources for Gum Disease & Periodontal Care
Periodontal disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss and is linked to systemic health conditions. The organizations below publish patient-facing material on diagnosis, staging, and treatment.
- American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), the specialty body for periodontics, with patient guides on gum disease classification and treatment
- CDC, Periodontal Disease in Adults, federal surveillance data showing 47% of U.S. adults over 30 have some form of periodontal disease
- American Dental Association, Gum Disease, ADA’s evidence-based patient guide to gingivitis and periodontitis
- NIH NIDCR, Periodontal Disease, federal research on periodontitis, oral-systemic disease links, and treatment efficacy
- American Heart Association, Oral Health, AHA’s review of the periodontal-cardiovascular research linking gum health and heart health
Protect your gums. Protect your health.
Insurance and Payment for Periodontal Care
Gum disease treatment is classified as a basic procedure by most plans, typically covered at 70 to 80 percent after deductible. Deep cleanings (scaling and root planing) are covered when medically necessary.
We accept Delta Dental, Blue Cross of Idaho, Cigna, Aetna, and 10+ other carriers. No insurance? Our in-house savings plan saves you 20–40% on every procedure. Learn about all financing and payment options.