Periodontics
Healthy gums, healthy you
Gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss — and almost always silent in the early stages. Caught early, it's straightforward to treat. Caught later, modern periodontal care can still save what looks lost.
Treatments
From routine cleanings to corrective surgery
Most patients only need scaling and a tighter cleaning schedule. For more advanced cases — receded gums, deep pockets, broken teeth — we have the surgical options below to bring things back to a stable, healthy baseline.
Periodontal (Gum) Disease
An infection of the gums that begins as plaque and tartar buildup. In its early stage (gingivitis), it's almost silent — bleeding gums and bad breath are often the only signs. Left untreated, it advances to periodontitis and starts destroying the bone that holds teeth in place.
Scaling and Root Planing
The standard non-surgical treatment for gingivitis and early periodontitis. Scaling removes tartar above and below the gum line; root planing smooths the tooth roots so gums can reattach. Usually done in our office, one section of the mouth at a time. We sometimes pair it with Arestin antibiotic for stubborn pockets.
Gum Grafting
Restores receded gums by transplanting healthy soft tissue — typically from the roof of your mouth — onto the exposed roots. Reduces sensitivity, prevents further recession, and brings the gum line back to a more natural look. Routine procedure with minimal downtime.
Pocket Reduction (Osseous Surgery)
When advanced gum disease has left deep pockets between teeth and gums, we gently open the area, clean below the gum line, and reshape the bone so gums can reattach more tightly. Smaller pockets are easier to keep clean — better long-term outlook for the tooth.
Crown Lengthening
Reshapes the gum line to expose more tooth structure. Used when a tooth has broken below the gum, when there isn't enough surface for a crown, or to even out a 'gummy' smile cosmetically. Routine surgical procedure done in-office.
Frenectomy
A small piece of tissue (the frenulum) connects the lip or tongue to the gums. When it's too short or thick, it can affect speech, breastfeeding in infants, or pull on the gum line. A frenectomy releases it — done with a scalpel or laser in under 15 minutes.
Why It Matters
Gum health affects your whole body
Gum disease isn't just about your mouth. Research links untreated periodontal disease to several serious conditions — another reason it's worth treating early.
Heart & stroke
Research links untreated gum disease to higher risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Diabetes
Gum disease and diabetes feed each other — treating one helps control the other.
Pregnancy
Periodontal disease during pregnancy is associated with preterm birth and low birth weight.
Whole-body immunity
When your gums are diseased, your immune system has to fight a constant low-grade infection.
What to Expect
From first exam to long-term maintenance
Exam
We measure the depth of gum pockets, take x-rays, and check for bone loss to grade the disease.
Cleaning
Scaling and root planing as the first-line treatment — usually one quadrant of the mouth at a time.
Follow-up Care
Surgical options like grafting or pocket reduction only when non-surgical treatment isn't enough.
Maintenance
Cleanings every 3–4 months instead of the usual 6 — keeps your gums stable for the long term.
FAQ
Common questions about gum care
What are the early signs of gum disease?
Bleeding when you brush or floss, persistent bad breath, gums that look puffy or pull away from the teeth, and increased sensitivity. The frustrating part is that gum disease is often painless until it's advanced — so an exam matters even if nothing feels wrong.
Is gum disease reversible?
Gingivitis — the early stage — is fully reversible with a proper cleaning and good home care. Periodontitis (the advanced stage with bone loss) can't be reversed, but it can be controlled and stopped. The bone you've lost stays lost; everything from there forward we protect.
Does scaling and root planing hurt?
It's usually painless. For deeper cases or sensitive patients we numb the area for full comfort. Most people feel a little tender for a day afterwards — over-the-counter pain relief is more than enough.
How often should I come in if I've had gum disease?
Typically every 3–4 months for periodontal maintenance, instead of the standard 6-month cleaning. The shorter cycle is the single most important thing for keeping the disease from coming back.
Can gum disease come back?
Yes — without consistent home care (brushing, flossing daily) and the maintenance cleanings, the bacteria reestablish quickly. The good news: it's manageable with a routine.
Why does gum surgery sound scary?
Mostly because of how it used to be done decades ago. Modern techniques — including laser frenectomy and minimally invasive grafting — are far gentler than their reputation, with minimal downtime.
Don't wait for symptoms
Schedule a periodontal exam
Most gum disease is silent until it's advanced. A short exam tells you exactly where you stand — and gives us the head start that matters.