Periodontist for Gum Disease Treatment | Gentle Dental of New England

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, starts with plaque buildup that inflames the gums. Common signs include redness, swelling, and bleeding when brushing or flossing. If the infection persists, it can damage bone, leading to gum recession and tooth loss. Gentle Dental has a periodontist on staff and coordinates care across specialties to provide early treatment.

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What is periodontal (gum) disease?

Risk factors for gum disease

Risk factors for gum disease include smoking, poor dental hygiene, poor diet, stress, diabetes, certain birth control and BP medicines, steroids, and HIV infection. If these apply to you, regular checkups matter even more. Early care can help detect problems before they progress to advanced disease.

Gum treatment options: non-surgical and surgical

The right gum disease treatment depends on the stage of disease, your health, and how long the infection has been active. Our periodontists start with professional cleaning or scaling and root planing under local anesthesia. If the gums and bone need more support, we may recommend surgical care such as flap surgery, grafts, or guided tissue regeneration.

How to prevent gum disease?

Daily home care and routine dental visits are the best ways to prevent gum disease. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss once a day, rinse with mouthwash two to three times a day, and schedule regular cleanings. These steps help control plaque before it harms the gums.

Before & After

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Hear From Our Patients

Robert

Gentle Dental Brighton

I can't say enough good things about how I was treated at Gentle Dental Brighton over the last few years but more specifically recently when I had an infected root. Dr. Meyer was exceptional not just in her skills as a dentist, but how compassionate she was to the amount of pain I was in. She helped me from start to finish and even checked on me after the root canal. Not just a great dentist but a great person.

Michel

Gentle Dental Jamaica Plain

Dr. Mancini and his staff got me in for an appointment within an hour of my call and took care of a loose, temporary cap. To my surprise they were able to “install” my permanent crown even though the appointment for that procedure was scheduled a week later. Perfect fit! Made my day. Thank you Gentle Dental Jamaica Plain!

Denise

Gentle Dental Nashua

Best dental care around! Immaculate office. Staff is exceptional and truly caring. Dr. Anthony is the Best! He understands my anxiety. I am telling everyone to request an appointment at Gentle Dental Nashua!

Tom

Gentle Dental Wakefield

Just had my last implant visit and can now smile again! The whole process went smoothly. Hats off to Dr. Amin, Dr. Colon and Sheela. All three, along with the rest of the staff, were very professional and pleasant to work with. I have been a patient at this office for 10+ years and would recommend Gentle Dental Wakefield to anyone for their next dentist appointment!

Carolyn

Gentle Dental Belmont

This is an excellent dental practice with flexible scheduling and friendly staff. Hygienists and dentists are very knowledgeable and skilled. Would also recommend their periodontist. Prices are quite reasonable as well. The Saturday hours are a huge plus at this dentist in Belmont.

Laura

Gentle Dental Cambridge

I would definitely recommend my experience at Gentle Dental Cambridge in Porter Square. A truly wonderful team of talented people! And they are paired with the most up-to-date technology. My experience was terrific! I needed a root canal and crowns in addition to a cavity filling. I was in safe hands! From start to finish, I was treated well and the procedures were completed in a timely manner.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the early signs of gum disease?

Bleeding while brushing, swollen gums, tenderness, and ongoing bad breath are early warning signs of gum disease. If you think you need gum infection treatment, a dental exam can identify the problem early.

What happens if gum disease is left untreated?

Untreated gum disease can move from mild inflammation to advanced periodontitis. The longer it remains untreated, the greater the risk of gum recession, bone loss, and tooth loss.

How much should gum disease treatment cost?

The cost of gum disease treatment varies based on severity and the type of care needed, from deep cleanings to advanced periodontal therapy. We’ll provide a personalized estimate, review insurance coverage, and offer financing options to make periodontal disease treatment more affordable.

What are the stages of gum disease?

The stages of gum disease are gingivitis, slight periodontitis, moderate periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. Early treatment matters most during gingivitis, when the damage may still be reversible.

What is scaling and root planing in gum treatment?

Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical treatment for periodontal disease. It removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria below the gum line, helping reduce inflammation.

Are gum treatments painful?

Most gum treatments are manageable, and your comfort is part of the treatment plan. Local anesthetic is often used for deeper cleanings, and some soreness afterward is normal.

How long does gum disease treatment take?

The length of treatment for periodontal disease depends on the severity of the infection, the number of areas being treated, and whether surgery is needed. Our dentists will explain the expected timeline after an initial exam.

Can gum disease affect overall health?

The health of your gums can affect more than your mouth. Research shows a link between gum disease and conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and some pregnancy complications.

Will my gums heal after periodontal treatment?

After treatment, inflamed gums often settle down, and bleeding may stop. If the disease causes deeper recession or bone loss, treatment for receding gums or other procedures may still be needed.

Can gum treatments stop bleeding gums?

Bleeding gums are often a sign of inflammation. When the cause is gum disease, treatment can remove the buildup under the gums and help the tissue heal.

Are gum treatments covered by dental insurance?

Most major dental insurance plans cover medically necessary gum disease treatment, but coverage depends on your plan and the procedure. Click here to check your coverage online, or call us, and our team can review benefits with you and discuss our CareCredit^Ⓡ and the Essential Dental Plan, if needed.

How do I know if I need to see a periodontist?

Scheduling an appointment with our periodontist may be the right next step if you have ongoing bleeding, swelling, bad breath, gum recession, or bone loss around the teeth. Specialty care may also be needed for gum recession treatment or advanced periodontal disease.

When is gum surgery required for treatment?

If gum disease has caused significant damage to the tissue or bone, surgery may be part of the treatment. The goal is to control infection and help support the teeth.

How can I get my gums to heal?

Gums heal best when the infection is treated, and plaque stays under control. Daily brushing, flossing, mouthwash, regular maintenance visits, and treatment for receding gums when needed all help support recovery.