Periodontal Therapy
Gum disease affects roughly 30% of adults and is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. It often progresses quietly; many patients feel no pain while it damages the foundation of their teeth. It isn’t curable, but with professional care and consistent home habits, it can be controlled.
What causes gum disease?
Bacteria in the mouth produce plaque, which hardens into tartar and releases toxins into the gums. The immune system responds with inflammation: first as bleeding gums (gingivitis), then, if untreated, as chronic infection in the pockets around teeth that destroys supporting bone. Over half that bone can be lost before you feel looseness or pain, and lost bone does not grow back.
How we diagnose and treat it
Understand first, then a plan matched to the stage of disease.
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Precise diagnosis
We measure the gum collar around each tooth with a periodontal probe (healthy is 2–3mm), examine bacteria under our high-magnification phase contrast microscope, and evaluate bone levels with digital X-rays.
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Deep cleaning when needed
For progressed cases, we gently numb the gums and perform root planing and scaling, meticulously clearing the infected pocket around each tooth over several comfortable visits.
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A home-care strategy
A daily plan tailored to you, possibly including a medicated rinse or an ultrasonic toothbrush, because bacteria repopulate within a day of cleaning.
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Ongoing maintenance
A schedule of 2–4 visits per year based on severity and your response. If disease still progresses, we refer you to a periodontist for specialist care.
Common questions
Can gum disease be cured?
No, but it can be controlled. With proper professional hygiene and consistent at-home care, its progression can be halted. Consistency is what matters most.
Why does gum disease matter beyond my mouth?
Bleeding gums give oral bacteria a direct path into the bloodstream, and research links these bacteria to heart disease, stroke, arthritis, Alzheimer’s, and certain cancers. The relationship runs both ways: conditions like diabetes accelerate gum disease, and oral inflammation can complicate diabetes management.
Your gums are the foundation
No matter how beautiful the house, it fails when the foundation decays. Regular check-ups, professional cleanings, and good home care are the keys to catching and managing periodontal disease. Schedule a visit and we’ll assess where you stand.