Top Periodontal Treatment Options: From Deep Cleaning to Surgery
Maintaining healthy gums is a crucial part of achieving long-lasting oral health. Periodontal (gum) disease affects nearly half of adults over 30, and if left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss, bone deterioration, and even systemic health problems such as heart disease and diabetes. Fortunately, a range of periodontal treatment options is available—whether you’re dealing with mild gum inflammation or advanced periodontitis. At Arlington Dental, we offer customized care plans to help restore and maintain your gum health.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It typically begins with gingivitis—red, swollen gums that may bleed during brushing. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, where the gums pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that harbor harmful bacteria. This can lead to bone loss and eventually tooth loss.
Let’s explore the top periodontal treatment options, ranging from non-invasive procedures to surgical interventions.
- Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
Best for: Early to moderate gum disease
Scaling and root planing is often the first line of defense against periodontal disease. Also known as deep cleaning, this non-surgical procedure involves removing plaque and tartar from below the gum line (scaling) and smoothing the tooth roots (planing) to help gums reattach to the teeth.
At our Arlington office, we use advanced ultrasonic tools and local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort. This treatment may require one or more visits depending on the extent of the disease.
- Antibiotic Therapy
Best for: Adjunct to deep cleaning for localized infection
In some cases, antibiotic therapy is used alongside scaling and root planing to combat bacteria that have penetrated deep into the gum tissue. Antibiotics can be applied directly to the gums in gel or microsphere form or prescribed orally.
Our dental team will determine whether localized or systemic antibiotic therapy is appropriate based on the severity and spread of your infection.
- Laser Gum Treatment
Best for: Patients looking for a less invasive option with quicker healing
Laser periodontal therapy uses focused light energy to remove diseased tissue and bacteria from around the teeth and gums. It’s a minimally invasive alternative to traditional gum surgery and usually involves less discomfort and faster healing.
This option is particularly appealing to patients with dental anxiety or those who want to avoid scalpels and sutures. Our office offers laser gum treatment as part of our advanced periodontal care services.
- Flap Surgery (Pocket Reduction Surgery)
Best for: Advanced periodontitis with deep pockets
If deep cleaning is not sufficient to manage the disease, flap surgery may be recommended. This procedure involves lifting back the gums to remove tartar and bacteria from deep periodontal pockets. The gums are then sutured back into place to allow proper healing and reattachment.
Flap surgery helps reduce the depth of gum pockets, making it easier for patients to maintain oral hygiene at home and reduce the risk of further infection.
- Bone Grafting
Best for: Patients with bone loss due to advanced gum disease
Periodontal disease can cause the jawbone supporting your teeth to deteriorate. Bone grafting replaces lost bone with either synthetic material or bone from another source. This promotes new bone growth and provides a stable foundation for your teeth—or for dental implants if tooth loss has occurred.
Bone grafting is often performed alongside flap surgery or as a preparatory step for restorative procedures.
- Soft Tissue Grafts
Best for: Gum recession and root exposure
When gums recede due to periodontal disease, the roots of your teeth can become exposed, causing sensitivity and an increased risk of decay. Soft tissue grafts involve taking tissue—usually from the roof of your mouth—and attaching it to the affected area to cover exposed roots and restore a healthier gum line.
This not only improves the appearance of your smile but also helps protect the underlying structures of your teeth.
- Guided Tissue Regeneration
Best for: Severe bone and tissue loss
This advanced surgical procedure encourages your body to regenerate lost bone and gum tissue. A biocompatible membrane is placed between the bone and gum tissue to prevent unwanted cells from interfering with the healing process. This allows bone and tissue to regrow in areas where they’ve been destroyed by periodontitis.
Periodontal Maintenance
After active treatment, ongoing periodontal maintenance is essential to prevent recurrence. This typically includes professional cleanings every 3–4 months, regular checkups, and personalized oral hygiene guidance.
Trust Your Gum Health to an Experienced Arlington Dentist
If you’re experiencing bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or loose teeth, don’t wait. Early intervention is key to stopping the progression of gum disease. At our Arlington dental, we’re committed to providing compassionate, expert periodontal care tailored to your needs. From deep cleanings to advanced surgical options, we’re here to restore your smile—and your confidence.
Schedule your periodontal consultation today and take the first step toward healthier gums and a healthier you.