Gum Disease, Gingivitis & Periodontitis Treatment in Boston
Bleeding gums, gum recession, persistent bad breath or changes in tooth stability may be signs of periodontal disease. At DENTOLOGY Boston, we evaluate gum health and provide nonsurgical periodontal care, including deep cleaning and scaling and root planing when clinically indicated.
When should you have your gums evaluated?
Gum disease may progress without significant pain. Changes in bleeding, gum position, breath or tooth stability can therefore be more informative than discomfort alone.
No pain does not necessarily mean no disease. Periodontal assessment looks at inflammation, pocket depth, attachment and supporting bone rather than pain alone.
Gingivitis: the earlier stage of gum disease
Gingivitis is inflammation limited to the gingival tissues. It does not include the periodontal attachment loss or bone destruction that defines periodontitis.
Redness and bleeding
Inflamed gums may bleed during brushing or interdental cleaning and can appear redder or more swollen than healthy tissue.
Supporting tissues remain intact
Gingivitis does not involve the attachment and supporting bone loss seen with periodontitis.
Early disease can be reversible
With professional care and effective plaque control, gingival inflammation can often resolve before structural periodontal damage occurs.
What changes when gingivitis becomes periodontitis?
Periodontitis involves destruction of the tissues that attach and support the teeth. This is why diagnosis and long-term periodontal maintenance become important.
Periodontitis requires control rather than simply “cleaning the teeth better.” Treatment is directed at reducing the bacterial burden, managing inflammation and maintaining the remaining periodontal support.
What does “deep cleaning” actually mean?
Dental deep cleaning commonly refers to scaling and root planing. It is periodontal treatment for areas below the gumline when routine preventive cleaning is not sufficient.
The procedure is based on periodontal findings rather than simply how long it has been since your last cleaning.
Not sure whether you need a regular cleaning or a deep cleaning?
A periodontal evaluation can determine which procedure is appropriate based on the condition of your gums and supporting tissues rather than guesswork.
Does gum recession mean you have periodontal disease?
Not necessarily. Recession describes the position of the gum margin, but it does not by itself identify the cause.
Periodontitis may contribute to recession, but tooth position, tissue anatomy, brushing habits, trauma and other factors can also play a role.
We therefore evaluate recession together with periodontal pocketing, inflammation, attachment levels and supporting bone.
Persistent bad breath can be related to gum disease
Periodontal pockets, bacterial deposits and inflammation can contribute to persistent oral malodor and an unpleasant taste.
However, gum disease is only one possible cause. Tongue coating, cavities, dry mouth, tonsil stones and some medical conditions may also contribute.
Our dedicated Bad Breath & Halitosis page is being developed next. It will help distinguish periodontal causes from other common oral and non-oral sources.
How we evaluate periodontal health
A periodontal examination looks at the relationship between the teeth, gums and supporting tissues rather than relying on appearance alone.
A step-by-step approach to periodontal treatment
The treatment plan depends on whether the problem is gingivitis, periodontitis or another periodontal condition.
Concerned about bleeding gums or periodontitis?
A periodontal evaluation can determine whether you need preventive care, scaling and root planing, periodontal maintenance or additional treatment.
Gum disease and deep cleaning FAQ
Is bleeding when I brush normal?
Can gingivitis turn into periodontitis?
Can gingivitis be reversed?
What is a dental deep cleaning?
How do I know if I need scaling and root planing?
Can gum disease cause bad breath?
Can periodontal disease cause loose teeth?
Is periodontal maintenance different from a regular cleaning?
Periodontal care in Boston — or visit our Woburn office
This page is focused on periodontal evaluation and gum-disease treatment at our Boston office. Patients who prefer a location north of Boston can also visit DENTOLOGY Woburn.
Start with an evaluation of your gum health.
If you have bleeding gums, gum recession, persistent bad breath, loose teeth or were told that you need a deep cleaning, we can evaluate the condition and explain the appropriate next step.
