Periodontal Disease: Causes, Treatment, and Recovery

Periodontal disease—commonly known as gum disease—is one of the most prevalent oral health conditions among adults, and it’s a major cause of tooth loss if left untreated. At Springbrook Family Dentistry in Elma, NY, we’re dedicated to helping our patients understand, prevent, and treat periodontal disease with personalized, expert care.

Whether you’re experiencing early symptoms like bleeding gums or advanced gum recession, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is a chronic infection of the gums and surrounding tissues that support the teeth. It typically starts with gingivitis, a mild form of gum inflammation caused by plaque buildup. Without intervention, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis, where the gums pull away from the teeth, forming infected pockets that can lead to bone and tooth loss.

Common signs of periodontal disease include:

• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
  
• Persistent bad breath
  
• Gum recession
  
• Loose or shifting teeth
  
• Pain when chewing
  

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an evaluation at Springbrook Family Dentistry as soon as possible.

Risk Factors for Periodontal Disease

While anyone can develop gum disease, certain factors increase your risk, including:

• Poor oral hygiene habits
  
• Smoking or tobacco use
  
• Diabetes and other chronic illnesses
  
• Hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause)
  
• Genetics or family history of gum disease
  
• Certain medications that affect saliva production
  
• Stress, which can weaken the immune system
  

Our dental team in Elma will assess your individual risk factors and develop a preventive plan tailored to your needs.

How Is Periodontal Disease Diagnosed?

At Springbrook Family Dentistry, we take a comprehensive approach to diagnosing gum disease. During your periodontal exam, we will:

• Review your medical and dental history
  
• Examine your gums for swelling, bleeding, or recession
  
• Use a periodontal probe to measure pocket depths around each tooth
  
• Take digital X-rays to evaluate bone loss
  

Early detection is key—routine dental checkups allow us to catch signs of gum disease before it progresses.

How Is Periodontal Disease Treated?

The type of periodontal treatment you receive depends on how advanced the condition is. At Springbrook Family Dentistry, our treatment options include:

Non-Surgical Treatments

• Scaling and Root Planing: A deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar below the gum line and smooths root surfaces to promote healing.
  
• Antibiotic Therapy: Localized antibiotics may be applied to infected areas to reduce bacteria and inflammation.
  

Surgical Treatments (for advanced cases)

• Flap Surgery: Lifting the gums to remove deep tartar deposits and reduce periodontal pockets.
  
• Bone or Tissue Grafting: Regenerative procedures that restore lost bone or gum tissue.
  

We’ll work with you to determine the most effective treatment plan based on your unique needs and the stage of your gum disease.

What to Expect After Treatment

Recovering from periodontal treatment depends on the type and severity of the procedure. Here's what you can expect:

• Mild soreness or swelling for a few days after deep cleanings or surgery
  
• Noticeable improvement in gum health, including less bleeding and inflammation
  
• Follow-up visits to monitor your progress and adjust care as needed
  
• Long-term maintenance, including professional cleanings every 3–4 months and a strong at-home oral hygiene routine
  

Our goal at Springbrook Family Dentistry is not just to treat gum disease, but to help you prevent it from returning.

Protect Your Gums With Preventive Care

The best defense against periodontal disease is prevention. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and scheduling regular dental visits are simple but powerful tools for protecting your oral health.

If you’re concerned about your gum health or have been told you need periodontal treatment, our compassionate team at Springbrook Family Dentistry in Elma, NY is here to help.