Salivary DNA Testing in Colorado Springs, CO
Your gums can show signs of inflammation, but that alone does not tell us exactly which specific bacteria are involved. At Briargate Advanced Family Dental, we offer salivary DNA testing in Colorado Springs, CO, to identify and measure specific gum disease bacteria and other organisms associated with dental concerns.
The SimplyPerio test gives Dr. Peter McIntyre, DDS, and Dr. Kyle Richardson, DDS, additional information to consider alongside your dental exam, X-rays, periodontal measurements, and health history. By looking at the levels of bacteria in your saliva, we can better understand your oral health and use that information when discussing an appropriate treatment plan.
Understanding Gum Disease Bacteria
Traditional periodontal evaluations remain an essential part of patient care. Bleeding, pocket depths, recession along the gum line, X-rays, and changes in bone levels help us evaluate the effects of gum disease and monitor your oral health. Left unaddressed, periodontal disease can contribute to bone loss and tooth loss, so understanding what is driving inflammation matters.
These findings cannot tell us on their own which species of bacteria are present. Two people with similar clinical signs may have different bacterial profiles, which is one reason identifying and measuring specific organisms can provide useful additional information.
SimplyPerio adds another layer of insight by identifying and measuring specific oral bacteria. When periodontal concerns are present, a gum disease bacteria test can help us understand the bacterial burden and consider whether different treatments or closer monitoring may be appropriate.
Dr. McIntyre, DDS, has practiced dentistry in the Colorado Springs community since 1987. Our approach combines established clinical evaluation with useful diagnostic information so patients can understand their findings and take part in decisions about their care.
How a Salivary DNA Test Works
Sample Collection
Sample collection is quick and does not require needles. You provide a small saliva sample in a collection tube at our office after avoiding eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth for 30 minutes.
Laboratory Analysis
The sample is sent to an independent laboratory. The lab uses real-time PCR, a DNA-based method, to identify and measure organisms associated with gum disease, tooth decay, and inflammation around dental implants.
Reviewing Your Results
Once the results return, we review them with you in plain language. Every patient gets a results review, and treatment only follows when your overall findings indicate that it is appropriate.
What an Oral Bacteria Test Can Reveal
An oral bacteria test can tell us which disease-associated bacteria are present and in what amounts. It can also show whether higher-risk organisms deserve closer attention.
These findings may help guide a personalized treatment plan, including whether certain medications may be appropriate. The initial salivary DNA test can also provide a baseline for future testing.
When treatment is recommended, retesting lets us compare new findings with your original levels. We consider that information together with changes in your gums and other clinical findings, never on its own.
Who Benefits From a Saliva Test for Gum Disease?
A saliva test for gum disease may provide useful information for patients with bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, periodontal disease, or gum problems that keep returning despite treatment.
Testing may also be considered for patients who are maintaining dental implants, managing certain inflammatory health conditions, planning a pregnancy, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of their oral health.
Bacteria Test Before Dental Implants
A bacteria test before dental implants may provide information about the oral bacteria present as you and our dentists plan or maintain implant care. Testing does not replace the clinical examination needed to determine whether an implant or another treatment is appropriate.
Does Gum Disease Affect Heart Health?
Scientific research has found associations between certain oral bacteria and inflammation and conditions beyond the mouth, including heart disease, diabetes, and pregnancy complications. This developing area of research is one reason overall health and oral health are increasingly considered together, and it is why many patients look for a dentist who pays attention to both.
These associations do not mean gum bacteria directly cause those conditions. A salivary DNA test cannot diagnose heart disease, diabetes, pregnancy complications, or other systemic health problems.
What the test can do is provide information about bacteria and chronic inflammation in the mouth. When helpful, we are glad to share your results with your physician so they can consider them within the broader context of your health.
Using Results to Guide Periodontal Care
SimplyPerio does not replace a comprehensive dental examination, periodontal screening, X-rays, or a review of your dental and medical history. It adds information those evaluations cannot provide on their own.
If treatment is appropriate, your findings can be considered when planning periodontal therapy and other care. Some patients may simply continue routine monitoring, while others may need changes to an existing treatment plan.
Follow-up care depends on your individual findings. Consistent home care, good oral hygiene, and scheduled dental visits remain important for healthy gums regardless of your results.
Schedule Salivary DNA Testing in Colorado Springs
If you have gum disease, recurring periodontal concerns, or want more information about what is in your mouth, a salivary DNA test can add another useful piece to your oral health picture.
Dr. McIntyre, DDS, Dr. Richardson, DDS, and our team review your results alongside your complete clinical evaluation.
Call Briargate Advanced Family Dental at 719-475-2511 to schedule a consultation for salivary DNA testing in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is at-home saliva testing reliable?
Reliability varies widely among consumer at-home kits, and their results arrive without a dental exam to put them in context. SimplyPERIO uses a saliva sample collected at Briargate Advanced Family Dental and analyzed by an independent laboratory with real-time PCR. Our dentists then interpret your results alongside your clinical findings.
Can a saliva test diagnose gum disease?
No. A salivary DNA test identifies and measures bacteria, but it does not diagnose gum disease or its early signs on its own. We interpret results together with your exam, periodontal measurements, X-rays, health history, and other clinical findings.
What do I need to do before my saliva test?
Avoid eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth for 30 minutes before your appointment. Collection takes just a few minutes at our office and does not involve needles.
How often should you get tested?
No single schedule fits every patient. Our dentists recommend retesting based on your initial results, periodontal health, and treatment, such as after periodontal therapy to compare new bacterial levels with your baseline.
Do I need a referral for salivary DNA testing?
No referral is needed. SimplyPERIO testing is offered directly at Briargate Advanced Family Dental and interpreted as part of your overall dental care. Ask our team whether the test may be useful based on your oral health needs.
How much does salivary DNA testing cost?
The cost of salivary DNA testing at Briargate Advanced Family Dental depends on your testing needs and insurance coverage, which varies by plan. Our team reviews the fee with you before your sample is collected, so you know what to expect. Call 719-475-2511 to ask about current pricing.
What to Expect From Your First Visit
Your initial dental exam is a thorough, diagnostic-focused visit that includes detailed imaging (inside and outside of your mouth), a CBCT scan for 3D views of your teeth and jaws, and a comprehensive exam with your dentist. We’ll assess key areas such as teeth alignment, muscle and joint health, soft tissue, occlusion, past trauma, periodontal health, and signs of sleep apnea. Please note that no cleaning is performed during this first exam, as we focus on gathering the full scope of your oral health to tailor a personalized care plan.