Overview

Gum health plays a vital role in overall oral wellness. At Boardwalk Family Dental, Dr. Eric Hurtte focuses on diagnosing, treating, and managing gum disease with advanced periodontal care. You may need specialized periodontal treatment if you experience bleeding gums, bad breath, or gum recession. Dr. Hurtte brings years of experience and a patient-first approach to every visit. Our team uses modern tools and proven techniques to restore gum health and protect your smile long-term with periodontics in O’Fallon.

Boardwalk Family Dental is Proud to Serve Veterans with Periodontal Needs

Dr. Hurtte has a deep appreciation for veterans and their service. As the only provider in the area who can see patients through the VA, our practice proudly offers specialized periodontal care for veterans. We also have a veteran on our team, who gives us firsthand insight into the challenges and needs many veterans face when seeking dental treatment. Whether you’re a veteran or a civilian, you’ll find the respect, professionalism, and high-quality care you deserve right here.

The Power of Periodontics in O’Fallon

Prioritizing your gum health through professional periodontal care does more than prevent tooth loss—it supports your entire oral and overall health. At Boardwalk Family Dental, we help patients protect the foundation of their smile with personalized, proactive gum care. Whether you’re dealing with early-stage gingivitis or more advanced gum disease, periodontics in O’Fallon offers several long-term benefits:

  • Prevents Tooth Loss: Gum disease is one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss. Periodontal treatment removes harmful bacteria and strengthens the tissue and bone that keep your teeth firmly in place.
  • Reduces Inflammation and Bleeding: Professional care targets the root cause of swollen, tender gums. With proper treatment, bleeding while brushing or flossing often stops entirely.
  • Improves Breath: Chronic bad breath contributes to gum infection. Periodontal therapy makes your mouth fresher by removing bacteria and debris below the gumline.
  • Supports Overall Health: Gum disease can lead to systemic health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Managing it with professional help may reduce the risk of these complications.
  • Restores Gum Appearance: Receding or uneven gumlines can affect the look of your smile. Periodontal treatments like gum grafting can restore symmetry and improve aesthetics.
  • Protects Dental Investments: Restorations like crowns, bridges, and implants last longer when the surrounding gum and bone tissue stay healthy. Periodontics helps protect your investment in dental work.

By focusing on gum health, you support your entire smile’s long-term stability, comfort, and appearance.

Our Periodontal Procedures

Regular Periodontal Maintenance

Routine periodontal maintenance helps keep gums healthy after treatment or prevents issues from developing in the first place. These cleanings remove plaque and tartar above and just below the gumline. We use tools like digital X-rays and intraoral cameras to monitor gum health with accuracy and ease. During your visit, you can unwind in a massage chair with a pillow or blanket, enjoy streaming services, and stay comfortable with water, chapstick, and free Wi-Fi.

Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)

When gum disease progresses past the early stage, scaling and root planing become necessary to clean below the gumline and smooth the roots of your teeth. Dr. Hurtte uses digital imaging, iTero scanning, and laser dentistry to make the process more precise and gentle. If you feel anxious, nitrous oxide is available to help you relax throughout treatment. We also offer comfort amenities like weighted blankets, massage chairs, and same-day appointments to make the experience easier on you.

Scaling and Root Planing with Bone Loss

If gum disease has advanced to bone loss, scaling and root planing becomes more in-depth, often requiring additional planning and ongoing care. We use CBCT scanning, panoramic X-rays, and 3D imaging to detect bone deterioration and guide treatment. For comfort, Dr. Hurtte may use a soft tissue laser to minimize inflammation and support healing with less discomfort. Our team makes these longer visits more manageable with streaming services, massage chairs, and calming amenities like weighted blankets and nitrous oxide when needed.

Signs You Might Need Periodontal Care

Gum disease often starts quietly, but early symptoms are easy to catch with attention. Here are some common signs that may indicate the need for a periodontal evaluation:

  • Bleeding during brushing or flossing
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Gum swelling or tenderness
  • Receding gums
  • Loose or shifting teeth
  • Visible plaque or tartar buildup along the gumline

If you notice any of these signs, we recommend coming in for a thorough gum assessment. Dr. Hurtte uses advanced diagnostic tools to detect problems at every stage—sometimes before symptoms appear.

Contact Us and Guard Your Gums with Periodontics

Healthy gums are essential for a healthy smile. Dr. Hurtte and our team at Boardwalk Family Dental use advanced technology and years of experience to deliver effective, comfortable periodontal care. Ask us about our flexible financing and membership plan to make treatment more accessible. Dr. Hurtte looks forward to helping you protect your teeth and restore your confidence—one visit at a time.

Patient Testimonials

We Love Our Patients

Megan

"Always such a pleasure to come here! I have even moved farther away and choose to drive to come to this office. The staff are always polite and welcoming. My cleanings are smoothe and quick. Thankful to have somewhere that you feel cares to do a good job!"

Drew

"Today I was helped by Ashley and Kylie- They were amazing. They made my experience a positive and fun one. They were both friendly, easy to talk to and answered all my questions. It was overall a great environment and would recommend this office to everyone!"

Preston

"Fantastic first visit! Dr. Hurtte, Anaisa, and Michi all were amazing. I was anxious since I hadn't been to a dentist in a while, they were welcoming calmed me down, addressed any concerns. 100% recommend them, will be going to them from now on!!"

Kelly

"Hands down, probably the BEST dental experience I've had. Izzy was amazing and cleaned my teeth with gentleness and kept me laughing (as best as I could) the entire time. Dr. Eric is amazing!! He took time to talk to me and answer any questions I had. 100/10 recommend them!"