Periodontal Treatment — Presidio Dental

Protect Your Smile With Gum Disease Treatment

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults — but it doesn't have to be. When caught early, periodontal disease can be managed and even reversed. Our team specializes in identifying gum problems at every stage and providing targeted treatment to stop the disease in its tracks.

From deep cleanings and scaling to advanced periodontal therapy, we'll build a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific condition. Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile, and we're committed to helping you keep both.

Schedule a periodontal evaluation at our office.

What to Expect

Comprehensive Assessment

We measure pocket depths around every tooth, take digital X-rays to assess bone levels, and evaluate gum recession. This gives us a complete picture of your periodontal health and guides your treatment plan.

Deep Cleaning Therapy

Scaling and root planing goes beneath the gumline to remove tartar and bacteria that regular cleanings can't reach. We smooth the root surfaces to help gums reattach to the teeth and prevent future buildup.

Ongoing Maintenance

After initial treatment, we'll set up a periodontal maintenance schedule — typically every 3 to 4 months — to keep the disease under control and prevent it from progressing further.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease — commonly called gum disease — is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It starts when plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) builds up along and under the gumline. In its early stage, called gingivitis, gums become red, swollen, and bleed easily. At this point, the condition is reversible with professional treatment and improved home care.

If left untreated, gingivitis progresses to periodontitis. The gums pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that trap more bacteria. As the infection deepens, it destroys the bone and connective tissue supporting your teeth. Eventually, teeth can become loose or need to be removed. Gum disease is also linked to increased risk of heart disease, diabetes complications, and other systemic health problems.

How Is Gum Disease Treated?

The primary non-surgical treatment is scaling and root planing — essentially a deep cleaning. Scaling removes tartar and bacteria from tooth surfaces and beneath the gumline. Root planing smooths the root surfaces, discouraging further tartar buildup and allowing the gums to heal and reattach. This is usually done in two visits, one side of the mouth at a time, under local anesthesia.

For more advanced cases, we may use localized antibiotic therapy — placing medication directly into deep pockets to fight bacterial infection. In severe cases where non-surgical treatment isn't enough, we may refer to a periodontist for surgical options like flap surgery or bone grafting to regenerate lost tissue.

Can You Prevent Gum Disease?

Absolutely — and prevention is far simpler than treatment. Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, floss every day (this is the single most important thing you can do for your gums), and see your dentist for regular cleanings. Catching gum disease at the gingivitis stage means it can be completely reversed.

Risk factors that increase your chances include smoking (the single biggest risk factor), diabetes, hormonal changes, certain medications that reduce saliva flow, genetics, and poor nutrition. If you're in a higher-risk group, more frequent dental visits and periodontal screenings are especially important.

Concerned About Your Gums?

Early treatment makes all the difference. Let us evaluate your periodontal health.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have gum disease?

Common signs include gums that bleed when you brush or floss, red or swollen gums, persistent bad breath, receding gums (teeth look longer), loose teeth, and changes in your bite. However, gum disease can progress without obvious symptoms, which is why regular dental checkups are essential.

Is a deep cleaning painful?

We use local anesthesia to numb the area, so you shouldn't feel pain during the procedure. Some patients experience mild soreness and sensitivity for a few days afterward, which is normal and manageable with over-the-counter pain medication.

Can gum disease be cured?

Gingivitis (early-stage gum disease) can be completely reversed with professional treatment and improved oral hygiene. Periodontitis (advanced gum disease) can't be fully cured, but it can be effectively managed and controlled to prevent further damage. Consistent maintenance is key.

How often do I need periodontal maintenance?

After scaling and root planing, most patients are placed on a 3 to 4 month maintenance schedule — more frequent than the typical 6-month cleaning. This helps keep bacteria levels in check and prevents the disease from progressing.

Does insurance cover periodontal treatment?

Most dental insurance plans cover scaling and root planing as a medically necessary procedure, typically at 50-80% after your deductible. Periodontal maintenance visits are also usually covered. We'll verify your specific benefits before treatment.

Is gum disease linked to other health problems?

Yes. Research has shown connections between periodontal disease and heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease, and complications during pregnancy. Treating gum disease isn't just about saving teeth — it's about protecting your overall health.