Gum Disease

When it comes to your oral health, everything is connected. That means periodontal disease can impact your teeth, gums, and even bone.

If you live with symptoms like gum recession, inflammation, or bleeding while flossing, Dr. Byron J. Nordhus can help.

He and the Wichita and West Wichita, KS, team at Nordhus Dentistry offer several gum disease treatment options. We can tailor care to your smile.

Understanding the Two Stages of Gum Disease

Depending on which stage your condition is in, your gum disease may be reversible — which is one of the many reasons why it's crucial to visit Dr. Byron J. Nordhus for your gum disease treatment.

Gingivitis

Gum disease begins as a milder condition called gingivitis. Though it's less severe in its early stages, that doesn't mean you can ignore it. Why? It can cause uncomfortable symptoms like inflammation and bleeding while flossing, and it can also impact the health of your gums. Additionally, it can lead to gum recession. Without treatment, your condition can grow far more serious.

Periodontitis

Over time, gingivitis can progress into a more advanced form of gum disease known as periodontitis. With periodontitis, your gums will continue to recede, and they may become loose, pulling away from your teeth. This makes it far easier for plaque to form deeper and deeper around each tooth. Unfortunately, without treatment, periodontitis can even lead to tooth loss.

Addressing Gum Disease With Scaling and Root Planing

With periodontal disease, a regular cleaning cannot fully address your condition. In fact, gum disease requires a more targeted treatment to address deeper levels of plaque and bacteria. That's where scaling and root planing comes in.

This is a two-pronged treatment, which treats your gum disease at the source. We will use it remove plaque and tartar, even the types found in gum pockets and down inside where your teeth and gums meet.

Wichita Patients Are Happy They Chose Our Team

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Jim

Wichita, KS

2024

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It had been 20+ years since I've been to a dentist, partly because of anxiety but mostly procrastination. I reviewed multiple Dentists per the Web, and chose Dr. Nordhus Dentistry for multiple reasons. Smaller practice, online reviews, state-of-the-art equipment and imaging, and a membership plan for those like me with no insurance. The staff is very friendly and professional, and the office is quite and comforting. After a few minutes filling out the new patient form, Natalie the hygienist took me to a room asked questions, explained options, and then proceeded with initial cleaning. Dr. Nordhus and Natalie explained next steps, and associated cost. I highly recommend Dr. Nordhus Dentistry, and looking forward to my next visits.

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1

MaiLan Brown

Wichita, KS

2024

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The care I received at Nordhus Dentistry was phenomenal!

This was my initial visit and so the hygienist Natalie and Dr Nordhus took their time explaining my overall dental health, listened to my concerns, and provided clearly options for followup treatments.

They were very thorough, professional, and caring. The facility had state-of-the-art imaging and was very inviting.

I would definitely recommend Nordhus Dentistry!

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We Help You Get Comfortable With Sedation

Nervous? You don't have to be anxious during gingivitis or periodontitis treatment because our office features three sedation dentistry options to keep our patients calm: nitrous oxide sedation, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation, all of which can be tailored to your exact needs. They can even help patients who struggle with repetitive motions and the ability to remain still.

What to Expect During Your Appointments

The time you spend with our dentist during your periodontal care is a direct investment in your health and smile. If you have periodontitis, your treatment may go something like this.
At our Wichita dentist's office, we use advanced technology during your visit, like VELscope® and dental lasers.
At our Wichita dentist's office, we use advanced technology during your visit, like VELscope® and dental lasers.

Dental Consultation

Think you may have periodontitis? Or have you been diagnosed before? At your periodontal consultation, Dr. Nordhus will get to know you and your case. He can also use technology like our  I-CAT® Cone Beam 3-D Dental Imaging Scanner to take X-rays of your teeth and gums.

Making You Comfortable

Throughout your treatment for periodontal disease, we'll make your comfort a priority. We can numb your mouth during the cleaning, so you won't feel a thing. For anxious patients, our dentist also offers sedation like nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation to keep you calm.

Scaling

First, scaling allows our hygienist to remove any tartar attached to the exposed parts of your teeth.

Root Planing

Next, we will safely move your gum tissue away from your teeth. That way, we can remove even the deepest tartar.

Dental Lasers

We use two different dental lasers — the DIAGNOdent Laser and a carbon dioxide laser — to minimize or even entirely destroy the bacteria that cause periodontal disease. As a result, we may be able to improve your gum health and reduce the increased pocket depth that comes with gum disease.

Healing

No need to stress — like with most scaling and root planing treatments, your gums will mostly like reconnect to your teeth in around four to eight weeks. If you ever are concerned or have questions, though, you're always welcome to reach out to our friendly Wichita team.

The Schedule For Periodontal Care

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Generally speaking, you may need to receive scaling and root planing several times for the treatment to fully address your plaque and bacteria, and you may need it biannually. Because we believe in thorough treatment, we may take more than one visit to completely cover all of your teeth. No matter your unique situation, you've found a caring dental team that's happy to help.

"An incredible experience." Why Wichita Loves Our Dental Office

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Michele Mankins

Wichita, KS

2024

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I went there for a teeth cleaning and they do a great job! Dr. Nordhus is a very patient and understanding person with me, because he knows I am terrified when I go to the dentist, and he really puts me at ease. I would highly recommend Dr. Nordhus!

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Consuelo Hubbell

Wichita, KS

2024

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My first time visiting and I am so glad I got to meet this team. Very welcoming staff and an incredible experience. I was educated every step of the appointment.

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​Dr. Byron J. Nordhus

Nordhus Dentistry

Dr. Byron J. Nordhus strives to provide the highest level of comprehensive dental care at his Wichita, KS, practice, while treating his patients like family. He uses advanced materials, treatments, and technology to make dental procedures as effective and painless as possible. Affiliations include:

  • Academy of Laser Dentistry
  • American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
  • American Dental Association 

To schedule your consultation, contact us online or call us at (316) 721-6730.

Message Our Team

"Dr. Nordhus and the whole team are simply amazing. Humble, professional, and always a delight to work with. Highly recommend."

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