RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY
Periodontal Care
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults — and one of the most commonly underdiagnosed conditions in dentistry, largely because it progresses without pain in its early and moderate stages. Dr. Martin measures periodontal pocket depths at every comprehensive exam and tracks changes over time, which makes the difference between managing a problem early and addressing it after significant bone loss has occurred.
Gingivitis — the early, reversible stage — responds well to professional cleaning and improved home care. Periodontitis involves actual destruction of the bone and connective tissue holding teeth in place and requires more targeted treatment: scaling and root planing, performed in quadrants under local anesthesia, removes bacterial deposits from beneath the gumline where a standard cleaning cannot reach. Once active disease is brought under control, three to four month periodontal maintenance intervals replace the standard recall schedule. Research connecting periodontal disease to cardiovascular risk, diabetes complications, and adverse pregnancy outcomes is substantial — Dr. Martin takes these connections seriously and communicates relevant findings to patients' physicians when appropriate.
What is a deep cleaning, and is it really different from a regular cleaning?
Yes — significantly different. A regular cleaning, called a prophylaxis, addresses plaque and tartar above and just at the gumline and is appropriate for patients with healthy or mildly inflamed gums. A deep cleaning — called scaling and root planing — goes beneath the gumline to remove bacterial deposits from the root surfaces within periodontal pockets. It's the primary non-surgical treatment for active periodontal disease and is typically done in quadrants under local anesthesia. At our practice, we only recommend a deep cleaning when clinical measurements indicate that disease is present — not as a routine upgrade. If periodontal disease is active, however, it's the appropriate and necessary starting point for treatment.
What is gum disease, and how do I know if I have it?
Gum disease — or periodontal disease — is a bacterial infection of the tissues that support your teeth. It progresses in stages: gingivitis is the early, reversible stage involving gum inflammation without bone loss. Periodontitis involves actual destruction of the bone and connective tissue holding teeth in place, and is not reversible — though it can be arrested and managed. Many patients have periodontal disease without knowing it because it's often painless in its early and moderate stages. Signs include bleeding when brushing or flossing, persistent bad breath, gum recession, and teeth that feel loose. At our practice, we measure pocket depths at every comprehensive exam and track changes over time — early detection is what makes the difference between simple management and significant intervention.
Once I've had gum disease, does it come back?
Periodontal disease doesn't go away entirely — the bacterial populations that cause it are always present in the mouth, and patients who have had the disease are more susceptible to recurrence than those who haven't. What treatment does is arrest active disease and reduce the bacterial load to a manageable level. Maintaining that stability requires consistent professional care — typically on a three- to four-month periodontal maintenance schedule — and thorough home hygiene. At our practice, we monitor periodontal patients closely and track pocket depth measurements over time to catch any signs of recurrence before they progress.
Is gum disease connected to anything else in my overall health?
Yes — and the research on this is substantial. Periodontal disease has been linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes complications, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and respiratory disease, among others. The connection is bidirectional in some cases — poorly controlled diabetes worsens periodontal disease, and active periodontal infection makes blood sugar harder to control. At our practice, we take these systemic connections seriously and communicate relevant findings to patients' physicians when appropriate. Managing gum health isn't just about preserving teeth — it's part of managing overall health, and we approach it that way.
Begin with a
comprehensive evaluation.
Every patient relationship begins with a thorough assessment and an open conversation. We take the time to understand your history, concerns, and long-term goals before recommending treatment. Complete the form below and one of our team members will reach out to you soon.
Before
and after.
Explore real patient transformations made possible through Dr. Gregory Martin’s comprehensive, all-in-one approach to care. Results vary by individual. These images are provided for educational purposes and do not guarantee specific outcomes.