Young man smiling after gum disease is gone

Gum Disease

When plaque and bacteria build up around the gums, the soft tissues can become infected leading to inflammation, decay, and even tooth loss.

Fortunately, Dr. Everett E. Heringer can treat gum disease with several effective therapies before it reaches the most advanced stages.

Learn more about periodontitis and the benefits of seeking treatment at our Bismarck, ND, dental practice...

Don't Underestimate the Importance of Gum Health
3 Reasons to Schedule Treatment Today

Restore Oral Health

Gum disease can cause painful and embarrassing symptoms including swelling, bleeding, sensitivity, and bad breath. Our effective therapies target bacterial infection and restore the comfort of good oral health.

Save Money 

The more advanced gum disease gets, the more difficult and expensive it is to reverse. Scheduling treatment early on can help you save money and avoid complicated restorative procedures like dental implants. 

Avoid Tooth Loss

While modern dental restorations are better than ever, nothing compares to your natural teeth. The sooner you treat gum disease, the more likely you can prevent tooth loss and protect your smile. 

Schedule an Appointment Today

The sooner you seek treatment, the better your chances of reversing the damage caused by gum disease. Our practice is known for being knowledgeable, attentive, and compassionate when it comes to patient care. Schedule your appointment at Heringer Dentistry today. You can contact our Bismarck, ND, office online, or by calling:

(701) 255-4850

What is Periodontitis?

Periodontitis, also known as gum disease, is an infection that damages the soft tissues and bone that supports your teeth. It is most often caused by poor oral hygiene, however, pregnancy, diabetes, and family history are also risk factors. Gum and bone tissue are destroyed as the infection progresses, eventually causing tooth loss. 
Close up of woman with gum disease on lower gums
Gum disease is both preventable and reversible when diagnosed and treated in the early stages at our Bismarck dental practice.

No Symptoms?

It is important to understand that you can have gum disease even if no symptoms are present. Therefore you should attend regular checkups with the dentist to catch gum disease early when symptoms are still reversible. We recommend that our Mandan and Bismarck patients contact us to schedule an appointment at least twice a year to ensure their best oral health. 

"A true master in his field" 5-Star Reviews

1

Barb Frei

2020

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I don't usually leave reviews but I have had an exceptional experience that needs to be shared. Dr Heringer is the Michelangelo of dentistry! Not only is he a true master in his field but he has absolute passion for his work. Dr Heringer restored two of my problematic teeth and gums, that have caused me issues for years, to perfect health...The work he did is amazing, my teeth and gums are healthy, look beautiful and I couldn't be happier.

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1

Debora Creel

2021

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Thank you to Dr. Heringer and your staff for a pleasant and thorough dental exam. Ashley at the front desk made me feel very welcome. Chandra did an amazing job on cleaning my teeth and explaining everything she was doing and what would happen. Dr. Heringer was great and explained what I needed to do to improve my gums and flossing my teeth the best way. Thank you for making my first visit great!!!

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Learn More About Gum Disease Treatments

Tartar scraper tool cleaning teeth

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing is usually the first line of defense in the treatment of gingivitis and gum disease. It is a nonsurgical procedure sometimes referred to as deep cleaning. Scaling involves the removal of plaque and tartar on the surface of the tooth above and below the gumline. After the periodontal pocket is cleaned, we smooth out the root surfaces to encourage the gum tissue to reattach to the tooth. 

Laser cleaning bacteria from gums

Laser-Assisted Periodontal Therapy

During laser-assisted periodontal therapy, (LAPT) our dentist places a small laser fiber between the tooth and gums to destroy pockets of built-up bacteria.  The specific wavelength destroys bacteria and infection while leaving healthy gum tissue unharmed. The laser cauterizes the area simultaneously, closing off the periodontal pocket and promoting fast, easy recovery. 



In addition to these procedures, Dr. Heringer may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection and promote proper healing.

Advanced Laser Gum Therapy
For Less Discomfort, Faster Recovery


Dr. Heringer was the first in the area to offer laser dentistry. Our Bismarck practice is equipped with the advanced Waterlase™ dental laser that combines high-pressure water spray with laser energy.

Out of all of the new technologies that have advanced periodontal treatment, laser dentistry is one of the most beneficial for both patients and dentists alike.

Unlike traditional tools, lasers work quietly and gently. Since there are no incisions or stitches involved, lasers eliminate many of the common risk factors of treatment. In a single appointment, Waterlase therapy can reduce bacteria and, in many cases, the damage caused by gum disease. Lasers also promote faster healing. 

Waterlase
Dr. Heringer has undergone extensive training in laser dentistry to provide superior gum disease therapy.

Which Treatment is Right For Me?

The best treatment for you will depend on the stage and severity of the condition. Take a closer look at how gum disease begins and progresses to learn about your options. 
 

The Progression Of Gum Disease

Plaque and Tartar

If you do not brush and floss well on a daily basis, plaque builds up on the teeth and gumline. After 72 hours, the plaque hardens into tartar, a bacteria-rich substance that is more difficult to remove without a professional cleaning.

Gingivitis

Trapped tartar can cause inflammation and irritation of the gum tissues. These symptoms indicate the earliest stage of periodontal disease known as gingivitis. The sooner it is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat gingivitis. Dr. Heringer will carefully remove the built-up plaque and tartar and give you instructions for daily hygienic maintenance.

Periodontal Disease

If left untreated, gingivitis will worsen and progress into periodontal disease. At this stage, you have deep pockets of tartar and bacteria. Dr. Heringer may recommend laser gum treatment to remove infection and address gum recession.

Tooth Loss

In the most advanced stages of periodontal disease, bacteria severely erode gum and bone tissue. You may notice your teeth shift when you bite down or feel wobbly to the touch. Often the immune system is weakened and one or more teeth fall out. To restore your oral health, you will need more extensive periodontal therapy, followed by dental implants to replace the missing teeth. 
You don't need to suffer through advanced periodontal disease. Request a consultation today and get started on treatment. 

Cost of Gum Disease Therapy

We are committed to providing fair and competitive prices so people can receive the dental care they need. The cost of periodontal treatment at Heringer Dentistry is usually covered at least in part by dental insurance. If you have a large deductible or are uninsured, our Bismarck practice offers flexible financing to help you manage out-of-pocket expenses. You can ask our team about a CareCredit® or GreenSky® application if you are interested in financing your treatment. 

"They give you the options  that will best suit your needs"

1

Bernie Wagner

2019

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A few years ago I was looking for a good dentist in Bismarck North Dakota. Over a period of time I asked three people whom they would recommend. It was pretty phenomenal that of all the dentists in Bismarck, all three strongly recommended Dr. Everett Heringer. All of my experiences at Heringer dental have been very positive. I have had major excellent dental work done by Dr Heringer. I am so appreciative of Dr. Heringer’s and his staff’s work.

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1

Roger Streifel

2021

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Dr. Herringer, his hygienists, and all staff are very professional, give excellent care, and make certain you are the most comfortable you possibly can be while receiving dental care. They are very informative and make certain they take the time to answer all of your questions and you can be sure to know all the necessary details of your dental care needs. They give you the options that will best suit your needs and allow you to make the decisions on your own without being too persuasive.

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Dr. Everett E. Heringer

Everett E. Heringer, DDS

Dr. Heringer is dedicated to dental excellence and is a member of several prestigious organizations, including:

  • American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
  • World Clinical Laser Institute
  • North Dakota Dental Association
  • BIOLASE
  • SPEAR Dental Education
  • SPEAR Study Club Leader

To schedule your consultation, contact us online or call us at (701) 255-4850.

Contact Us Today

"The staff was amazing and made me feel at complete ease... I truly cannot say enough about how wonderful my experience was… I highly highly recommend Dr. Heringer. I will never see another dentist again, they are stuck with me!"

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