Gum Disease, Gingivitis & Periodontitis Treatment in Woburn, MA
Bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, deeper periodontal pockets or loose teeth may be signs of gum disease. DENTOLOGY Woburn provides periodontal evaluation and nonsurgical treatment, including deep cleaning and scaling and root planing when clinically indicated.
What are the signs of gum disease?
Periodontal disease may develop with surprisingly little discomfort. Bleeding, recession, persistent bad breath or changes in tooth stability can therefore be important warning signs even when nothing hurts.
Gum disease does not always hurt. A periodontal examination evaluates inflammation, pocket depth, attachment changes and supporting bone rather than relying on pain alone.
What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums without the periodontal attachment and bone loss that defines periodontitis.
Plaque accumulation around the gumline can trigger inflammation. The gums may become red, swollen or more likely to bleed during brushing and flossing. Some people have very few noticeable symptoms.
Bleeding gums
Persistent bleeding during brushing or interdental cleaning may indicate gingival inflammation and should not simply be considered normal.
No attachment loss
Gingivitis affects the gingival tissues but has not caused the periodontal attachment and bone destruction associated with periodontitis.
Gingivitis can be reversible
Professional care combined with effective daily plaque control can allow inflamed gingival tissues to return toward health.
What is periodontitis?
Periodontitis is periodontal disease associated with loss of the tissues that attach and support the teeth.
As the disease progresses, periodontal pockets may deepen and bacterial deposits can remain below the gumline where normal brushing and flossing cannot adequately reach them. Supporting bone may also be affected.
Gingivitis
- Inflammation of the gums
- Bleeding may occur
- No periodontal attachment loss
- No periodontal bone loss
- Often reversible with appropriate care
Periodontitis
- Periodontal attachment loss
- Periodontal pocket formation
- Supporting bone may be lost
- Teeth may become mobile or shift
- Requires long-term disease control
The goal is not simply to stop the gums from bleeding. Periodontal treatment is directed toward controlling bacterial deposits and inflammation while preserving the tissues that support the teeth whenever possible.
What is a dental deep cleaning?
“Deep cleaning” is the term many patients use for scaling and root planing, a nonsurgical periodontal treatment performed below the gumline when clinical findings indicate that it is necessary.
Hardened deposits inside deeper periodontal pockets cannot be predictably removed with a toothbrush or floss. Scaling and root planing allows affected tooth and root surfaces to be professionally treated.
Were you told that you need a deep cleaning?
The appropriate treatment should be based on periodontal findings, not simply on the desire for a “stronger cleaning.” We can evaluate your gums and explain what type of care is clinically appropriate.
Do I need a regular cleaning or a deep cleaning?
A deep cleaning is not simply a more aggressive version of a routine cleaning. The appropriate procedure depends on the condition of the gums and periodontal supporting tissues.
Regular Dental Cleaning
- Primarily preventive
- Used when periodontal therapy is not indicated
- Removes plaque, calculus and stain as appropriate
- Supports routine oral-health maintenance
Deep Cleaning / SRP
- Treats affected areas below the gumline
- Addresses periodontal pockets when indicated
- Includes scaling and root planing
- Usually requires periodontal reevaluation
The diagnosis determines the procedure. A routine cleaning may be insufficient when periodontitis requires treatment below the gumline, while scaling and root planing should not be performed simply because someone wants a more intensive cleaning.
Why are my gums receding?
Gum recession means that the gingival margin has moved away from its previous position, exposing more of the tooth or root surface.
Periodontal disease is one possible cause, but recession can also be influenced by tooth position, tissue anatomy, brushing technique, trauma and other local factors.
For that reason, recession should be evaluated together with periodontal measurements, inflammation, supporting bone and the position of the teeth rather than treated as a diagnosis by itself.
Can gum disease cause bad breath?
Yes. Periodontal inflammation and bacterial deposits can contribute to persistent bad breath and an unpleasant taste.
Gum disease is not the only possible cause. The tongue, cavities, dry mouth, tonsils and some medical conditions can also contribute to chronic halitosis.
Persistent bad breath should be evaluated rather than repeatedly masked with mouthwash. Our dedicated DENTOLOGY halitosis page will address the different oral and non-oral causes in greater detail.
Can periodontitis make teeth loose?
Yes. Teeth depend on periodontal tissues and surrounding bone for support. Advanced periodontitis can damage these structures and contribute to increasing tooth mobility or changes in position.
Tooth mobility may also have other causes, including trauma or excessive functional forces. It should therefore be evaluated clinically rather than attributed automatically to one condition.
Earlier evaluation usually provides more information and more treatment options. Do not wait for a loose tooth to become painful before having the supporting tissues examined.
How is gum disease diagnosed?
Periodontal diagnosis involves more than looking at whether the gums appear red. We evaluate the structures supporting the teeth and look for evidence of inflammation, pocketing and tissue loss.
How is gum disease treated?
Treatment depends on whether the condition is gingivitis, periodontitis or another periodontal problem. Care is individualized according to the clinical findings and response to treatment.
Start with a periodontal evaluation.
If your gums bleed, you have been told that you need a deep cleaning, or you are concerned about gingivitis or periodontitis, we can evaluate the condition and explain what treatment is appropriate.
How much does a dental deep cleaning cost?
The cost of scaling and root planing varies because periodontal treatment is based on the extent and location of disease rather than one identical procedure for every patient.
What affects the cost?
Factors may include the number of teeth or quadrants requiring treatment, disease severity, diagnostic needs and whether additional periodontal care is indicated.
What about dental insurance?
Coverage varies by plan. After the periodontal evaluation, our office can explain the recommended treatment and provide an estimate based on the procedures that are clinically needed.
Gum disease, periodontitis and deep cleaning FAQ
What are the first signs of gum disease?
Why do my gums bleed when I brush?
Is gingivitis the same as periodontitis?
Can gingivitis be reversed?
What is a deep cleaning?
Is scaling and root planing the same as deep cleaning?
How do I know if I need a deep cleaning?
Does a deep cleaning hurt?
Can gum disease cause bad breath?
Can periodontitis cause loose teeth?
Will I need periodontal maintenance after deep cleaning?
Gum disease treatment in Woburn — or visit our Boston office
This page is focused on periodontal evaluation and treatment at DENTOLOGY Woburn. If Boston is more convenient, patients can also visit our Boston Seaport / Fort Point office.
DENTOLOGY Woburn is convenient for patients from Woburn, Burlington, Winchester, Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield, Wilmington, North Reading, Lexington, Bedford and nearby communities north of Boston.
Concerned about your gums?
Whether you have bleeding gums, were told that you need a deep cleaning, or are concerned about gingivitis, periodontitis, recession or tooth mobility, a periodontal evaluation can help determine what is happening and what treatment is appropriate.
