Periodontal disease treatment at Aspen Dental
Overview
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, can develop over time. Your Aspen Dental care team is here to help you understand your treatment options and protect your long-term oral health with clear, straightforward guidance and pricing designed for your budget.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums caused by plaque that hardens into tartar. Over time, it can affect the tissue and bone that support your teeth. Without regular brushing, flossing and professional dental care, it may lead to tooth loss. Studies also show a connection between gum disease and conditions like diabetes, heart disease and respiratory illness.
Stages of periodontitis (gum disease)
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and the only stage that can be reversed. You may notice bleeding or tender gums, but with consistent care, your gums can become healthy again.
Mild periodontitis can develop when gingivitis is not treated. A deep cleaning may be needed to help manage the infection and protect the bone that supports your teeth.
Moderate periodontitis means the infection has progressed and may begin to affect the bone around your teeth. Treatment may include deep cleanings, antibiotics and regular maintenance visits.
In advanced stages, periodontitis can affect the bone and support around your teeth, and teeth may begin to feel loose. Treatment options can include surgical procedures or grafting to help restore stability.
What causes periodontal disease?
Poor oral hygiene habits
Smoking or vaping
Genetics, meaning it may run in your family
Diabetes and other systemic illnesses
Hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy or menopause
Ongoing stress, which can affect your immune system
Certain medications
Poor nutrition
Have you experienced any of these symptoms of periodontal disease?
Gums that bleed easily
Red, swollen or tender gums
Persistent bad breath or taste
Loose or shifting teeth
Painful chewing
Deep pockets around teeth
Spaces between teeth
How periodontal disease is diagnosed at Aspen Dental
Dental X-rays
X-rays help your care team see changes below the gumline that aren’t visible during an exam. They provide a clearer picture of your gum and bone health.
Periodontal charting
Periodontal charting measures the spaces between your teeth and gums. Higher numbers can signal inflammation and areas that may need treatment.
Genetics & health history
Your genetics and overall health can also influence your risk for periodontal disease. Conditions like diabetes or habits such as smoking may affect how it develops over time.
Treatment options for periodontal disease
Nonsurgical treatments
For mild to moderate cases, scaling and root planing, also called a deep cleaning, may be recommended. This treatment removes plaque and tartar below the gumline and smooths the roots to support healing. It is a common nonsurgical approach used to help manage gum disease.
Surgical treatments
In more advanced cases, surgical treatments may be recommended to address gum and bone changes. Options can include flap surgery, bone grafts or procedures that support tissue repair. These treatments are designed to improve stability and support around your teeth.
What to expect at your periodontal treatment appointment
Scaling and root planing, also known as deep cleaning, removes tartar and bacteria under the gums, and a localized antibiotic may be used to help treat infection.
Additional treatments, such as periodontal irrigation or laser therapy, may be used to clean below the gumline and help reduce inflammation.
A localized antibiotic may be placed in the gum pockets to help control bacteria and reduce inflammation. This can support your healing between visits.
Periodontal treatment costs at Aspen Dental
Periodontal treatment costs vary based on the stage of disease, the type of treatment needed and how many areas require care. Mild cases are often treated without surgery, while more advanced stages may involve antibiotics, laser therapy or periodontal surgery. Your care team will walk you through your options and provide clear, transparent pricing designed to fit your needs and your budget.
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Most insurance accepted
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Same-day appointments
With same-day availability and flexible hours, seeing your care team is simple.
Flexible financing options
99% of patients who apply for 3rd-party financing are approved.
Periodontal maintenance
Professional care plan
Bacteria can build up again over time, which is why regular periodontal maintenance visits are important. A visit every 3 months may help support gum health and typically includes:
Oral hygiene guidance tailored to your needs
Careful gum evaluation
Periodontal charting to monitor changes
Scaling and root planing
Professional irrigation with antibacterial rinses
Periodontal home care
Here are a few ways to support your oral health at home:
Brush twice a day
Use an electric toothbrush
Use prescription-strength toothpaste
Floss with a power flosser
Rinse with medicated mouthwash
How to prevent periodontal disease
Prevention is one of the best ways to protect your gum health and avoid more complex treatment later.
To reduce your risk:
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
Floss daily
Avoid smoking or vaping
Maintain a balanced diet
Visit your dentist every 6 months for a dental check-up
Address dry mouth promptly
Manage systemic conditions like diabetes
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¹Offer available in select offices. Not valid for previous or ongoing work and cannot be combined with other discounts or dental discount programs. Not valid on Basic or Classic dentures or orthodontia. Discount taken off usual and customary fees for general dentistry services and does not apply to services rendered by a specialist. Patients with insurance will receive either the 20% discount or insurance plan pricing, whichever discount is greater. Offer expires 12/31/26.
Frequently asked questions about periodontal disease treatment
Gingivitis is reversible, but periodontitis cannot be cured. With treatment and regular maintenance, it can be controlled and prevented from progressing.
Bacteria linked to gum disease can spread through saliva. Good daily oral hygiene and regular visits with your care team can help lower the risk.
Most patients report minimal discomfort during deep cleaning with local anesthesia. Some mild soreness afterward is normal and typically improves within a few days.
Scaling and root planing is often completed in 1–2 visits. Healing time varies, and maintenance visits every 3 months are commonly recommended.
Without treatment, gum disease may continue to progress and affect the tissues and bone that support your teeth. Over time, this can lead to tooth loss and may impact overall health.
Gum recession typically does not reverse on its own. In some cases, gum grafting procedures may help add tissue coverage and reduce sensitivity.
Aspen Dental offers periodontal care that may include evaluations, scaling and root planing, maintenance visits, localized antibiotics and treatment for gum inflammation or recession.
Periodontal therapy is treatment for gum disease. It may include scaling and root planing to clean below the gumline, antibacterial care and surgical procedures when appropriate.
Same-day appointments, and in some cases same-day periodontal care, may be available. Contact your nearest Aspen Dental office for current availability.