Don’t Let Gum Disease Bite Back! Effective Periodontal Disease Treatment Options

Understanding Gum Disease: More Common Than You Think

Periodontal disease treatment options range from non-surgical approaches to surgical interventions depending on severity:

• Non-surgical treatments: Scaling and root planing, antimicrobial rinses, Perio Protect trays
• Surgical treatments: Flap surgery, bone grafts, gum grafts, guided tissue regeneration
• Maintenance care: Regular professional cleanings every 3 months, improved home care
• Emerging therapies: Laser treatment (LANAP), platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

If you’ve recently noticed bleeding gums or been diagnosed with periodontal disease, you’re far from alone. Nearly half of all American adults over 30 have some form of this condition, with prevalence increasing to 70% among those 65 and older.

Periodontal disease treatment begins with understanding that this bacterial infection affects not just your gums but the entire supporting structure of your teeth. Unlike gingivitis (the earliest stage that’s reversible with good hygiene), periodontitis requires professional intervention to manage effectively and prevent tooth loss.

“If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re among the 80% of American adults living with gum disease” – and knowing your treatment options is the first step toward healthier gums and preserving your natural teeth for life.

I’m Dr. Parisa Sepehri, and with over 30 years of experience in dentistry, I’ve helped countless patients successfully manage periodontal disease treatment through personalized care plans that combine professional techniques with effective home care strategies.

What Is Periodontal Disease & How It Differs From Gingivitis?

When patients visit us at PS Dental, they often ask, “Isn’t gum disease just gum disease?” The truth is, there’s much more to the story.

Periodontal disease affects your entire tooth support system – not just your gums, but also the cementum covering your tooth roots, the periodontal ligament that anchors your teeth, and even the alveolar bone in your jaw. Think of it as an infection that targets your tooth’s entire foundation.

The difference between gingivitis and periodontitis is crucial to understand if you’re seeking effective periodontal disease treatment.

Gingivitis is like an early warning system. Your gums become red, puffy, and might bleed when you brush – all signs your body is fighting bacteria in dental plaque. The good news? With proper brushing, flossing, and a professional cleaning, gingivitis can completely reverse. Your gums can return to their healthy, pink state.

Periodontitis, however, is what happens when that warning goes unheeded. The inflammation creeps below your gum line, where bacterial toxins trigger your immune system to respond. Unfortunately, this response can become destructive – your body begins breaking down the very tissues and bone meant to support your teeth. Small spaces called “pockets” form between teeth and gums, creating protected environments where bacteria thrive, making the problem progressively worse.

As the Cleveland Clinic notes, “Gum disease isn’t curable, but it’s manageable with appropriate treatment.” This distinction matters – while gingivitis can be reversed, true periodontitis requires ongoing management, even after successful treatment.

Stages of Infection Inside Your Gums

Your gums don’t go from healthy to severely diseased overnight. Periodontal disease follows a predictable progression:

The initial lesion begins silently, just 2-4 days after plaque accumulates. Blood flow increases to your gums, and white blood cells begin migrating to the area. You probably won’t notice anything unusual yet.

Within 4-7 days, the early lesion develops. More immune cells arrive, and you’ll start seeing the first signs of gingivitis – that telltale redness and slight swelling along your gum line.

After about 2-3 weeks of plaque buildup, the established lesion appears. This is full-blown gingivitis – your gums are noticeably red, swollen, and bleed easily when touched with a dental instrument.

Without intervention, the advanced lesion marks the transition to true periodontitis. Inflammation now extends deeper, affecting your periodontal ligament and jawbone. Pockets form around teeth, and bone loss begins – a process that, without treatment, can eventually lead to tooth loss.

In 2017, dental professionals adopted a new classification system that categorizes periodontitis by both stages (I-IV) and grades (A-C):

Stage I represents initial periodontitis with minimal damage (1-2mm of attachment loss).
Stage II indicates moderate periodontitis (3-4mm of attachment loss).
Stage III signals severe periodontitis with potential for tooth loss (5mm or more attachment loss).
Stage IV reflects advanced periodontitis with significant tooth loss and chewing dysfunction.

The grading system (A-C) helps Dr. Sepehri determine how rapidly your condition is progressing – from slow to rapid – allowing her to tailor your periodontal disease treatment with appropriate urgency.

Understanding where you fall on this spectrum is the first step toward creating an effective treatment plan that addresses your specific needs – something we pride ourselves on at PS Dental Services.

Causes & Risk Factors You Can Control (and Some You Can’t)

It all starts with that sneaky culprit – bacterial plaque. This sticky, colorless film forms constantly on your teeth, and when not removed through daily brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar (calculus). Once tartar forms, only a dental professional can remove it, creating the perfect breeding ground for harmful bacteria beneath your gum line.

While brushing and flossing are your first line of defense, several other factors can either increase your risk or speed up the progression of periodontal disease. The good news? Many of these factors are within your control.

Controllable Risk Factors:
Smoking tops the list as perhaps the most significant risk factor you can change. Research shows smokers face 5-20 times higher risk of developing chronic periodontitis compared to non-smokers. Tobacco reduces blood flow to your gums, weakens your immune response, and makes treatments significantly less effective. Poor oral hygiene habits, chronic stress, nutritional gaps (especially vitamin C deficiency), and certain medications that cause dry mouth also contribute to your risk.

Uncontrollable Risk Factors:
Some things we simply can’t change. About 30% of us are genetically predisposed to gum disease, regardless of how diligently we brush and floss. Age increases risk too – over 70% of adults 65 and older show signs of periodontal disease. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause can make gums more sensitive and vulnerable. Systemic conditions like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and cardiovascular disease can also worsen your periodontal health.

Lifestyle Habits That Accelerate Gum Damage

“Now’s the time to quit smoking to improve periodontal treatment outcomes,” is advice we give all our patients at PS Dental. Beyond just increasing your risk, smoking makes periodontal disease treatment less effective and slows healing. The CDC has found smokers have double the risk of gum disease compared to non-smokers.

That sweet tooth isn’t doing your gums any favors either. Diets high in sugar and simple carbohydrates feed the very bacteria that cause plaque, leading to increased acid production that damages tooth enamel and irritates gums.

Even skipping just one day of brushing or flossing can be problematic. Within 24-36 hours, plaque begins hardening into tartar. And those dental appointments you’ve been postponing? Regular professional cleanings every six months (or more frequently if recommended) are essential for removing tartar and catching early signs of trouble.

Systemic & Genetic Triggers

Your mouth doesn’t exist in isolation from the rest of your body. In fact, the relationship between periodontal disease and your overall health works both ways – they influence each other significantly.

If you have diabetes, you’re three times more likely to develop periodontal disease due to impaired wound healing and increased susceptibility to infection. It’s a two-way street though – periodontal inflammation makes blood sugar control more difficult, creating a frustrating cycle that affects both conditions.

Heart health concerns? The inflammation from periodontal disease may increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Bacteria from your gums can enter your bloodstream and contribute to arterial plaque formation – a connection that researchers continue to study.

Expecting mothers face special challenges too. Hormonal changes during pregnancy make gums more susceptible to infection. Some studies suggest links between severe periodontal disease and complications like preterm birth or low birth weight.

Family history matters as well. If your parents struggled with periodontal disease, you may be up to six times more likely to develop it yourself, regardless of your brushing habits. Modern genetic testing can now identify individuals at higher risk.

At PS Dental, we look at your complete health history when developing a periodontal disease treatment plan. We understand that what happens in your mouth affects your whole body, and vice versa. This comprehensive approach helps us provide care that addresses not just your symptoms, but the underlying factors unique to you.

Spotting the Signs: Diagnosis & Disease Staging

Have you ever noticed your toothbrush turning pink after brushing? Or maybe your gums feel tender when you floss? These subtle signs might be your body’s early warning system for periodontal disease.

The challenge with gum disease is that it often develops silently in the beginning – many people don’t realize they have it until significant damage has occurred. That’s why those regular dental checkups (the ones you might be tempted to postpone) are truly your first line of defense.

When we look for periodontal disease at PS Dental, we’re watching for several telltale indicators:

Healthy gums don’t bleed – so if yours do during brushing or flossing, that’s your body waving a red flag. You might also notice your gums looking redder than their normal pink, feeling puffy, or being tender to touch. Bad breath that just won’t go away, even after brushing, can signal bacteria thriving below your gum line.

As the condition progresses, you might see your gums pulling away from your teeth, making them appear longer (hence the expression “long in the tooth”). Perhaps most concerning is when teeth begin to feel loose or your bite changes – signs that the supporting bone structure has been compromised.

At PS Dental, we don’t guess when it comes to your periodontal health – we measure it precisely. Using a special tool called a periodontal probe (shown in the image above), we gently measure the space between your gums and teeth at multiple points. Think of it as taking your gum’s vital signs.

Healthy pockets measure just 1-3mm deep. When we find measurements of 4mm or more, that’s a clear indicator of periodontitis. Pockets deeper than 5mm present a particular challenge because they’re too deep for your toothbrush and floss to clean effectively – these deep pockets become protected hideouts for harmful bacteria.

We’ll also take dental X-rays to reveal bone loss that isn’t visible during a visual exam, check if your teeth have become loose, and measure gum recession (how much of your tooth root is exposed).

Based on our findings, we classify your condition according to the latest staging system:

Stage I: Early periodontitis with minimal damage (1-2mm attachment loss, slight bone loss)
Stage II: Moderate periodontitis (3-4mm attachment loss, up to 15% bone loss)
Stage III: Severe periodontitis that may threaten tooth retention (5+mm attachment loss, extending deeper)
Stage IV: Advanced periodontitis with significant tooth loss (as above plus loss of 4+ teeth)

How Dental Pros Confirm Periodontal Disease

When you visit us for a comprehensive evaluation, our approach goes far beyond a quick peek at your gums. We’re actually creating a detailed map of your mouth’s health through several important steps.

First, we visually inspect your gum tissue, noting its color, texture, and any signs of inflammation. The periodontal probe gives us those critical pocket measurements I mentioned earlier – and we check six points around each tooth for a complete picture. We’re also looking for bleeding, any signs of pus, and whether teeth show signs of movement.

All these measurements get recorded in what we call a “periodontal chart” – think of it as your gum health blueprint. This detailed documentation serves as our baseline to track whether your condition is improving with treatment or requires more aggressive intervention.

“Your dentist may review your medical history, examine your mouth, measure pocket depths, and take X-rays to determine periodontitis severity and develop a personalized treatment plan,” notes the Mayo Clinic. This comprehensive approach ensures we address not just the symptoms but the underlying causes of your periodontal disease treatment needs.

X-rays reveal what we can’t see during a clinical examination – the bone levels around your teeth. The patterns of bone loss help us determine the severity of your condition and predict how teeth might respond to treatment.

For some patients with particularly stubborn infections, we might recommend microbial testing. By taking samples from your periodontal pockets, we can identify the specific bacteria causing trouble and target them more effectively with the right antibiotics.

We always review your complete medical history too, because factors like smoking, diabetes, certain medications, and family history significantly impact both how periodontal disease develops and how well treatments work.

This thorough diagnostic process might seem extensive, but it’s the foundation for creating the most effective periodontal disease treatment plan for your specific situation. At PS Dental, we believe in treating the whole person, not just the symptoms in your mouth.

Want to learn more about our approach to gum health? Visit our page on General Periodontal Therapy for additional information.

Periodontal Disease Treatment Options

When it comes to treating gum disease, we follow a methodical approach at PS Dental that’s custom to your specific situation. Periodontal disease treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s a journey we’ll take together, step by step.

Think of treatment as a series of phases, each building on the success of the previous one:

We start with Phase I (the Etiological Phase), where we focus on controlling the bacterial infection and removing anything that’s making your condition worse. This includes teaching you better oral hygiene techniques, performing deep cleaning procedures, and addressing risk factors like smoking or diabetes management.

If needed, we’ll move to Phase II (the Surgical Phase) after evaluating how well Phase I worked. This might include procedures to reduce pocket depths, regenerate lost tissue, or improve the appearance of your gums.

Finally, there’s Phase III (the Maintenance Phase)—the ongoing care that prevents disease from returning. This typically involves more frequent dental visits (every 3 months rather than every 6), continued home care, and regular monitoring.

Here’s how non-surgical and surgical approaches compare:

Non-Surgical Periodontal Disease Treatment

For many patients, especially those with early to moderate gum disease, non-surgical approaches can work wonders.

The cornerstone of non-surgical periodontal disease treatment is scaling and root planing—what we sometimes call a “deep cleaning.” Unlike your regular cleaning that focuses on the visible parts of your teeth, this procedure reaches below the gumline to remove plaque and tartar where your toothbrush can’t reach.

During scaling, we gently remove the buildup from both above and below your gums. Then, during root planing, we smooth out rough spots on your tooth roots that tend to trap bacteria. We typically use local anesthesia to keep you comfortable, and most patients return to normal activities right away with minimal discomfort.

We might improve your treatment with antimicrobial therapy—medications that target the bacteria causing your infection. These can be delivered directly into the periodontal pockets through tiny chips, microspheres, or gels that slowly release medication over days or weeks. Names you might hear include Periochip® (chlorhexidine), Arestin® (minocycline), or Atridox® (doxycycline).

Many of our patients at PS Dental have seen great results with Perio Protect®, an FDA-cleared system you use at home. These custom-fitted trays deliver hydrogen peroxide gel deep below your gumline for just minutes each day. It’s so effective that in clinical trials, 100% of patients said they would recommend it to others.

For some patients, we prescribe low-dose doxycycline (Periostat®) that works not as an antibiotic but by preventing the enzymes that break down gum tissue. It’s a unique approach called host modulation therapy that helps slow disease progression.

We’re also excited about laser therapy as an adjunct to traditional methods. These advanced tools help remove diseased tissue and reduce bacteria while promoting healing, often with less bleeding and discomfort than traditional methods.

Surgical Periodontal Disease Treatment

When non-surgical approaches aren’t enough, surgical interventions become necessary—and they’re nothing to fear. Modern techniques are more comfortable and effective than ever before.

The most common surgical periodontal disease treatment is flap surgery, also called pocket reduction. I’ll gently lift back your gum tissue to gain better access to the roots for thorough cleaning. Sometimes we reshape irregular bone to eliminate hiding places for bacteria. Then we secure your gum tissue back in place, often positioning it to reduce pocket depth. Most patients return to work the next day, with complete healing taking 1-2 weeks.

If you’ve lost bone to periodontitis, bone grafting can help regenerate what’s been lost. We might use your own bone, synthetic materials, or donated bone along with special proteins that stimulate tissue growth. This provides a framework for your natural bone to grow back and helps stabilize your teeth.

Often combined with bone grafting is guided tissue regeneration (GTR). We place a small piece of mesh-like material between your bone and gum tissue to prevent gum tissue from growing where bone should be, allowing bone and connective tissue to regrow properly.

For gum recession, soft tissue grafts can cover exposed roots, reducing sensitivity and improving appearance. The tissue might come from the roof of your mouth or donor tissue, and it helps prevent further recession and bone loss.

Many of our patients prefer LANAP® (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure), an FDA-cleared laser protocol that targets only diseased tissue while preserving healthy gums. It stimulates bone regeneration and promotes reattachment of gums to teeth without cutting or stitches. As clinical research from the Mayo Clinic confirms, “LANAP® is the only scientifically proven method that achieves true periodontal regeneration without cutting or sutures.” Patients typically report less pain and faster healing.

For improved healing, we might recommend platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or platelet-rich fibrin (PRF). These techniques use your own blood, concentrated to isolate healing factors, then applied to surgical sites to accelerate healing and improve outcomes.

Home Care & Lifestyle Changes To Support Treatment

Professional care is only half the equation—what you do at home is equally important for successful periodontal disease treatment.

Brushing technique matters more than you might think. Use a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush at least twice daily for two minutes. Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle to the gumline and use gentle circular motions rather than aggressive scrubbing. Pay special attention to the gum line and those tricky-to-reach back teeth.

Cleaning between your teeth is non-negotiable—your brush only reaches about 65% of tooth surfaces! Daily flossing reaches those hidden areas where disease often begins. For larger spaces between teeth, interdental brushes work wonders. Water flossers can be especially helpful around implants and bridges. If dexterity is an issue, floss holders or picks can make the job easier.

Your dentist might recommend an antimicrobial mouth rinse to use after brushing and flossing. Prescription-strength rinses containing chlorhexidine offer maximum effectiveness, while over-the-counter options with essential oils can provide additional benefit. We generally suggest avoiding alcohol-based rinses that can dry out tissues.

If you smoke, quitting is possibly the single most important step you can take. Smoking reduces blood flow to your gums, impairs healing, and makes treatment significantly less effective. At PS Dental, we can provide resources and support to help you quit.

What you eat affects your gum health too. Reduce sugar intake (it feeds harmful bacteria) and increase consumption of anti-inflammatory foods like those rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fruits, and vegetables. Ensure you’re getting adequate vitamin C and D for gum health and immune function, and stay well-hydrated to maintain saliva flow.

Don’t underestimate the impact of stress on your gums. Chronic stress impairs immune function and increases inflammation. Consider stress reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, or regular exercise. If you grind or clench your teeth, address this habit as it can accelerate bone loss.

Finally, keep up with those regular maintenance visits—typically every 3 months for periodontal patients. These appointments are more thorough than regular cleanings and allow us to monitor your condition and intervene early if needed.

As we often tell our patients at PS Dental, “What happens next is mostly up to you—daily habits determine long-term gum health.” Professional care combined with diligent home care offers the best chance for controlling periodontal disease.

Emerging & Alternative Therapies

The field of periodontal therapy continues to evolve, and at PS Dental, we’re excited about several promising new approaches.

Photodynamic therapy combines a light-activated solution with a specific wavelength laser. The solution binds to bacterial cell walls, and when activated by the laser, releases oxygen that destroys bacteria without damaging surrounding tissues. It’s a minimally invasive adjunct to traditional scaling and root planing.

We’re also seeing promising research on probiotics for oral health. Just as probiotics benefit gut health, they may help restore a healthy balance of bacteria in your mouth. Available as lozenges, gums, or oral rinses, they show potential for reducing inflammation.

For surgical procedures, enamel matrix derivatives like Emdogain® are changing the game. This protein gel mimics the natural proteins involved in tooth development and, when applied during surgery, stimulates regeneration of lost tissue including cementum, periodontal ligament, and bone.

Beyond Perio Protect, other prescription tray systems are emerging that allow for controlled delivery of medications directly to the infection site, reaching areas up to 9mm below the gum line. These are ideal for maintenance between professional visits.

Looking further ahead, stem cell therapy shows promise for completely regenerating periodontal tissues. While currently in experimental stages, this research is advancing rapidly.

Growth factors and biologics—proteins that stimulate specific cells involved in healing—are increasingly being used to improve regenerative procedures. These can be derived from platelets (PRP/PRF) or created through recombinant technology and are often combined with bone grafting materials to improve outcomes.

At PS Dental, we carefully evaluate the evidence behind these emerging technologies before incorporating them into our periodontal disease treatment protocols, always prioritizing proven approaches that will give you the best results.

Beyond the Mouth: Complications & Whole-Body Impact

Periodontal disease isn’t just about your teeth and gums – it can affect your entire body. Understanding these connections emphasizes why effective periodontal disease treatment is crucial for overall health:

Tooth Loss: The most immediate consequence of untreated periodontal disease:
– As supporting bone is lost, teeth become loose and may eventually fall out
– Leading cause of tooth loss in adults worldwide
– Affects chewing ability, nutrition, speech, and self-confidence

Periodontal Abscess: A localized collection of pus:
– Causes severe pain, swelling, and sensitivity
– May lead to fever and general illness
– Requires immediate treatment to prevent spread of infection

Cardiovascular Disease: Multiple studies show links between periodontal disease and heart problems:
– Bacteria from gum disease can enter the bloodstream
– May contribute to arterial plaque formation
– Associated with increased risk of heart attack and stroke
– Shares inflammatory pathways with cardiovascular disease

Diabetes Complications: A two-way relationship exists:
– Diabetes increases risk and severity of periodontal disease
– Periodontal inflammation makes blood sugar control more difficult
– Effective periodontal treatment can improve glycemic control
– Managing both conditions requires coordinated care

Pregnancy Complications: Research suggests connections to:
– Preterm birth
– Low birth weight
– Preeclampsia
– Gestational diabetes

Respiratory Disease: Bacteria from the mouth can be aspirated into the lungs:
– May contribute to pneumonia, especially in elderly or immunocompromised patients
– Can worsen existing conditions like COPD
– Improved oral hygiene reduces pneumonia risk in nursing home residents

Cognitive Decline: Emerging research suggests possible links to:
– Alzheimer’s disease
– Vascular dementia
– General cognitive impairment in older adults

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Shares inflammatory mechanisms with periodontal disease:
– Both involve chronic inflammation and tissue destruction
– May have common genetic risk factors
– Treating one condition may benefit the other

“Periodontal diseases affect up to 90% of the global population,” according to research, making these connections a significant public health concern. At PS Dental, we view periodontal disease treatment as an essential component of not just oral health but whole-body wellness.

Long-Term Maintenance, Costs & Choosing the Right Plan

Winning the battle against gum disease isn’t a one-time event—it’s an ongoing commitment. Think of periodontal disease treatment as the beginning of a relationship with your dental team that will help you keep your natural teeth for life.

When you’ve completed your initial treatment, whether non-surgical or surgical, your journey isn’t over—it’s just entering a new phase. Most patients are surprised to learn they’ll need more frequent dental visits than before.

“Bacteria causing periodontal disease typically repopulate within three months post-treatment,” which is why we recommend a quarterly maintenance schedule rather than the twice-yearly visits that were once standard. This timing isn’t arbitrary—it’s based on how quickly bacteria reestablish themselves in your mouth.

Your periodontal maintenance visits are more comprehensive than standard cleanings. We’ll carefully reassess your pocket depths, check for any signs of recurring inflammation, and provide targeted cleaning that reaches below the gumline where your toothbrush can’t go. These visits are your best defense against disease recurrence and allow us to catch any problems early when they’re easier to address.

Many patients ask about costs, which is completely understandable. Periodontal disease treatment costs vary based on the severity of your condition and the procedures needed:

Non-surgical treatments like scaling and root planing typically range from $140-$300 per quadrant of your mouth. Periodontal maintenance visits generally cost between $115-$200. If surgical intervention is necessary, flap surgery might cost $1,000-$3,000 per quadrant, while bone or tissue grafts can range from $600-$1,200 per site. Advanced options like laser therapy usually fall between $500-$1,500 per quadrant.

Insurance coverage for periodontal care varies widely. Most plans cover some portion of non-surgical treatment, but surgical procedures often have more limited coverage. While maintenance visits are usually covered, many plans only pay for two visits per year—not the four that are typically recommended for periodontal patients. At PS Dental, we’ll help you understand your benefits and can provide a pre-treatment estimate so you know what to expect financially.

Choosing the right treatment plan isn’t just about clinical considerations—it’s a personal decision that should reflect your values, preferences, and circumstances. When we develop your treatment plan, we consider your disease severity and stage, how rapidly it’s progressing, your overall health status and risk factors, and of course, your preferences and financial considerations.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions during your consultation. Understanding your condition and treatment options empowers you to make informed decisions. Some questions worth asking include: What stage of periodontal disease do I have? How much bone loss has occurred? What are my treatment options and their risks and benefits? What should I expect during recovery? What specific home care products would you recommend for my situation?

At PS Dental, we believe in shared decision-making. We’ll provide you with the information you need to understand your condition and options, then work together to develop a plan that aligns with your goals. This collaborative approach leads to better outcomes and higher satisfaction.

“It is not a given that we must lose teeth as we age,” is a principle we firmly believe at PS Dental. With appropriate periodontal disease treatment and consistent maintenance, most patients can keep their natural teeth for a lifetime. The key is partnership—between you and our team—with both sides committed to your oral health.

Your maintenance plan isn’t just about professional care—it’s also about what happens at home between visits. Your daily brushing, flossing, and any prescribed treatments form the foundation of successful long-term management. Together, we’ll help you maintain not just a healthy smile, but better overall health for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontal Disease Treatment

How often should I see my dentist after treatment?

After completing active periodontal disease treatment, most patients benefit from a 3-month maintenance schedule. This isn’t just an arbitrary timeframe we’ve invented – it’s backed by science.

Research shows that the troublesome bacteria causing periodontal disease begin to repopulate within just 3 months after treatment. Those deeper pockets (anything over 5mm) simply can’t be effectively cleaned with even the most diligent home care routine. You need professional help to reach those areas.

“I tell my patients to think of maintenance visits like changing your car’s oil,” says Dr. Sepehri. “Skip too many, and eventually you’ll face much bigger problems.”

Regular professional care prevents disease progression and allows us to catch any signs of recurrence early, when treatment is simpler and less invasive. At PS Dental in Tigard, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all approaches. Your maintenance schedule might be adjusted based on your unique risk factors, how severe your disease was, and how well you’ve responded to treatment.

Some patients with multiple risk factors or particularly aggressive disease might need to visit us more frequently, while others with excellent healing and minimal risk factors might eventually extend to 4-month intervals. We’ll monitor your progress at each visit and make adjustments as needed.

Is periodontal disease curable or only manageable?

This question touches on an important distinction that many patients misunderstand. Gingivitis—that earliest stage of gum disease with redness and bleeding—is completely reversible with proper treatment and consistent oral hygiene. It’s like a warning sign your body sends before permanent damage occurs.

However, true periodontitis works differently. Once it has caused bone loss around your teeth, that bone typically cannot be completely regenerated to its original level in most cases. It’s similar to a scar that improves but never completely disappears.

Even with successful periodontal disease treatment, what we’re really achieving is:
– Reducing pocket depths
– Halting disease progression
– Controlling inflammation
– Preventing further bone loss
– Potentially achieving some regeneration with advanced procedures

As the Cleveland Clinic accurately states, “Gum disease isn’t curable, but it’s manageable with appropriate treatment.”

But please don’t find this discouraging! With proper treatment and maintenance, the vast majority of our patients at PS Dental keep their natural teeth and maintain good oral health for life. I’ve seen patients maintain stable conditions for decades through the combination of consistent professional care and excellent home habits.

The key is understanding that periodontal disease is more like diabetes—a condition requiring ongoing management—rather than like a cavity that can be simply filled and forgotten.

What questions should I ask my periodontist before surgery?

If surgical periodontal disease treatment becomes necessary, coming prepared with questions helps ensure you feel confident and informed. Here are some valuable questions to consider:

First, ask about your specific condition: “How severe is my periodontal disease right now?” Understanding the extent of bone loss and the prognosis for your teeth both with and without surgery gives you important perspective.

Next, discuss the procedure itself: “What specific surgical technique do you recommend for my situation and why?” Your dentist should be able to explain why they’re recommending a particular approach over alternatives, what will happen during the procedure, and whether you’ll need sedation or just local anesthesia.

Don’t shy away from questions about outcomes and recovery: “What results can I realistically expect?” Understand the success rate, recovery timeline, and any restrictions you’ll have during healing. Be practical too—ask if you’ll need time off work.

Finally, address the practical matters of costs and follow-up: “What is the total cost of treatment, and what portion will my insurance cover?” Also ask about the number of follow-up visits and your long-term maintenance schedule.

At PS Dental, we actually love when patients come with these questions! It shows you’re engaged in your care, and it gives us the opportunity to ensure you fully understand your condition and treatment options before proceeding with any surgical intervention.

“The most successful treatments happen when patients are true partners in their care,” Dr. Sepehri often says. “There’s no such thing as a silly question when it comes to your health.”

Conclusion

Maintaining healthy gums is a lifelong commitment that combines professional care with daily home practices. Periodontal disease treatment has advanced significantly in recent years, offering more effective, comfortable, and predictable options than ever before.

The journey to gum health isn’t a one-time fix but rather an ongoing partnership between you and your dental team. When patients ask me what matters most for long-term success, I always emphasize that early intervention can make all the difference. The sooner we catch and treat periodontal issues, the less invasive the treatment and the better your outcome will be.

Your commitment matters as much as ours. Even with the most advanced treatments available, your daily home care routine is the foundation of gum health. Those few minutes you spend brushing and flossing properly each day are truly an investment in your future smile.

What many people don’t realize is how deeply connected oral health is to overall wellness. When we effectively manage your periodontal disease, we’re not just saving your teeth – we’re potentially reducing your risk of serious conditions like heart disease and diabetes complications. Your mouth truly is a gateway to the rest of your body.

I often find patients questioning whether they really need maintenance visits every three months. This schedule isn’t arbitrary – it’s based on the biological fact that harmful bacteria begin to repopulate within about 90 days after treatment. These regular visits allow us to disrupt that cycle before damage can occur again.

It’s never too late to take action. Even if you’re dealing with advanced periodontal disease, today’s treatments can help manage your condition and improve both your oral health and quality of life. I’ve seen remarkable changes in patients who thought their situation was hopeless.

At PS Dental in Tigard, Oregon, Dr. Sepehri and our team are committed to providing comprehensive, personalized periodontal disease treatment that addresses your unique needs and concerns. We combine the latest evidence-based techniques with compassionate care to help you achieve and maintain optimal gum health.

Don’t let gum disease compromise your smile or your health. If you’ve noticed bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or it’s been more than six months since your last dental visit, we invite you to schedule an appointment today. Together, we can develop a plan to get your gums healthy and keep them that way for life.

For more information about our approach to periodontal care or to schedule a consultation, contact PS Dental Services today. Your journey to healthier gums starts with a single step.

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Dr. Parisa Sepehri

Dr. Sepehri - Recognized by the Consumer’s Research Council of America as One of America’s Top Dentists: Taking care of people comes very naturally to me. Both of my parents are health care professionals, and I grew up in a home where caring for others always came first. I believe in providing excellent customer service.

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