Gum Disease Treatment

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. It starts with plaque, a film of bacteria that builds up along and below the gumline. When plaque is not cleared consistently through brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings, it hardens into tartar that only a dental professional can remove.

The condition moves through distinct stages. Gingivitis is the earliest form and the most reversible. At this point, the gums may look red or swollen and bleed during brushing, but the bone and connective tissue beneath remain unaffected. Without treatment, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis, where the gums begin pulling away from the teeth and forming pockets that trap bacteria. Advanced periodontitis involves deeper bone and tissue loss that can affect the long-term stability of your teeth.

Gum disease does not develop the same way in every person. A number of factors can make you more susceptible, and knowing where you stand gives you a clearer starting point for protecting your oral health.

Some of the most common contributors include:

• Inconsistent oral hygiene: Infrequent or incomplete brushing and flossing allow plaque to accumulate below the gumline, where it does the most damage
• Tobacco use: Smoking and other tobacco products impair gum tissue healing and accelerate the pace at which disease progresses
• Systemic health conditions: Conditions such as diabetes affect how your body manages infection and can raise your baseline risk for periodontal problems
• Certain medications: Some prescriptions reduce saliva flow or cause changes in gum tissue that create a more favorable environment for bacteria
• Family history: A genetic predisposition to periodontal disease may increase your susceptibility regardless of how well you maintain your oral hygiene

Knowing your risk profile is not cause for alarm. It is the kind of information that makes your care more precise and your outcomes more predictable. Our team will walk through your specific situation with you openly and without pressure.

Treatment at Esteem Dental Studio is matched to the stage and severity of your condition. Dr. Watts and Dr. Thachil complete a thorough periodontal evaluation before recommending any course of action, so you are never receiving a one-size-fits-all plan.

Scaling and Root Planing

For patients with periodontitis, scaling and root planing are often the first line of care. This deep cleaning procedure removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces to help the gums reattach to the tooth. It is performed with local anesthesia for your comfort, and most patients find the experience far more manageable than they expected.

Gum Therapy

Targeted gum therapy addresses inflammation and infection within the tissue itself. Depending on your situation, this may include antibiotic treatments delivered directly to affected areas or other adjunctive therapies designed to help your gums stabilize and heal.

Perio Protect

Esteem Dental Studio also offers Perio Protect, a system that delivers prescription medication directly into the gum pockets using custom-fit trays you use at home between visits. It is a non-invasive way to manage bacterial growth and reduce inflammation as part of a broader treatment plan, putting active care in your hands on a daily basis.

Much of your periodontal care happens alongside our lead dental hygienist rather than in the treatment chair with Dr. Watts or Dr. Thachil alone. Ashley Orr, RDH, brings more than 20 years of experience to every cleaning and gum therapy appointment, along with a genuine commitment to continuing education, most recently completing the requirements for her local anesthesia permit. Patients know Ashley for her bubbly personality and warm smile, and for taking the time to explain what is happening with their periodontal health so they feel empowered to make the best decisions for their smile.

Treatment gets the condition under control. Long-term gum health depends on consistent follow-through, and our team will help you build a maintenance plan that fits your life. Many patients with a history of periodontal disease benefit from more frequent check-ins rather than the standard twice-yearly schedule. We monitor pocket depths, track tissue response, and adjust your care as your gums improve.

If you have also invested in dental implants or other restorative work, staying current with periodontal maintenance is especially worth prioritizing. The tissue surrounding implants is susceptible to a related condition called peri-implantitis, and consistent preventive care is the most reliable way to protect that investment over time.