GUM DISEASE TREATMENT
Periodontal Care
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that quietly takes bone. Early diagnosis and the right treatment can stop the progression and protect what is still there.
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that quietly takes bone. Early diagnosis and the right treatment can stop the progression and protect what is still there.
Periodontitis, also known as gum disease, is a chronic inflammatory condition caused by bacteria in the mouth. Over time, those bacteria and the calculus they create drive progressive bone loss around teeth, which eventually leads to tooth loss.
The same bacteria are associated with other conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's and dementia, and complications with a baby's birth weight when the mother has active periodontal disease during pregnancy.
Proper diagnosis and early treatment can stop the progression and prevent further bone loss. Our team uses effective, safe, current techniques and technology to build a plan tailored to the stage and pattern of your disease.
Signs of gum disease are not always dramatic. Any of these are a reason to schedule an evaluation.
Red, swollen, or tender gums, or bleeding when you brush and floss, are early warning signs that inflammation is active.
When gums begin to pull away from the teeth, roots become exposed and the supporting bone is often being lost at the same time.
Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste can signal bacterial colonies deep in the periodontal pockets that a toothbrush cannot reach.
As bone support is lost, teeth may loosen or your bite may begin to feel different, both are signs the disease has progressed and needs immediate attention.
Visible pus between the gums and teeth, or the appearance of mouth sores, indicates active infection that should be evaluated promptly.
Discomfort or unusual pain in the mouth, especially around specific teeth, is worth investigating before the underlying disease advances.
A precise handheld tool measures the pockets between your gums and teeth. Pockets deeper than three millimeters indicate inflammation and early bone loss. X-rays confirm how much bone remains around each tooth so we can identify the exact stage and design the right treatment.
Treatment is tailored to the stage of disease, from non-surgical therapy to advanced regenerative and laser approaches.
We use advanced screenings to clarify the stage of your gum disease so treatment matches the actual severity, not a guess.
For earlier stages, a deep cleaning removes plaque and tartar below the gum line and smooths the roots so gums can reattach and heal.
For more advanced disease, the LANAP protocol offers a minimally invasive way to remove diseased tissue precisely with less bleeding, less shrinkage, and faster recovery than traditional surgery.
We often use a microscopic camera (PerioView) for direct visualization of root surfaces to make sure treatment is thorough where it matters most.
Antibiotic therapy is used where appropriate, typically following surgical treatment, for a comprehensive approach to controlling the disease.
After active treatment, professional cleanings every three to four months keep bacteria levels manageable and reduce the risk of relapse. Patients often alternate maintenance visits between our team and their general dentist.
Once active disease is under control, a structured daily hygiene routine keeps it there. Our team provides at-home technique coaching and thorough post-treatment instructions so recovery stays on track.
Preventive cleanings are typically recommended more often after active treatment. Research supports cleanings every three to four months to keep bacterial levels manageable and reduce the risk of new bone loss.
A comprehensive approach, combining your general dentist's focus on the teeth with our focus on the gums, bone, and supporting structures, is what protects the long-term result.
We are honored you have chosen us for your periodontal care. At Coastal Periodontics, we believe every patient is unique, not just in dental needs but in values, past experiences, and treatment goals. Our team listens first, then designs a collaborative treatment plan around what matters to you. We pride ourselves on providing a calm, welcoming environment where every detail is handled with compassion. Our approach is grounded in a simple ideology: it is not about a procedure, it is about a long-term relationship. We stay active in continued education and in the community we serve.
Next Step
An evaluation will tell us the stage, and the right plan to stop it from progressing further.