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Gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss, yet many people don't realize how common it is. Research from national health authorities shows that roughly half of adults over 30 have some form of periodontal disease. At New Day Dentistry, we prioritize prevention and effective treatment so patients can preserve both function and appearance of their smiles.
Periodontal disease is a collective term for the inflammatory conditions that damage the structures supporting teeth — the gums, the periodontal ligament, and the jawbone. The underlying trigger is the bacterial biofilm (plaque) that builds up along and beneath the gumline. When left unchecked, this bacterial activity prompts an inflammatory response that, over time, destroys the tissues that hold teeth in place.
Because early stages of disease are often painless, dental professionals rely on clinical measures rather than symptoms alone. During an exam we evaluate gum color and contour, measure pocket depths around each tooth, test for bleeding on probing, and review radiographs for any bone loss. These objective findings guide both diagnosis and the treatment plan.
Patients can still play a critical role by learning to recognize common warning signs. Noticing changes early helps the care team intervene before damage becomes extensive and harder to reverse.
Common signs that warrant a periodontal evaluation include:
Gums that are red, swollen, or tender
Bleeding during brushing or flossing
Receding gumlines or roots becoming exposed
Increased tooth sensitivity to hot or cold
Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth
Teeth that feel loose or shifting in position
Development of new gaps between teeth or a changed bite
Discharge or pus near the gumline
Pain while biting or chewing
Good oral health supports overall wellness. Inflammation and infection in the mouth do not remain isolated; researchers have linked advanced periodontal disease with higher risk markers for systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes complications, and some respiratory illnesses. While the exact mechanisms are still being explored, controlling oral inflammation can reduce a chronic inflammatory burden on the body.
Maintaining healthy gums also preserves the foundation for dental function — chewing efficiency, speech, and the stability of restorations or implants. When periodontal tissues are compromised, routine dental work becomes more complex and the risk of tooth loss increases.
Because of these connections, the dental team takes a preventive mindset: identify risk factors, detect disease early, and coordinate care with other healthcare providers when systemic conditions may influence treatment decisions.
Gingivitis is the earliest, reversible stage of periodontal disease. It reflects inflammation confined to the gum tissue without loss of the supporting bone. Typical signs include gums that bleed easily, appear puffy or darker in color, and feel sensitive. Most people experience few if any painful symptoms at this stage, which is why routine dental visits are essential.
When gingivitis is identified, the treatment focus is restoring a healthy oral environment. Professional care typically includes careful removal of plaque and calculus, targeted homecare guidance, and more frequent hygiene visits to interrupt the cycle of inflammation.
With prompt attention — a consistent brushing and flossing routine, combined with professional cleanings — the tissues usually recover fully and the progression to more destructive disease can be avoided.
When inflammation extends deeper and begins to break down the connective tissues and jawbone, the condition is called periodontitis. At this stage, pockets form between the tooth and gum where bacteria flourish, and the loss of attachment can lead to drifting teeth, worsening function, and ultimately tooth loss if untreated.
Clinical assessment determines the extent of disease: pocket depths, amount of visible and radiographic bone loss, and response to initial therapy. Periodontitis is classified by severity and by how quickly it progresses; treatment goals are to halt tissue destruction, reduce pocket depths, and reestablish a maintainable environment for the patient.
Modern periodontal care aims not only to control infection but also to preserve and, where possible, regenerate lost tissue so that teeth can remain stable and comfortable for years to come.
Our approach emphasizes individualized care. After a thorough exam, clinicians present a stepwise plan that takes into account disease severity, the patient’s general health, and personal goals for their smile. Education and improved daily home care are essential components in every plan — they are the foundation that makes professional treatments successful.
Therapeutic options range from enhanced nonsurgical protocols to surgical and regenerative procedures when indicated. Adjunctive tools such as locally delivered antimicrobials, medicated rinses, or targeted systemic therapies may be used to support mechanical cleaning and reduce bacterial burden.
At the practice, we combine established clinical techniques with newer technologies when appropriate, always focused on predictable outcomes and easier long-term maintenance for the patient.
Treatment is staged to control infection first, then restore form and function. Initial therapy often centers on deep cleaning procedures that remove plaque and calculus from beneath the gumline, followed by a reassessment to measure healing. If pockets reduce and inflammation subsides, ongoing maintenance can often keep disease under control.
When deeper defects persist, or when bone and soft tissue need rebuilding, periodontal surgery or regenerative therapy may be recommended. These procedures seek to reduce pocket depth, reshape tissues for better hygiene access, and, where possible, encourage regeneration of lost bone and connective tissue.
Throughout care, the team monitors healing and adapts the plan. Maintenance visits become a partnership — regular supportive cleanings and periodic reassessment are key to long-term success.
When periodontal issues are detected early or are localized, non-surgical treatments are the preferred first step. Scaling and root planing — thorough cleaning below the gumline — removes the bulk of irritants and shifts the bacterial environment toward health.
These procedures are often performed with careful hand instrumentation and ultrasonic devices, sometimes combined with localized antimicrobial agents placed in the pocket to enhance results. Patients are re-evaluated after initial therapy to confirm healing and determine whether further treatment is needed.
Non-surgical care is less invasive and can be highly effective when paired with consistent home care and routine professional maintenance.
When pocket depths remain significant or when there is notable bone loss, surgical intervention may be recommended to access and clean deep root surfaces and to reshape the supporting structures. Flap procedures allow clinicians to visualize and treat affected areas directly and to reduce pocket depths for improved hygiene.
Regenerative methods — including bone grafts, guided tissue regeneration, or biologic growth factors — are used when the goal is to rebuild lost support and improve long-term tooth stability. These techniques can also prepare a site for future restorative options, such as implant placement, when necessary.
Advances in instrumentation, suturing techniques, and the selective use of lasers have expanded the clinician’s ability to deliver predictable surgical outcomes with patient comfort in mind.
In summary, periodontal disease ranges from reversible gingivitis to more destructive periodontitis, but modern dental care offers a broad spectrum of reliable treatment strategies. Early detection, consistent home care, and a collaborative treatment plan are the most important factors in protecting your smile. Contact us to learn more about periodontal care and how we can help you preserve healthy gums and strong teeth.
Periodontal disease begins when bacterial biofilm, commonly called plaque, accumulates along and beneath the gumline and triggers an inflammatory response. If this biofilm is not regularly removed by effective home care and professional cleanings, it hardens into calculus and fosters bacteria that damage the gum tissue, periodontal ligament, and supporting bone. Risk factors such as tobacco use, uncontrolled diabetes, certain medications, genetic predisposition and inconsistent dental care increase the likelihood that inflammation will progress.
At New Day Dentistry we emphasize prevention and early detection because addressing inflammation early makes treatment more predictable and preservation of natural teeth more likely. Identifying and modifying risk factors is a core part of care, and clinicians will review medical history and lifestyle factors when developing a personalized plan. Consistent oral hygiene and routine dental visits remain the foundation for preventing disease progression.
Diagnosis relies on objective clinical measures rather than symptoms alone because early stages can be painless. During an exam a clinician measures pocket depths around each tooth, checks for bleeding on probing, evaluates gum color and contour, assesses tooth mobility and reviews radiographs for bone loss. These findings, combined with a thorough medical and dental history, determine the stage and grade of disease and guide treatment decisions.
Reassessment after initial therapy is essential to confirm healing and to decide whether further treatment is needed. Periodontal charting and radiographic comparison allow clinicians to track changes over time and tailor maintenance intervals. Clear documentation helps both the patient and the care team understand treatment goals and progress.
Early warning signs include gums that bleed during brushing or flossing, persistent redness or swelling, and chronic bad breath or an unpleasant taste. Additional indicators are gum recession with root exposure, increased tooth sensitivity, loose or shifting teeth, and new gaps between teeth or a changed bite. Not all patients experience pain, so any of these signs should prompt a dental assessment.
Timely evaluation allows clinicians to intervene before damage becomes extensive and harder to reverse. Bringing recent changes to your dental team’s attention will help them identify whether gingivitis or a more advanced form of periodontitis is present. Early intervention usually requires less invasive care and leads to better long-term outcomes.
Scaling and root planing is a nonsurgical deep cleaning procedure intended to remove plaque and calculus from below the gumline and to smooth the root surfaces to discourage bacterial recolonization. The procedure is typically performed with a combination of ultrasonic instruments and hand scalers, often under local anesthesia to maximize comfort. Treatment is staged to treat affected areas thoroughly and to reduce pocket depths so healing can occur.
After the procedure patients should expect some tenderness, minor bleeding and temporary sensitivity for a few days to weeks as tissues heal. A follow-up visit is usually scheduled 4 to 8 weeks after therapy to reassess pocket depths and inflammation and to determine whether additional treatment is needed. Strict home care and adherence to recommended maintenance visits are essential for sustaining results.
Surgery or regenerative therapy is considered when nonsurgical treatment does not sufficiently reduce pocket depths or when there is significant bone loss that jeopardizes tooth stability. Surgical options, such as flap procedures, allow clinicians to access deep root surfaces for thorough cleaning and to reshape the supporting tissues for improved hygiene access. Regenerative techniques—like bone grafting, guided tissue regeneration and the use of biologic growth factors—aim to rebuild lost bone and connective tissue when feasible.
The decision to proceed with surgery is based on clinical findings, patient health and long-term restorative needs, and it is made in consultation with the patient. Advances in suturing, microsurgical techniques and selective laser use have improved predictability and patient comfort. Postoperative care includes close monitoring, oral hygiene reinforcement and scheduled follow-ups to assess healing and stability.
Adjunctive therapies are used to support mechanical cleaning when bacterial burden is high or when specific clinical circumstances warrant additional measures. These options can include locally delivered antimicrobials placed directly into periodontal pockets, medicated rinses, and, in select cases, short courses of systemic medication prescribed to address acute infection or specific pathogens. Host-modulation strategies and targeted delivery systems may also be considered to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
The choice of adjunctive therapy is individualized and depends on disease severity, microbiologic considerations and the patient’s systemic health. Clinicians weigh benefits against potential risks and monitor responses closely during follow-up care. When used appropriately, adjuncts can enhance the effects of root planing and support improved clinical outcomes.
Research shows that periodontal inflammation can contribute to a higher systemic inflammatory burden and has been associated with conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes complications and certain respiratory infections. The relationship is complex and bidirectional in some cases, for example where poorly controlled diabetes worsens periodontal disease and periodontal inflammation can make glycemic control more difficult. Controlling oral inflammation is therefore an important component of overall health management for many patients.
Because of these connections, dental teams often coordinate with primary care providers and specialists when systemic conditions may influence dental treatment. Sharing information about medical conditions, medications and lifestyle factors helps clinicians create safe, effective periodontal plans. Preventive care and regular maintenance contribute to lower chronic inflammation and better long-term health outcomes.
After periodontal therapy patients should follow personalized home‑care instructions that typically include gentle but thorough brushing, daily interdental cleaning and, when recommended, an antimicrobial rinse. Avoiding tobacco, eating a balanced diet, and managing systemic health issues such as diabetes all support tissue healing and reduce the risk of recurrence. Over-the-counter pain relievers and short-term sensitivity measures may be suggested to manage discomfort in the immediate recovery period.
Attend all scheduled follow-up visits so the care team can monitor healing and adjust the plan as needed. If you notice increasing pain, prolonged bleeding, swelling or any signs of infection, contact your dental office promptly for evaluation. Long-term success depends on consistent home care combined with professional maintenance.
Maintenance intervals are tailored to the individual but most patients who have had periodontitis will benefit from supportive periodontal therapy every three months, at least initially. These maintenance visits include careful cleaning below the gumline, reassessment of pocket depths and review of home-care techniques to prevent recurrence. Some patients with excellent response and low risk factors may move to longer intervals, while others with ongoing risk factors require more frequent monitoring.
Scheduling and adherence to maintenance visits are among the strongest predictors of long-term success in controlling periodontal disease. Your clinician will recommend an interval based on your healing response, risk profile and oral condition, and they will update that plan as your situation changes. Treating maintenance as a partnership helps preserve teeth and the results of prior therapy.
Yes. Appropriate periodontal therapy can halt tissue destruction, reduce pocket depths and in many cases preserve natural teeth that might otherwise be lost. When teeth are not salvageable, periodontal and regenerative procedures can prepare a healthy, well‑contoured site for future restorative options, including dental implants, by rebuilding lost bone and soft tissue when clinically indicated. Careful planning and timing between periodontal and restorative teams optimize outcomes for function and esthetics.
The dental team at New Day Dentistry coordinates periodontal therapy with restorative planning so that long‑term stability and maintenance are considered from the outset. Whether the goal is to preserve natural teeth or to prepare for implants, the focus is on predictable, maintainable results and a long‑term strategy for oral health. Ongoing maintenance after any restorative work is essential to protect both natural tissues and prosthetic components.
