Periodontal Treatments Tulsa, OK

What is Gum Disease and Periodontal Treatments?

Gum disease is an infection of the gums surrounding your teeth and is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. Periodontal treatments are designed to manage and treat this condition. Because gum disease can be challenging to detect, our dental team checks for signs during every routine dental checkup.

What Causes Gum Disease?

A buildup of plaque causes gum disease. If the plaque is not removed with flossing, brushing, and regular dental checkups, it will build up toxins that can damage the gums.

Stages Of Gum Disease

There are two stages of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis.

Gingivitis: It is the early stage of gum disease. The gums become red and swollen, bleeding easily. The condition is treatable at this stage and can usually be eliminated by brushing and flossing regularly.

If left untreated, gingivitis will advance into periodontitis, when the gums and bones supporting the teeth become irreparably damaged. Teeth can become loose due to periodontitis and may even fall out or need removal.

Periodontitis: It is a severe gum infection that damages the soft tissue and destroys the bone that supports your teeth. It can eventually lead to tooth loss if it is not treated. Symptoms include:

Bad breath.
Red or swollen gums.
Bleeding when brushing or flossing.
Loose teeth.
Sensitivity to hot or cold foods.

Treatment usually involves good oral hygiene habits like regular brushing and flossing, professional dental cleaning, and antibiotics.
Left untreated, periodontitis can cause severe damage to the teeth and gums. Untreated periodontitis can cause teeth to loosen or fall out, receding gums, tooth sensitivity, pain when eating, bad breath, and an increased risk of developing other oral health problems such as cavities and gum disease.

Treatment For Gum Disease

Treatments for gum disease usually vary depending on the severity of each case. If the condition is caught in the early stages of gingivitis and no damage has been done, one to two regular cleanings will be recommended. You will also be given instructions on improving your daily oral hygiene habits and having regular dental cleanings.

Scaling And Root Planing

If the disease has progressed to more advanced stages, a special periodontal cleaning called scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) will be recommended. It is usually done with half of the mouth at a time while the area is numb. In this procedure, tartar, plaque, and toxins are removed from above and below the gum line (scaling), and rough spots on root surfaces are made smooth (planing). Then pockets are treated with a diode laser that kills bacteria, removes infected tissue lining the pocket, and jump-starts the immune system for quicker healing.

This procedure helps gum tissue to heal and pockets to shrink. Medications, especially medicated mouth rinses and an electric toothbrush may be recommended to help heal and control infection. If the pockets do not heal after scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery may be needed to reduce pocket depths, making teeth easier to clean. Your Tulsa dentist may also recommend that you see a gum specialist.

At Perfect Smile Tulsa, our periodontal specialists provide advanced care to restore and protect your gum health. We understand the importance of personalized treatment, which is why our team develops customized plans tailored to each patient’s needs. Whether you are experiencing early signs of gum disease or require more specialized care, we are committed to helping you achieve a healthier smile and long-term oral wellness.

Schedule Your Periodontal Treatment Appointment Today

Call us at 918.770.0870 or contact us to schedule your consultation. We are proudly serving patients across Maple Ridge North, White City, and Nearby Tulsa Communities.

FAQs

How is periodontal disease connected to other health problems?

Research shows gum disease may be linked with systemic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. The underlying cause is thought to be chronic inflammation possibly caused by bacteria in the mouth entering the system through bleeding gums or ‘pockets’ in the gums.

Does periodontal disease affect children? Can they get it?

It’s rare in children, though possible, especially in adolescents. However, learning good oral hygiene early (brushing, flossing) helps prevent it. Parents should watch for symptoms like red/swollen gums, bleeding, and persistent bad breath.

How often should I visit my hygienist or periodontist after being diagnosed with periodontal disease?

It depends on how advanced the disease is, your overall health, and risk factors (e.g., smoking, genetics). For mild disease, maybe twice a year; for more severe disease, more frequent check-ups. Your periodontist will make a tailored schedule.

Can gum disease be reversed?

Gingivitis, the earliest stage, can usually be reversed with good oral hygiene and professional cleaning. Once it progresses to periodontitis, the damage can’t be completely reversed, but treatment can stop it from getting worse. Our Registered Dental Hygienists will work with you for your individualized plan to reverse gingivitis.

Is gum disease linked to overall health problems?

Yes. Research shows gum disease may be connected to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and even pregnancy complications. Chronic inflammation seems to be the link.

How is periodontal disease diagnosed?

Typically, dental professionals do this via clinical exam, evaluating gums for bleeding, measuring pockets around teeth, assessing bone loss (often via X-rays), observing gum recession, and checking teeth’s mobility. We also scan your teeth and gums into your record so that progress or deterioration can be tracked.

What non-surgical and surgical treatments are available for periodontal disease?

Depending on severity, treatments range from non-surgical (professional cleanings, scaling and root planning, improved home care) to surgical (gum flap surgery, bone grafts, guided tissue regeneration, implant procedures).