Periodontal Treatments
At Princeton Dental, periodontal treatments are designed to stop the progression of gum disease, protect the supporting structures of the teeth, and help patients maintain long-term oral health. Gum disease can range from mild inflammation to advanced infection that affects bone and tooth stability, which is why treatment plans are always tailored to the severity of each individual case.
Our approach to periodontal care emphasizes early intervention whenever possible. When gum disease is addressed in its earlier stages, non-surgical treatment may be sufficient. In more advanced cases, surgical options may be necessary to restore health and prevent tooth loss.
Why Periodontal Treatment Is Important
Periodontal disease affects the gums, bone, and connective tissues that support the teeth. Without treatment, infection can progress beneath the gum line, leading to bone loss, loose teeth, and eventual tooth loss.
Beyond oral health, untreated gum disease can complicate restorative procedures such as crowns, bridges, and dental implants. Establishing healthy gums is a critical foundation for long-term dental stability.
Treatment Planning Based on Disease Severity
Periodontal treatment is not one-size-fits-all. The type of care recommended depends on several factors, including the depth of periodontal pockets, the amount of bone loss present, and how the gums respond to initial treatment.
Whenever possible, treatment begins with conservative, non-surgical methods. Surgical options are reserved for cases where infection and damage cannot be controlled through non-invasive care alone.
Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment
The first line of defense against gum disease is typically non-surgical therapy. These treatments are designed to remove infection and allow the gums to heal without surgery.
Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
Scaling and root planing is a specialized type of deep cleaning that targets plaque and tartar buildup below the gum line—areas that regular brushing and routine cleanings cannot reach.
During this procedure, ultrasonic instruments and specialized tools are used to remove bacteria, plaque, and hardened tartar from the tooth surface and around the roots. The root surfaces are then smoothed (planed) to reduce rough areas where bacteria can easily reattach.
By creating a clean, smooth surface, scaling and root planing allows the gum tissue to heal and reattach more closely to the tooth.
Post-Treatment Care and Maintenance
Non-surgical periodontal treatment can be highly effective when gum disease is caught early. However, long-term success depends heavily on aftercare.
Patients must maintain consistent oral hygiene habits, including brushing and flossing daily, following dietary recommendations, avoiding tobacco use, and attending regular dental visits. Even after successful treatment, gum disease can return if plaque is allowed to accumulate again.
When Surgical Periodontal Treatment Is Needed
If gum disease has progressed to the point where significant tissue or bone damage has occurred, non-surgical methods may no longer be sufficient. In these cases, periodontal surgery may be recommended to control infection and restore stability.
Surgical treatment allows direct access to infected areas beneath the gums and provides opportunities to rebuild lost structures.
Pocket Depth Reduction (Flap Surgery)
In a healthy mouth, teeth are surrounded by gum tissue that fits snugly around them and is supported by strong jawbone. Periodontal disease damages these structures, creating spaces—known as periodontal pockets—where bacteria can accumulate.
The deeper these pockets become, the harder they are to clean, allowing infection to progress. Over time, this can lead to severe bone loss and tooth instability.
During pocket depth reduction procedures, also called flap surgery, the gum tissue is gently folded back to expose the root surfaces. Bacteria, plaque, tartar, and damaged tissue are removed, and the area is thoroughly cleaned.
The healthy gum tissue is then repositioned and secured, reducing pocket depth and making it easier to maintain cleanliness moving forward.
Regenerative Periodontal Procedures
In advanced cases of periodontal disease, infection may destroy the bone and connective tissue that support the teeth. Regenerative procedures aim to rebuild these lost structures rather than simply stopping further damage.
During regeneration procedures, the gums are opened to allow thorough cleaning of infected areas. Depending on the extent of damage, bone grafts may be placed to stimulate new bone growth, or biologic materials may be used to encourage tissue regeneration.
These treatments help restore support around the teeth and improve long-term stability.
Soft-Tissue Grafting for Gum Recession
Gum recession is a common result of periodontal disease and occurs when the gums pull away from the teeth, exposing the roots. This can make teeth appear longer and increase sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
Exposed roots are also more vulnerable to decay and further periodontal damage.
Soft-tissue grafting involves placing healthy tissue—often taken from the roof of the mouth or another donor source—over the recessed area. This procedure covers exposed roots, restores a healthier gum line, and helps protect the tooth from further damage.
Soft-tissue grafts may be performed for functional reasons, cosmetic concerns, or both.
Periodontal Treatment and Tooth Replacement
In cases where teeth have already been lost due to advanced gum disease, periodontal treatment focuses on controlling infection and stabilizing the remaining structures.
Once gum health is restored, tooth replacement options such as dental implants, bridges, or dentures may be considered.
Long-Term Periodontal Maintenance
Patients with a history of gum disease often require ongoing periodontal maintenance to prevent recurrence. This may involve more frequent cleanings and evaluations to keep bacterial levels under control.
Periodontal maintenance is an essential part of preserving treatment results and protecting oral health over time.
Periodontal Care as Part of Comprehensive Dentistry
Periodontal treatments are closely integrated with general dentistry and preventive care. Healthy gums provide the foundation for all dental treatments, from routine cleanings to complex restorations.
Our goal is always to preserve natural teeth whenever possible and help patients avoid unnecessary tooth loss.
Schedule a Periodontal Evaluation
If you have been diagnosed with gum disease or are experiencing symptoms such as bleeding gums, gum recession, or loose teeth, periodontal treatment may be necessary to protect your oral health.
New patients can learn more about what to expect during their first visit by visiting our For New Patients page. Patients without insurance can explore care options on our Don’t Have Insurance? page.
To schedule an appointment or learn more about periodontal treatment options, please contact our office. Our team is committed to helping you restore and maintain healthy gums.