What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the gums, ligaments, and bone that support your teeth. It begins as gingivitis — redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums — and can progress to periodontitis, which involves destruction of the supporting bone around teeth.
The primary cause is the buildup of plaque and tartar below the gumline, which creates an environment where harmful bacteria thrive. Risk factors include poor oral hygiene, smoking, diabetes, certain medications, and genetic predisposition.
The good news: when diagnosed and treated early, gum disease can be effectively managed. Dr. Chan performs a thorough periodontal assessment at every visit and will develop a personalized treatment plan to protect your gum health.
You may need treatment if you experience...
Many people have gum disease without realizing it. Look out for these common warning signs and schedule an evaluation with Dr. Chan right away.
Bleeding gums
Gums that bleed when you brush or floss are one of the earliest signs of gingivitis and should not be ignored.
Swollen or red gums
Healthy gums are firm and pale pink. Puffiness, redness, or tenderness indicates active inflammation.
Persistent bad breath
Bacteria trapped below the gumline produce compounds that cause chronic bad breath that brushing alone won't resolve.
Receding gums
When gums pull away from the teeth, it exposes root surfaces and creates deeper pockets for bacteria to accumulate.
Loose or shifting teeth
As bone loss progresses, teeth may shift position, feel loose, or develop spaces between them — a sign of advanced disease.
Heavy tartar buildup
Calcified deposits on and below the gumline that cannot be removed at home are a key driver of periodontal disease.
Scaling & Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
Scaling and root planing — often called a "deep cleaning" — is the primary non-surgical treatment for periodontal disease. Unlike a regular cleaning that addresses the surfaces above and just below the gumline, scaling and root planing cleans deep into the periodontal pockets to remove bacteria, tartar, and infected tissue that have accumulated below the gumline.
The procedure is typically performed in quadrants (one quarter of the mouth at a time) using local anesthesia to ensure your comfort. Most patients require two to four appointments to complete the full mouth.
Periodontal Assessment
Dr. Chan measures the depth of the pockets around each tooth and takes X-rays to evaluate bone levels.
Local Anesthesia
The treatment area is numbed so you stay comfortable throughout the procedure.
Scaling
Specialized instruments remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from root surfaces and deep within periodontal pockets.
Root Planing
Root surfaces are smoothed to remove rough areas where bacteria adhere and to encourage the gums to reattach.
It is normal to experience some sensitivity, mild swelling, or soreness for a few days after scaling and root planing. Over-the-counter pain relievers and a soft diet can help. Most patients notice significant improvement in gum health within a few weeks. A follow-up visit will be scheduled to re-evaluate your healing and pocket depths.
After treatment is completed, you will transition to a supportive periodontal maintenance schedule — typically every three to four months — to prevent reinfection and monitor your gum health long-term.
Home care after periodontal treatment
The success of periodontal therapy depends significantly on your daily oral hygiene routine at home. Once treatment is completed, consistent home care is essential to prevent bacterial re-colonization and maintain your results.
Brush twice daily
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Focus on the gumline using a 45° angle with gentle circular strokes for a full two minutes.
Floss every day
Daily flossing removes plaque from between teeth and just below the gumline — areas your toothbrush can't reach. Interdental brushes or water flossers can supplement flossing.
Use an antimicrobial rinse
Dr. Chan may recommend a prescription or over-the-counter antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce bacteria levels and support gum healing between appointments.
Keep your maintenance appointments
Periodontal maintenance cleanings every 3–4 months are essential. These are different from regular cleanings and specifically target areas prone to re-infection.
Avoid tobacco
Smoking and tobacco use are among the strongest risk factors for periodontal disease and significantly impair healing. Quitting dramatically improves treatment outcomes.
Manage systemic health
Conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and stress are linked to worse periodontal outcomes. Working with your physician to manage overall health supports your gum health too.
Patients often ask us...
Is scaling and root planing painful?
The area is numbed with local anesthesia before treatment, so you should feel minimal discomfort during the procedure. Some soreness and sensitivity in the days following is normal and typically resolves within a week.
How is a deep cleaning different from a regular cleaning?
A regular prophylaxis cleaning addresses the tooth surfaces above and just at the gumline in healthy patients. Scaling and root planing goes significantly deeper — into periodontal pockets — to remove infection that a regular cleaning cannot address.
Will my gum disease come back after treatment?
Periodontal disease can be controlled but not permanently cured. Without ongoing maintenance and good home care, bacteria can re-colonize the pockets. This is why regular periodontal maintenance appointments every 3–4 months are essential to long-term success.
Does my insurance cover periodontal treatment?
Most PPO dental insurance plans cover scaling and root planing, typically at 50–80% after your deductible. Our team will verify your benefits and provide an estimate of your out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins.
Can gum disease affect my overall health?
Yes. Research has linked periodontal disease to increased risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes complications, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Your oral health and systemic health are deeply connected — treating gum disease benefits your whole body.
What happens if gum disease is left untreated?
Untreated periodontal disease progresses silently, causing irreversible bone loss around the teeth. Over time this leads to loose teeth, tooth loss, and changes in bite. It is always easier — and less costly — to treat gum disease early.
Concerned about your gum health?
Don't wait. Schedule a periodontal evaluation with Dr. Chan today and take the first step toward a healthier smile.
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