Periodontal Treatment

Understanding Gum Disease

Bacteria are constantly growing in your mouth. They attach to your teeth, multiply, and form plaque. With proper brushing and flossing, plaque can be removed. But if it's not, it hardens into tartar (also called calculus). Tartar sticks to your teeth above and below the gum line, and only professional cleaning can remove it. Both plaque and tartar contain bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease.

Gingivitis: Early-Stage Gum Disease

Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease. It causes inflammation—your gums become red, swollen, and may bleed when you brush. It's caused by plaque and tartar buildup on the tooth surface. The good news? Gingivitis is easily reversible with improved oral hygiene and regular cleanings.

Periodontal Disease: A More Serious Problem

Periodontal disease is a gradually destructive process that breaks down the bone and gum tissue supporting your teeth. You may notice bad breath, bleeding gums, receding gums, or loose teeth—but the disease often starts long before any symptoms appear. We can detect it early through clinical signs like inflamed gums, periodontal pockets, tartar below the gum line, and bone loss visible on X-rays.

How Periodontal Treatment Works

Periodontal treatment cleans away plaque and tartar below the gum line. This stops the inflammation and helps your gums become healthy again. As a result, the destructive process is halted, gums may reattach to the tooth surface, and in some cases, bone can even grow back.

Treatment includes deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) and, for severe cases, periodontal surgery. Unlike many other offices, we also offer laser periodontal surgery, which minimizes cutting, trauma, and post-operative pain.

The earlier we catch gum disease, the easier it is to treat. If you've noticed any warning signs—or if it's simply been a while since your last cleaning—we're here to help you get back on track.