Progression of Periodontal Disease
Healthy gums are firm and fit snugly around your teeth. When gum disease develops, the gum tissue can pull away from the teeth, creating deeper “pockets” where bacteria collect. Over time, this can damage the gum tissue and the bone that supports your teeth. If left untreated, gum disease may eventually lead to tooth loss.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Gum disease often starts quietly, which is why routine dental visits are so important. Common symptoms include:
If you’re noticing any of these symptoms, it’s important to be evaluated as soon as possible.
Types of Gum Disease
Chronic Gum Disease
The most common form of gum disease. It is typically caused by plaque buildup and progresses slowly over time. Untreated, it can lead to significant gum and bone loss.
Aggressive Gum Disease
Less common and often begins in childhood or early adulthood. It can progress rapidly and may cause early bone and tooth loss if not treated promptly.
Necrotizing Gum Disease
A more severe form characterized by rapid tissue breakdown and bone loss. Risk factors may include:
Causes of Gum Disease
The mouth naturally contains many types of bacteria. Gum disease most often develops when plaque is not adequately removed through daily brushing/flossing and professional cleanings. Plaque can become trapped at or below the gumline, irritating the tissues and allowing bacteria to thrive.
Other contributing factors may include:
Diagnosing Gum Disease
Gum disease is often detected during a routine dental checkup. During an exam, a dental professional may:
Who Should Seek Treatment?
If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease, it’s important to take action. Gum disease does not improve on its own. Early treatment offers the best chance for successful management—and in some cases, early-stage disease can be reversed.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Gum Disease
Non-surgical care is often recommended when gum disease is caught early, and the gums may still respond well to conservative treatment. Every patient is different, so treatment is customized on a case-by-case basis.
Professional Cleanings
A professional cleaning removes plaque and harmful bacteria from the teeth and along the gumline. For some patients, Dr. Dianati may recommend more frequent cleanings than the standard two visits per year to help control bacteria levels and support healthier gums.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning that removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline (“scaling”) and smooths rough root surfaces (“planing”). This helps the gums heal and reduces places where bacteria can collect—especially when gum disease has progressed deeper below the gumline.
Surgical Treatments for Gum Disease
When gum disease is more advanced, surgical treatment may be recommended to reduce pocket depth, remove infection, and rebuild lost support.
1) Flap Surgery
The gums are gently lifted back so plaque and tartar can be removed thoroughly. The gums are then repositioned to fit more comfortably around the teeth, reducing pocket depth and limiting areas where bacteria can grow.
2) Osseous Surgery
In an osseous procedure, harmful bacteria are removed, and damaged bone is reshaped/smoothed so the gum tissue can reattach more effectively and tighten around the teeth.
3) Bone Grafting
Bone grafting uses bone fragments to replace bone that has been destroyed by gum disease. This supports stability around the tooth and helps encourage the body’s natural bone regrowth.
4) Gum Grafting
Gum grafting (also called gingival grafting or augmentation) includes several procedures that use grafted tissue to cover exposed root surfaces and strengthen thin or receding gums.
Acellular Dermal Matrix Allograft (AlloDerm)
AlloDerm uses donated soft tissue and can be a great alternative to taking tissue from the patient’s own mouth. This may reduce the need for a second surgical site. AlloDerm is used routinely in dentistry and in other health and cosmetic practices.
Schedule a Consultation
Call our office today at (818) 584-1841 to schedule a consultation and review your options for saving your teeth.