Periodontics
Your teeth get a lot of attention, but the gums and bone that support them are just as important to your oral health. Periodontics is the branch of dentistry focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases that affect the gums, bone, and other supporting structures of the teeth. When these structures are compromised, teeth can loosen, shift, and ultimately be lost — even if the teeth themselves are otherwise healthy.
Gum disease is one of the most common health conditions in the world, and it often progresses silently, without pain or obvious symptoms, until it has already caused significant damage. The good news is that when caught early, gum disease is highly treatable — and with the right ongoing care, it can be managed effectively for the long term.
Understanding Gum Disease
Gum disease begins as gingivitis — the earliest and most reversible stage of the condition. Gingivitis is caused by the buildup of plaque along the gumline, which triggers inflammation and causes gums to become red, swollen, and prone to bleeding. At this stage, the damage is limited to the soft tissue and can typically be reversed with a thorough professional cleaning and improved home care.
When gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis — a more serious form of gum disease in which the inflammation spreads below the gumline, damaging the bone and connective tissue that hold your teeth in place. Pockets form between the teeth and gums, creating a hospitable environment for bacteria that cause further destruction.
Chronic periodontitis is the most common form, progressing gradually over time. Aggressive periodontitis progresses more rapidly and can occur even in otherwise healthy patients. Risk factors for gum disease include smoking, diabetes, certain medications, genetic predisposition, and hormonal changes.
Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy (Scaling and Root Planing)
For patients with periodontitis, the first line of treatment is typically non-surgical periodontal therapy — more commonly known as scaling and root planing, or a “deep cleaning.” This procedure is more thorough than a standard cleaning and targets the areas below the gumline where bacteria and tartar accumulate in the pockets around the roots.
During scaling, our hygienist removes tartar and bacterial deposits from the root surfaces. Root planing then smooths the root surfaces to help the gum tissue reattach and to reduce the places where bacteria can adhere and accumulate. The procedure is usually performed in sections under local anesthesia and may require multiple appointments to complete.
After scaling and root planing, most patients experience significant improvement in their gum health. Follow-up periodontal maintenance visits are essential to keep the condition from progressing further.
Gingival Grafting
Gum recession — when the gum tissue pulls back from the tooth, exposing the root — is a common consequence of gum disease, aggressive brushing, or simply genetics. Receding gums not only create sensitivity and aesthetic concerns but also leave the roots vulnerable to decay and can eventually compromise the stability of the teeth.
Gingival grafting is a surgical procedure that restores lost gum tissue by transplanting tissue — often from the roof of the mouth or from a donor source — to the areas of recession. The graft is secured in place and integrates with the surrounding tissue over several weeks. The result is increased gum coverage, reduced sensitivity, and better long-term protection for the affected teeth.
This is a precise procedure performed with careful attention to both function and aesthetics, and most patients are pleased with both the health and cosmetic improvements.
Laser Periodontal Treatment
Dental lasers have become an increasingly valuable tool in the treatment of gum disease. Laser periodontal treatment can be used to remove diseased tissue, reduce the bacterial load within the gum pockets, and stimulate healing — often with less discomfort and faster recovery than traditional surgical methods.
We incorporate laser technology into our periodontal care where appropriate, including as an adjunct to scaling and root planing and as part of our routine cleaning protocol for at-risk patients.
Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that removes excess gum tissue — and sometimes bone — to expose more of the natural tooth structure. It may be performed for restorative reasons (for example, when a tooth has broken off at or below the gumline and a crown is needed but there isn’t enough tooth exposed to attach it) or for cosmetic reasons (to correct a “gummy smile” and create more balanced proportions between the teeth and gums).
Crown lengthening is typically performed under local anesthesia and heals over the course of several weeks. The results are long-lasting and can significantly improve both the aesthetics and the restorative options for the affected teeth.
Protecting the Foundation of Your Smile
Gum health is foundational to everything else in dentistry. If your gums are not healthy, no amount of restorative or cosmetic work will hold up the way it should. If you’re experiencing symptoms like bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, or loose teeth — or if it’s simply been a while since your last cleaning — we encourage you to schedule an appointment so we can assess your periodontal health and recommend the right level of care.