Periodontal care
Treating & managing gum disease
Bleeding gums aren't normal. Catching gum disease early — and keeping it controlled — protects your teeth and your overall health.
Stages of gum disease
- Healthy gums — pink, firm, no bleeding when you floss.
- Gingivitis — red, slightly swollen, bleeds when you brush or floss. Fully reversible.
- Early periodontitis — gum pockets begin to deepen, some bone loss starts. Treatable with scaling and root planing.
- Moderate to advanced periodontitis — significant pocketing, bone loss visible on X-ray, gums may recede or teeth may loosen. Treatable, but requires ongoing maintenance for life.
Scaling and root planing
Scaling and root planing — sometimes called a "deep cleaning" — is the standard first treatment for periodontitis. We numb the area, remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line, and smooth the root surfaces so your gums can re-attach. It's typically split across two appointments (one side at a time) and most patients describe it as comfortable, not painful.
Periodontal maintenance
After active treatment, your cleanings shift from every six months to every three or four months. These maintenance visits are slightly deeper than a regular cleaning — we get below the gum line in any area that's at risk and keep it clear of new buildup. Skipping maintenance is the most common reason periodontitis comes back.
Why it matters beyond your mouth
Periodontal disease has been linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes complications, low birth weight in newborns, and other systemic conditions. The inflammation doesn't stay confined to your gums. Treating periodontitis is good for your teeth — and good for the rest of you.
Common questions
Frequently asked
- What is periodontal disease?
- Periodontal disease (also called gum disease or periodontitis) is an infection in the tissues that hold your teeth in place. The early stage is gingivitis — red, swollen gums that bleed when you brush. The advanced stage is periodontitis, where bone around the teeth starts to break down.
- How do I know if I have it?
- Common signs: gums that bleed when you brush or floss, gums that look red or puffy, bad breath that doesn't clear up, gums pulling back from your teeth, loose teeth, or teeth that have shifted position. Most patients don't notice it until it's well underway — which is why we measure gum pockets at every routine exam.
- What is scaling and root planing?
- Scaling and root planing (often called a 'deep cleaning') is the first-line treatment for periodontitis. The hygienist or dentist removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline, then smooths the root surfaces so the gums can re-attach. It's typically done with local anesthetic and split across two appointments.
- What is periodontal maintenance?
- After scaling and root planing, you switch from regular six-month cleanings to a three- or four-month maintenance schedule. The cleanings are slightly deeper and more thorough than a regular prophylaxis, and they keep the disease from coming back.
- Will my insurance cover periodontal treatment?
- Most dental insurance covers scaling and root planing at some level — often 50% to 80% — and periodontal maintenance cleanings similar to regular cleanings, though sometimes with a different code. We'll verify your benefits before treatment so you know your portion.
- Is periodontal disease reversible?
- Gingivitis (the early stage) is fully reversible with good home care and a professional cleaning. Once it progresses to periodontitis and bone is lost, that bone loss is permanent — but the disease can be stopped and managed indefinitely with proper treatment and maintenance.
- What can I do at home?
- Brush twice a day (electric toothbrush strongly recommended), floss daily, use an antimicrobial rinse if we prescribe one, don't smoke, and keep your maintenance appointments. Patients who skip maintenance cleanings often see the disease return.
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