Periodontal Treatment

Periodontal treatment addresses gum disease, an infection of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth that affects nearly half of adults over 30. At Brookhaven Village Dentistry, we offer the full range of periodontal care from preventive maintenance through advanced treatment, with the goal of stopping disease progression, restoring gum health, and preserving teeth. Untreated gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults and is also linked to serious systemic conditions including heart disease, diabetes, respiratory infections, and pregnancy complications.

Gum disease progresses through several stages. Gingivitis is the earliest stage, characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. It's reversible with professional cleaning and improved home care. Without treatment, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, where the infection extends below the gum line and begins destroying the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. Advanced periodontitis can lead to loose teeth, painful chewing, and eventual tooth loss.

Treatment depends on the stage of disease. Early gingivitis is typically treated with a professional cleaning and improved home care. Mild to moderate periodontitis is treated with scaling and root planing (sometimes called deep cleaning), which removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line and smooths the tooth roots so gums can reattach. Advanced cases may require antibiotics, gum surgery, bone grafts, or other specialized procedures, sometimes performed by a periodontist (gum disease specialist). After active treatment, ongoing periodontal maintenance every 3 to 4 months is essential to prevent recurrence.

Gum disease is one of the most common and most serious dental conditions, yet it's often ignored because it usually progresses without significant pain. At Brookhaven Village Dentistry, we screen for gum disease at every visit using gum pocket measurements and visual exam, catching it early when treatment is simplest.

We focus on conservative treatment first. Most cases of gingivitis and early periodontitis respond well to non-surgical treatment combined with improved home care. We work with patients to identify and address contributing factors like smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, certain medications, and home care habits. For advanced cases, we coordinate with periodontists when specialized expertise produces the best outcome. Throughout treatment, we educate patients about the connection between gum health and overall health, because periodontal disease is far more than a dental concern.