Gum Disease Treatment
Treating gum disease at its source
Periodontal (gum) disease starts with plaque and tartar building up along and below the gumline, and it only gets ahead of you if it’s left untreated.
Treatment starts with removing that buildup from the root surfaces — a deep cleaning known as scaling and root planing — then gives your gums time to heal. If disease has progressed further, periodontal surgery may be needed to fully restore the health of the tissue and bone supporting your teeth. Either way, the goal is the same: stop the disease process and keep it from coming back.
Signs it’s time to be seen
Gum disease is often painless in its early stages, which is exactly why it’s easy to miss.
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste that won’t go away
- Gums that look red, swollen, or have pulled away from the teeth
- Teeth that feel loose or seem to be shifting
- Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
How treatment is chosen
A full periodontal examination comes first — treatment is matched to what that exam finds, not the other way around.
Scaling and root planing, sometimes paired with our LANAP laser protocol, treats most gum disease without a scalpel or sutures.
When disease has caused deeper damage, periodontal surgery restores health to the gum and bone — sometimes alongside bone grafting to rebuild what’s been lost.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I have gum disease?
Early gum disease is often painless, so a periodontal exam is the most reliable way to know — bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or teeth that feel loose are all signs worth having checked.
Do I need surgery to treat gum disease?
Not always — many cases respond to non-surgical scaling and root planing, sometimes alongside our LANAP laser protocol. Surgery is reserved for more advanced cases.
Is scaling and root planing painful?
The area is numbed beforehand, so most patients feel pressure rather than pain, with mild sensitivity for a day or two afterward.
Can gum disease come back after treatment?
Yes, if plaque and tartar are allowed to build up again — that’s why maintenance visits and good home care are part of every treatment plan.
Ready to get ahead of it?
Once your dentist has referred you, we’ll build a treatment plan around your own exam and X-rays — not a one-size-fits-all routine.
