Periodontal Care
Periodontal Treatment
Gum health is an important part of your overall oral health, and overall health. We assess and treat gum disease at every stage, from early inflammation to more advanced conditions.
Periodontal services at Wildwood Dental Clinic are provided by our general dentist team. Our dentists are not licensed specialists in periodontics.
What is gum (periodontal) disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth, the gums, periodontal ligament, and the bone that anchors each tooth in place. It is caused by the bacteria found in plaque, which forms continuously on teeth and along the gumline.
Gum disease is very common, and many people are unaware they have it because the early stages often cause no pain. Regular dental examinations are one of the most reliable ways to detect and address it before it progresses.
Research has also established links between periodontal health and a number of systemic conditions, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes, which is one reason we consider gum assessment a core part of every dental visit, not just a secondary concern.
Stages of gum disease
Gingivitis
The earliest and most reversible stage. The gums become inflamed, often appearing red, swollen, or prone to bleeding when brushing. There is no bone loss at this stage. Gingivitis is typically addressed through improved home care and a professional cleaning, and can be resolved with consistent effort.
Mild to Moderate Periodontitis
When gingivitis is not addressed, bacteria can begin to work their way below the gumline, causing pockets to form between the gum and tooth. Some bone loss may be present. Treatment at this stage often involves scaling and root planing, along with a more frequent recall schedule.
Advanced Periodontitis
In more severe cases, significant bone and tissue loss occurs, teeth may loosen, and the supporting structures can be compromised. Management is more involved and may require referral to a periodontist for specialist care alongside what we provide in practice.
Treatment options
The appropriate treatment depends on the stage and severity of the condition. For most patients with early gum disease, improved home care combined with a professional cleaning is an effective starting point.
For more advanced cases, scaling and root planing, often called a "deep cleaning", is the standard non-surgical treatment. This involves a thorough cleaning of the root surfaces below the gumline, typically done under local anesthetic for comfort. The goal is to remove the bacterial deposits and smooth the root surfaces so the gum tissue can reattach and heal.
Scaling and root planing is usually performed in sections (one or two quadrants at a time) so each area can be treated thoroughly. Most patients find the procedure comfortable with the anesthetic in place.
Ongoing maintenance
After active treatment for gum disease, regular monitoring is important. Patients with a history of periodontitis are typically placed on a periodontal maintenance schedule, more frequent recall appointments (often every 3–4 months) to carefully monitor pocket depths, bone levels, and gum health over time.
Gum disease cannot be cured in the way an infection can be, it can be managed and stabilised, but it requires ongoing attention. Our hygienists work closely with each patient to support long-term gum health with a combination of in-office care and personalised home-care guidance.
Ready to get started?
Call 306.374.7272 or request an appointment online.