What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gum tissue and bone supporting your teeth. It develops when plaque and tartar accumulate below the gumline, triggering an inflammatory response that — over time — destroys the bone anchoring your teeth in place.

It progresses in two stages. Gingivitis is inflammation of the gum tissue only — still fully reversible with a professional cleaning and improved home care. When it advances to periodontitis, bone loss has begun. The damage to bone is not reversible, but with proper treatment the disease can be arrested and its progression halted.

Signs of Gum Disease to Watch For

Scaling & Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)

The primary non-surgical treatment for periodontal disease. Using specialized instruments, we remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar from below the gumline and smooth the root surfaces of teeth to discourage future bacterial attachment. Typically done in quadrants under local anesthetic for comfort. For many patients, this is sufficient to arrest gum disease progression when followed by consistent home care and regular maintenance visits.

Periodontal Maintenance

Once active gum disease has been treated, patients transition to a periodontal maintenance schedule — typically every 3 to 4 months rather than the standard 6-month interval. These visits are more thorough than routine cleanings, targeting the areas that were previously diseased and monitoring pocket depths for any signs of recurrence. Staying consistent with maintenance is what prevents the disease from coming back.

Antibiotic Therapy

In some cases, locally applied antibiotic medication is placed directly into gum pockets following scaling and root planing. This targets persistent bacteria that mechanical cleaning alone may not fully eliminate and supports the healing process. We use antibiotic therapy selectively when clinically indicated — not as a default addition to every deep cleaning.

Referral to a Periodontist

For cases involving significant bone loss, aggressive periodontitis, or conditions requiring surgical intervention, we refer to a trusted periodontist. We handle mild to moderate gum disease effectively in our office — and we’re always honest when a specialist is the better path for your specific situation.

• Preventive procedure
• Removes plaque and tartar above and just below the gumline
• For patients with healthy gums
• Generally comfortable, no anesthetic needed
• Recommended every 6 months
• Covered at 100% by most dental plans

• Therapeutic procedure for diagnosed gum disease
• Cleans deep below the gumline to root surfaces
• For patients with gum pockets 4mm or deeper
• Local anesthetic used for comfort
• Done in quadrants over multiple visits
• Covered in part by most dental plans

Research links periodontal bacteria to arterial inflammation and increased cardiovascular risk. Treating gum disease is considered an important component of overall cardiovascular health maintenance.

Gum disease and diabetes have a bidirectional relationship — each makes the other harder to control. Diabetic patients are more susceptible to gum disease, and active periodontitis makes blood sugar regulation more difficult.

Periodontal disease during pregnancy has been associated with preterm birth and low birth weight. Dental cleanings during pregnancy are safe and important — we see pregnant patients throughout all trimesters.

Gingivitis — the early stage — is fully reversible with a professional cleaning and improved home care. Once it advances to periodontitis and bone loss has occurred, the bone damage is not reversible. However, with proper treatment and maintenance the disease can be arrested and the remaining bone and teeth protected for the long term.

Deep cleanings are performed under local anesthetic, so you should feel pressure but not sharp pain during the procedure. Some tenderness and sensitivity for a few days afterward is normal and typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. Most patients find it far more comfortable than they expected.

Scaling and root planing typically ranges from $200 to $400 per quadrant. Most PPO dental plans cover periodontal treatment in part — typically 50 to 80% after deductible. We verify your benefits before treatment begins and give you a clear cost breakdown. For patients without insurance, our Smile Savings Plan provides 20% off most treatments.

Not necessarily. Many patients with periodontitis retain their teeth for life with appropriate treatment and consistent periodontal maintenance. The key is catching it before bone loss becomes severe and staying committed to the maintenance schedule after treatment. Untreated, periodontitis does lead to tooth loss over time.

Good home care is essential but not sufficient once gum disease has been diagnosed. Brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and using an antimicrobial rinse all help — but pockets deeper than 4mm cannot be cleaned at home. Professional treatment is required to address the bacterial deposits below the gumline that are driving the disease.

Most patients who have completed periodontal treatment transition to a 3 to 4 month maintenance schedule. This frequency is necessary to stay ahead of bacterial recolonization in previously diseased pockets. Over time, as conditions stabilize, we may extend intervals — but this is determined by what we measure, not by a default calendar.

“I was told I needed a deep cleaning at another office but never understood why. The hygienist here showed me my pocket measurements on a chart and explained exactly what they meant. I finally understood what was happening and felt good about the treatment plan.”

— Patient, The Tribute

“Had four quadrants of deep cleaning done here. Much more comfortable than I expected with the anesthetic. My gums stopped bleeding within two weeks of the treatment and my last check showed all pockets back in healthy range.”

— Patient, Lone Star Ranch

“My dentist told me I had gum disease years ago but I kept putting off treatment. The team here was non-judgmental, explained the risks of waiting clearly, and made the whole process manageable. I now come every 3 months and my gums have never been healthier.”

— Patient, Phillips Creek Ranch