Protecting the foundation of your smile
Healthy gums and supporting bone help keep teeth stable and comfortable. Periodontal disease begins when plaque-related inflammation affects the tissues around the teeth. Without appropriate care, it can progress and contribute to gum recession, bone loss, tooth mobility, and eventually tooth loss.
At Excellence Dental Care, periodontal care begins with an individual evaluation. We look for signs of inflammation and tissue changes, explain what the findings mean, and recommend an approach based on the condition of your gums, supporting structures, and overall oral health.
Signs that may need an evaluation
Gum disease can be painless, particularly in its earlier stages. Contact the practice or mention changes at your next visit if you notice:
- Gums that bleed during brushing or cleaning between the teeth
- Red, swollen, tender, or receding gums
- Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste
- Teeth that feel loose or appear to have shifted
- Changes in the way your teeth meet when you bite
- Changes around dental implants or restorations
These signs can have different causes, so an examination is needed before treatment is recommended.
A thorough periodontal evaluation
A periodontal assessment may include measuring the spaces around the teeth, checking for bleeding and recession, evaluating plaque and tartar deposits, and looking for changes in tooth mobility or bite. Diagnostic imaging may be recommended to assess the supporting bone when clinically appropriate.
Your health history matters as well. Tobacco use, medications, dry mouth, diabetes and other health conditions, genetics, and home-care habits can influence periodontal health and treatment planning. We consider these factors when discussing your needs and follow-up schedule.
Periodontal treatment options
Improved home care and monitoring
Early inflammation may improve with professional preventive care and consistent brushing and cleaning between the teeth. We can help you identify areas that need attention and recommend techniques or tools suited to your needs.
Scaling and root planing
When deposits and inflammation extend below the gumline, periodontal therapy may include scaling and root planing. This nonsurgical treatment removes plaque and tartar from below the gums and smooths accessible root surfaces. Care may be completed in sections, and follow-up is important to evaluate healing and determine the next step.
Additional or coordinated treatment
Some periodontal concerns require more than initial nonsurgical care. Depending on the diagnosis and response to treatment, options may include selected adjunctive therapies, gum or bone grafting, or referral to a periodontal specialist. We will explain why another approach or provider may be appropriate rather than assuming every procedure belongs in the same treatment plan.
Periodontal maintenance
Initial treatment does not end periodontal care. Ongoing maintenance helps control plaque and tartar, monitor pocket depths and bleeding, and identify changes in gum or bone support. The recommended interval is personalized; it may differ from a routine preventive-cleaning schedule and can change according to your response and risk factors.
Daily brushing, cleaning between the teeth, avoiding tobacco, and managing relevant health conditions all support the professional care you receive. Even with consistent maintenance, additional treatment may sometimes be needed.
Periodontal health and other dental care
Gum and bone health can affect the timing and predictability of restorative, implant, cosmetic, and orthodontic treatment. Addressing active periodontal concerns first can help create a healthier foundation for other care and support the long-term maintenance of natural teeth and restorations.
Schedule a gum-health evaluation
If you have bleeding gums, recession, persistent bad breath, loose teeth, or concerns about a previous gum-disease diagnosis, an evaluation can clarify what is happening. Contact Excellence Dental Care to discuss your symptoms and arrange an appropriate visit.