Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults — and a significant risk factor for heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Our skilled hygiene team and doctors provide comprehensive periodontal care to protect your gums, teeth, and overall health.
Understanding Gum Disease
Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection of the gums and supporting bone that, if left untreated, progressively destroys the tissue that holds your teeth in place. What makes it particularly dangerous is that it is often painless in its early stages — progressing silently until significant damage has occurred.
The disease begins as gingivitis — inflammation of the gum tissue caused by bacterial plaque buildup at the gumline. Without intervention, gingivitis advances to periodontitis, where infection penetrates below the gumline, destroying bone and creating pockets around teeth that harbor further infection.
Beyond oral health, research consistently links periodontal disease to increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes complications, respiratory disease, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Treating gum disease is a matter of whole-body health — not just dental maintenance.
Both Dr. Pete and Dr. Alex earned their degrees from one of the nation's top-ranked dental schools — a foundation of clinical excellence that sets them apart from day one.
Both doctors hold LVI certification — the world's most respected postgraduate program in cosmetic & neuromuscular dentistry. Fewer than 1% of dentists reach this level.
Firm, pink tissue with minimal pocket depth (1–3mm). No bleeding on probing. Goal of all periodontal therapy.
Reversible inflammation with bleeding on probing. No bone loss. Treated with professional cleaning and improved home care.
Early bone loss with pockets of 4–5mm. Requires scaling and root planing. Responds well to treatment with committed maintenance.
Significant bone and attachment loss with deep pockets (6mm+). May require surgical referral. Risk of tooth loss without aggressive intervention.
Our Treatments
We provide the full spectrum of non-surgical periodontal therapy — from preventive maintenance to active disease treatment.
Full-mouth pocket depth measurements, bone level assessment via digital radiography, and bleeding scores — establishing a complete clinical picture of your periodontal status.
Thorough removal of bacterial deposits from below the gumline, followed by smoothing of root surfaces to remove toxins and create an environment that allows gum tissue to reattach to the tooth.
When indicated, localized antibiotic agents are placed directly into periodontal pockets to eliminate residual bacteria and accelerate healing following deep cleaning.
Following active therapy, a customized maintenance schedule — typically every 3–4 months — keeps disease controlled and prevents recurrence. Periodontal maintenance is a lifelong commitment for affected patients.
FAQ
Gingivitis — the earliest stage — is fully reversible with professional treatment and improved home care. More advanced periodontitis is manageable but not fully reversible; bone loss that has occurred cannot be regenerated without surgical intervention. Early treatment always produces the best outcomes.
Deep cleaning is performed under local anesthesia — the gum tissue is thoroughly numbed before any instruments are used below the gumline. Most patients experience mild sensitivity and soreness for a few days afterward, which resolves quickly.
Patients with a history of periodontal disease typically benefit from professional maintenance every 3 to 4 months rather than the standard 6-month interval. This frequency has been shown to significantly reduce recurrence and disease progression.
Periodontal disease is a chronic condition — it can be controlled but not cured. Without ongoing professional maintenance and diligent home care, disease can recur. Consistent adherence to your maintenance schedule is essential for long-term stability.
Yes — extensively. Research links periodontal disease to increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes complications, respiratory infection, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Treating gum disease is an investment in your overall systemic health, not just your mouth.
Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled brush using proper technique, floss daily to remove plaque between teeth, and use an antimicrobial mouth rinse when indicated. Avoid tobacco — the single most significant risk factor for periodontal disease. And maintain your professional cleaning schedule without exception.
Schedule your periodontal assessment today. Early detection and treatment of gum disease is one of the most important investments you can make in your long-term health.