Periodontal Treatment in Ballwin, MO

If you’ve ever left a dental cleaning and, embarrassingly, spotted a bit of red in the sink, you’re not alone. Gum issues can sneak up on just about anyone. At 100 West Dental, we’ve heard every story: busy parents who skip flossing because, hey, who has time? Retired grandparents who are frustrated because their teeth just don’t feel quite as solid as they used to. Or even the super-flossers who still wind up facing gum problems, thanks (or no thanks) to family genetics. You see, gum health isn’t just about brushing and flossing; it’s about biology, life’s stressors, and things we sometimes can’t see coming.

Here, we don’t do lectures or shame. Instead, we take the time to understand your unique story, your habits, your history, and your hopes for your health. Our promise? We’ll walk alongside you, never rushing or talking down to you, and offer the clean, friendly, expert care you deserve.

So, What Is Periodontal Treatment?

Let’s demystify this a bit: periodontal treatment is all about saving the structures that keep your teeth in place, your gums, bones, and those all-important connective ligaments. (Think of them as the foundations and walls of a house; the teeth? They’re the windows and doors you want to show off.)

At 100 West Dental, we don’t just poke and prod for plaque. We take time, using modern tools like digital x-rays and cone beam scanners, to catch early warning signals and create a game plan tailored to you. Some folks come in with sore, puffy gums that bleed at the sight of a toothbrush; others, it’s deep gum pockets or that unmistakable “wobbly tooth” feeling. What surprises a lot of people: untreated gum disease doesn’t just threaten your smile. There’s a pretty startling link between gum infections and some big-picture health issues, including diabetes and heart disease.

We believe you should know those risks, and that you should have a practical, compassionate partner in preventing them.

Why Treat Gum Disease? (Yes, It’s a Big Deal)

• Save your teeth for the long haul. No one plans for their teeth to drift or loosen, but gum disease is the top cause of adult tooth loss.
• Protect your overall health. This isn’t scare tactics: chronic gum inflammation is tied up with problems like high blood sugar and increased risk of heart trouble. The mouth really is part of the body.
• Breathe easy. Literally. Gum infections are infamous for causing stubborn bad breath; no amount of mint can hide it.
• Feel comfortable eating and smiling. Bleeding, swelling, and tooth sensitivity are more than inconveniences; they’re signals your body needs help.
• Prep for future dental work. Healthy gums are a “must-have” if you’re considering dental implants, orthodontics, or a major smile makeover.

Who Do We See for Periodontal Treatment?

You might be surprised at how many different paths lead people to our door. Maybe you’ve noticed your gums are receding and your smile looks oddly “long.” Or perhaps your spouse keeps (politely) mentioning your breath, and you can’t figure out why. Sometimes, we see folks after years of missing dental visits, feeling worried or even ashamed. (Truth? No one here judges, period.)

We also welcome anyone living with type 2 diabetes, a family history of gum disease, or medical conditions that make healing more challenging. And yes, if you’re hoping for dental implants down the road, getting those gums healthy is job one.

Think you’re “too far gone?” Trust us, you’re not. Sometimes things look rough, but we’ve seen remarkable turnarounds. All it takes is that first step.

What Does Periodontal Treatment Actually Involve? (No Surprises, Just Facts)

We’ve walked a lot of people through this. Here’s a peek at what to expect, in plain language:

Step 1: We Listen and Look Closely

We’ll chat about your health, habits, and what brought you here. Our digital x-rays and 3D imaging help us spot bone loss and infection you can’t see in the mirror.

Step 2: Your Very Own Game Plan

No two mouths are alike, so you get a plan built around your priorities and our findings. Every question gets answered; no pressure to do everything at once.

Step 3: Deep Cleaning, Done Right

Call it scaling and root planing or just a meticulous deep clean. It’s more than a regular cleaning; our hygienists carefully remove buildup from above and below your gum line to give your mouth a fighting chance to heal.

Step 4: Advanced Treatments (If Needed)

Sometimes, we add antibiotic therapies, laser treatment, or talk about procedures to restore lost bone. We’ll also show you, literally, with our cameras, what’s going on before and after.

Step 5: Maintenance & Real-World Coaching

We don’t leave you hanging. Follow-ups, extra cleaning visits (often every 3–4 months), and bite-sized advice on what works for your mouth. Think of us as your team for the long run.

Most folks breeze through these steps over a few appointments. We always check in. If there’s any soreness, we’ve got ideas to keep you comfortable, because nobody should dread their dental chair.

How Should You Get Ready?

Come on in just as you are. If you’re on medications or have questions, jot them down. Worried about discomfort? Tell us honestly; we’ll talk sedation if it’s right for you. Had a crummy experience at another office? You’ll find a different approach here; it’s one of the things Dr. Prior and Dr. Hartman are most proud of.

(Oh, and if you’re a snacker, it never hurts to have a light bite before your visit if sedation isn’t on the table.)

Recovery & Real Life After Gum Treatment

Here’s the honest version: You might feel a little sore, and your gums might bleed a bit or swell after deeper cleanings. Most people say it’s totally manageable, and, for some, it’s a weird relief to finally do something positive for themselves.

Simple steps:

• Rinse with warm salt water (soothing, easy)
• Stick to gentle brushing and flossing
• Soft foods for a day or two if you’re sensitive
• Skip tobacco, your gums will thank you
• Take it easy on spicy or crunchy stuff if you’re tender. 
• Got questions after you leave? We’re just a call or email away.

Long-term, staying on the maintenance plan we design together (whether every 3 or 4 months) gives you the best shot at lasting results.

Why Choose Us for Your Gum Health (Besides the Massage Chairs)?

At 100 West Dental, we see you, not just your chart. Dr. Prior and Dr. Hartman live right here in St. Louis County and have chosen to build something different, a place where every patient’s story counts and nobody gets rushed through with a checklist.

What sets us apart isn’t just the high-tech wizardry (though our digital scanners, lasers, and intraoral cameras don’t hurt). It’s the feeling of being cared for, the respect you get, and the way we design a plan that makes sense for your life, not just your mouth. We admit it: we’re dental health nerds. But more than that, we’re people who get excited to cheer you on as your gums (and confidence) make a real comeback.

Need more proof? Read about how we’re changing local expectations of what modern dentistry feels like on our Difference page.

What Does It Cost? (And What’s the Deal with Insurance?)

Here’s the straight talk: Cost depends on how much help your gums need and what your insurance covers. We’re in-network with most PPO plans, and our team handles the uncomfortable “what’s covered?” questions so you don’t have to.

No insurance? Ask about our 100 Club Membership Plan, it’s a sanity-saver for a lot of our “just want to stay healthy” folks.

You’ll always get a full estimate, on paper, no fine print, before you commit. If cost feels like a barrier, say so. We believe in transparency, open conversations, and finding a way forward together.

FAQ: Quick Answers for Real People

Does gum disease treatment hurt?

Not nearly as much as living with untreated gum disease. Most folks say any discomfort is minor and fades quickly. We’re good at keeping things easy.

How do I know if I truly need this?

Bleeding when you brush, loose teeth, and funky breath that won’t quit- those are signs. But sometimes the warning signs are silent. If you haven’t had your gums checked recently, it can’t hurt.

Will insurance pay for this?

Most plans help out when gum therapy’s medically necessary. We’ll check and explain what’s covered every time.

How do I keep my gums healthy once we fix things?

Stick to your maintenance visits, brush and floss the way we show you (even if your technique is “a work in progress”), and let us know if anything changes.

Is this the kind of thing you can put off?

Short answer: Don’t. The longer you wait, the harder it can be to reverse the damage, and the more complicated the fix might be.

Bringing Healthier Gums—and Happier Days—to Real Life

Taking care of your gums isn’t just a line on your dental to-do list. At 100 West Dental, we want you to leave thinking, “That wasn’t bad at all. Actually, I feel good about taking care of myself.” Whether you’re overdue, worried, or just want a second opinion, this is your sign. We get it, and we’re ready when you are.

Book that visit right now and ask what it would take to get started. Let’s write a new chapter for your smile, together.