What is gum disease?
Gum disease starts when plaque and hardened tartar build up along and under the gumline. The early stage, gingivitis, causes red, swollen gums that bleed when you brush or floss, and it can usually be reversed with a professional cleaning and better home care. Left alone, it can progress to periodontitis, where the gums pull away from the teeth and the bone that holds them in place is lost.
Common warning signs
Gums that bleed when you brush or floss, red or swollen gums, bad breath that doesn't go away, gums pulling back from the teeth, teeth that feel loose or look longer, and a change in how your teeth fit together. Gum disease often isn't painful, which is why regular checkups matter.
How we treat it
- MeasureWe gently measure the small spaces between your gums and teeth and take X-rays to check the bone.
- ExplainDr. Tamkeen shows you what we found and what stage it is, in plain language.
- Deep cleanFor pockets that a routine cleaning can't reach, we numb the area and do scaling and root planing to remove tartar below the gumline and smooth the root surfaces.
- Re-checkA few weeks later we measure again to see how your gums have responded.
- MaintainMost patients then come in for periodontal maintenance cleanings, often every three to four months, to keep things stable.
If your gum disease is advanced, we may recommend seeing a periodontist (a gum specialist). We'll explain why and help with the referral.
Why your gums matter beyond your mouth
Published research has found associations between gum disease and conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and respiratory infections. With diabetes the link appears to run both ways: gum disease can make blood sugar harder to control, and diabetes raises the risk of gum disease.
These are associations reported in published research. They describe risk, not cause, and no dental treatment can guarantee a medical outcome. Talk with your dentist or physician about your own health.
Insurance and cost
We accept most PPO dental plans, including Delta Dental, Cigna, Aetna, MetLife, United Concordia and Guardian. Many plans cover part of scaling and root planing and periodontal maintenance. We verify your benefits and give you a written estimate before treatment.