Periodontal Disease Treatment

Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. When the gums become irritated or infected, the teeth and bone can be at risk. Periodontal therapy is the care your gums need to stop infection, ease swelling, and protect your teeth for the long term.

If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, look red or puffy, or feel tender, it could be an early sign of gum disease. The good news is that with the right treatments from Dr. Eric Gartner, patients can get their gums back on track and keep their smiles strong.

What is Periodontal Therapy

Periodontal therapy is a set of treatments that target the gums (the periodontium) and the bone that supports your teeth. The goal is simple: remove the germs that cause infection, let the tissues heal, and prevent future damage. Therapy can be non-surgical, such as a deep cleaning, or surgical, such as gum recession repair. Dr. Gartner will choose the right course of treatment based on the severity of your gum disease.

Care usually begins with a careful exam. This may include measuring the spaces (pockets) between your gums and teeth, checking for bleeding, and taking X‑rays to see bone levels. With this information, Dr. Gartner creates a plan just for you. Many people start with deep cleaning to remove plaque and tartar below the gumline. After healing, you’ll return for gum maintenance visits to keep bacteria under control.

Periodontal therapy is a team effort. Your dental team treats the infection, and you maintain the results by brushing, flossing, and following the at-home plan.

Periodontal Treatments

• Professional cleaning (prophylaxis): For early gum problems, a routine cleaning removes soft plaque and hardened tartar above the gumline. This supports healthy gums and fresh breath.
• Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning): This is the most common non-surgical gum treatment. Dr. Gartner or a hygienist removes plaque and tartar beneath the gums (scaling) and smooths root surfaces (root planing) so the gums can reattach and heal.
• Local antibiotics or antimicrobials: In some cases, medicine is placed directly into deep gum pockets after a deep cleaning to kill leftover bacteria and support healing.
• Laser therapy: Certain lasers can help reduce bacterial activity and inflammation in tissue. Dr. Gartner may use laser therapy along with deep cleaning to improve results and comfort.
• Periodontal maintenance: After treatment, you’ll return every 3-4 months for special cleanings. These visits control bacteria, check pocket depths, and help prevent relapse.
• Re-evaluation: Weeks after deep cleaning, Dr. Gartner measures your gums again. If pockets have shrunk and bleeding is reduced, maintenance continues. If deep pockets remain, more treatment may be needed.
• Gum grafting (for recession): If the gums have receded from the teeth, a gum graft can cover exposed roots, reduce sensitivity, and help protect against further recession.
• Pocket reduction surgery: When deep pockets do not respond to non-surgical care, surgery can reshape bone and gum tissue to reduce pocket depth and make cleaning easier.
• Bone grafts and guided bone growth: If gum disease has damaged bone, grafting materials may help rebuild support around teeth. A tiny membrane may be used to guide the growth of new tissue.
• Bite adjustment and splinting: If certain teeth experience excessive bite force due to shifting or wear, adjusting the bite or gently splinting loose teeth can reduce stress and support healing.

Stages of Gum Disease

Stage 1: Gingivitis

The earliest stage. Gums look red, swollen, and may bleed when you brush or floss. Plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) builds up along the gumline and irritates the tissue. There is no bone loss at this stage, and with good brushing, flossing, and a professional cleaning, gingivitis is usually reversible.

Stage 2: Early (mild) Periodontitis

If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis. The gums start to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that trap bacteria. The body’s response to infection can begin to damage the bone around the teeth. You may notice bleeding, bad breath, and mild tenderness. Deep cleaning is often recommended.

Stage 3: Moderate Periodontitis

Pockets get deeper, more bone is lost, and teeth can begin to loosen slightly. Gums may recede, and roots can become sensitive to hot and cold. Deep cleaning, medicines, and possibly laser therapy or surgery may be needed to control the infection and stop further damage.

Stage 4: Advanced Periodontitis

In the most serious stage, pockets are deep, bone loss is significant, and teeth may shift or feel loose. Chewing can be uncomfortable. Without treatment, teeth can be lost. Surgical care, grafting, and careful long-term maintenance are used to save teeth when possible.

Risk Factors for Gum Disease

• Tobacco use: Smoking or chewing tobacco is the top risk factor. It weakens your body’s ability to fight infection and heal.
• Diabetes: High blood sugar feeds harmful bacteria and slows healing, making gum disease more likely and harder to control.
• Poor oral hygiene: Skipping brushing and flossing allows plaque to harden into tartar, which irritates the gums and can lead to infection.
• Family history: Some people are more prone to gum disease due to genetics. If close relatives have it, your risk is higher.
• Age: Risk increases with age as gums and bone may become more vulnerable over time.
• Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, puberty, and menopause can make gums more sensitive and likely to swell or bleed.
• Stress and sleep: Stress and poor sleep can weaken your immune system, making it harder to fight gum infection.
• Medications and dry mouth: Many medications reduce saliva production. Dry mouth allows plaque to build up faster and irritate gums.
• Crooked or crowded teeth: Hard-to-clean areas trap plaque. Orthodontic care or special tools can improve cleaning.
• Dental restorations that don’t fit well: Rough edges or overhanging fillings collect plaque and inflame gums.
• Poor diet: A diet high in sugar and low in vitamins can raise your risk. Choose whole foods and drink plenty of water.