Dear Patient:

We hope this letter finds you and your family in good health. Our community has been through a lot over the last few months, and all of us are looking forward to resuming our normal habits and routines. While many things have changed, one thing has remained the same: our commitment to your safety.

Infection control has always been a top priority for our practice and you may have seen this during your visits to our office. Our infection control processes are made so that when you receive care, it’s both safe and comfortable. We want to tell you about the infection control procedures we follow in our practice to keep patients and staff safe.

Our office follows infection control recommendations made by the American Dental Association (ADA), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). We follow the activities of these agencies so that we are up-to-date on any new rulings or guidance that may be issued.

You may see some changes when it is time for your next appointment. We made these changes to help protect our patients and staff. For example:

  • Our office will communicate with you beforehand to ask some screening questions. You'll be asked those same questions again when you are in the office.
    • We have hand sanitizer that we will ask you to use when you enter the office. You will also find some in the reception area and other places in the office for you to use as needed.
    • You may see that our waiting room will no longer offer magazines, children’s toys and so forth, since those items are difficult to clean and disinfect.
    • Appointments will be managed to allow for social distancing between patients. That might mean that you’re offered fewer options for scheduling your appointment.
  • We will do our best to allow greater time between patients to reduce waiting times for you, as well as to reduce the number of patients in the reception area at any one time.

We look forward to seeing you again and are happy to answer any questions you may have about the steps we take to keep you, and every patient, safe in our practice. To make an appointment, please call our office at (509) 485-8620 or visit our website at www.drweigand.com

Thank you for being our patient. We value your trust and loyalty and look forward to welcoming back our patients, neighbors and friends.

Sincerely,
Richard D. Weigand, DDS

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A woman at dental office

You have options in gum disease treatment in Spokane, WA

One in two people suffer from gum disease, so finding convenient treatment is more important than ever. Most general dentists refer patients out for this care. With more than 30 years of experience, and as a Fellow of the World Clinical Laser Institute, Dr. Richard Weigand is well-qualified to perform effective ​gum disease treatment at his ​Spokane, WA practice, ​without need for referral to a specialist​.

More than one way to treat gum infection

Scaling and root planing is a traditional gum disease cure for mild cases of gingivitis. This periodontal treatment is essentially a deep cleaning of tooth roots beneath the gums. Treatment addresses areas that routine at-home and in-office dental care cannot reach, to remove calculus and bacteria. Scaling and root planing rid the mouth of irritations that trigger gum disease.

Laser gum surgery is the preferred treatment for moderate to advanced cases of periodontal disease. Also known as pocket depth reduction, laser gum surgery aims to save a tooth by cleaning the area around it. Laser therapy is typically recommended after other treatments have failed. This method involves gaining access to areas below the gum line, to eliminate harmful bacteria that flourish deep between teeth and gums.

Gingivectomy is the removal of inflamed, overgrown tissue. This oral surgery is an adjunct restorative procedure, sometimes considered a receding gums cure. During the procedure, the doctor removes and reshapes loose, diseased gum tissue. The goal of treatment is to reduce the depths of pockets that exist between the teeth and gums, allowing the mouth to heal. In the past, this was an invasive procedure requiring sutures and an extended healing period. Dr. Weigand performs gingivectomy with laser precision, for reduced discomfort and bleeding, superior infection control, and less downtime.

Benefits of effective gum disease treatment in Spokane, WA

  • Quality, comprehensive care
  • Minimally invasive treatment, which is more conservative than traditional gum surgery
  • Faster healing time
  • Bad breath (halitosis) is reduced or eliminated
  • Populations of harmful bacteria are controlled
  • Reduced risk of tooth and bone loss
  • Improved overall health
  • A beautiful, healthy smile

I​n ​Spokane, WA, you can receive effective periodontal therapy from the general dentist you know and trust. Call (509) 485-8620 to schedule an appointment at Richard D Weigand DDS for ​the treatmentof ​gum disease.

Dr. Richard Weigand

Richard D. Weigand, DDS

Dr. Richard Weigand is trusted and respected by the communities in Spokane, WA for his skill and expertise and his genuine concern for patients. He has won numerous accolades for his services.

He is a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry and World Clinical Laser Institute and a member of the American Dental Association, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Spokane District Dental Society, and Washington State Dental Association. He is certified with the Las Vegas Institute of Advanced Dental Studies, Pacific Aesthetic Continuum (Live), World Clinical Laser Institute, and the Spear Center in Scottsdale, AZ. He is also co-founder of the Spokane Practice Management Club.

Dr. Weigand shares his knowledge and experience through journal and magazine articles and media interviews. He has also contributed to many community projects.
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