Gum Disease Treatment in Tucson AZ – Scaling, Laser & Periodontal Care
Bleeding gums, bad breath, or sensitivity are easy to ignore at first, but they are usually early signs of infection. When gum disease is left untreated, bacteria continue to damage the gums and the bone supporting your teeth, which can lead to tooth loss over time.
At Wilmot Family Dentistry in Tucson, we treat gum disease at every stage, from early inflammation to advanced periodontitis. We use both general and periodontic care approaches based on how far the condition has progressed and how your gums are responding.
Types of Gum Disease Treatment We Offer
Gum disease does not stay the same. It starts with mild inflammation and can move deeper into the gums and bone if not treated. The type of treatment depends on how advanced the infection is and how your gums and bone are affected.
After a detailed evaluation, we determine if non-surgical treatment will control the infection or if deeper treatment is required to stabilize the area. Patients from Tucson and surrounding areas across Southern Arizona come to us for treatment that focuses on stopping the infection before it causes lasting damage.
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Meet Your Tucson Family Dentist
Office Information
(520) 438-6200
899 N Wilmot Rd A2, Tucson, AZ 85711
OFFICE HOURS
Monday & Wednesday: 8 AM – 5 PM
Tuesday & Thursday: 8 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday: 8 AM – 12 PM
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Schedule your next dental appointment with a Tucson dentist.
Gum Disease Treatments
Here are some of the more common treatments we offer:
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing are used to treat early to moderate gum disease by cleaning below the gumline. It removes plaque and bacteria from areas that regular brushing cannot reach and smooths the root surfaces, allowing the gums to reattach more effectively.
This treatment helps stop the infection from spreading deeper. Maintaining results requires consistent home care and follow-up visits to prevent bacteria from regrowing.
Gum Grafting for Tissue Regeneration
When the bone and gum tissues have been destroyed, regrowth can be actively encouraged using grafting procedures. A membrane may be inserted into the affected areas to assist in the regeneration process.
This helps protect your tooth, reduce sensitivity, and improve the overall gumline so further recession is less likely.
Pocket Elimination Surgery
Pocket elimination surgery (also known as flap surgery) is a surgical treatment which can be performed to reduce the pocket size between the teeth and gums. Surgery on the jawbone is another option, which serves to eliminate indentations in the bone which foster the colonisation of bacteria
Dental implants
When teeth have been lost due to periodontal disease, the aesthetics and functionality of the mouth can be restored by implanting prosthetic teeth into the jawbone. Tissue regeneration procedures may be required before the placement of a dental implant in order to strengthen the bone.
Laser Periodontal Therapy
Laser periodontal therapy targets infected gum tissue with precision and removes diseased areas while preserving healthy tissue around the teeth.
This method is used when controlling bleeding and improving healing are priorities. It allows us to treat affected areas directly without disturbing surrounding tissue more than necessary.
Surgical Gum Disease Treatments
When gum disease reaches deeper levels, non-surgical treatment cannot fully control the infection. Surgical treatment is used to access areas below the gumline and restore support around the teeth.
We plan these procedures carefully so the infection is removed and the gums and bone are given a stable environment to recover.
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The term “periodontal” means “around the tooth.” Periodontal disease (also known as periodontitis and gum disease) is a common inflammatory condition that affects the supporting and surrounding soft tissues of the tooth, eventually affecting the jawbone itself in the disease’s most advanced stages.
Periodontal disease is most often preceded by gingivitis which is a bacterial infection of the gum tissue. A bacterial infection affects the gums when the toxins contained in plaque begin to irritate and inflame the gum tissues.
Once this bacterial infection colonizes in the gum pockets between the teeth, it becomes much more difficult to remove and treat. Periodontal disease is a progressive condition that eventually leads to the destruction of the connective tissue and jawbone. If left untreated, it can cause shifting teeth, loose teeth, and eventually tooth loss.
Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults in the developed world and should always be promptly treated.
Types of Periodontal Disease
When left untreated, gingivitis (mild gum inflammation) can spread to below the gum line. When the gums become irritated by the toxins contained in plaque, a chronic inflammatory response causes the body to break down and destroy its own bone and soft tissue. There may be little or no symptoms as periodontal disease causes the teeth to separate from the infected gum tissue. Deepening pockets between the gums and teeth are generally indicative that soft tissue and bone is being destroyed by periodontal disease.
Here are some of the most common types of periodontal disease:
- Chronic periodontitis – Inflammation within supporting tissues cause deep pockets and gum recession. It may appear the teeth are lengthening, but in actuality, the gums (gingiva) are receding. This is the most common form of periodontal disease and is characterized by progressive loss of attachment, interspersed with periods of rapid progression.
- Aggressive periodontitis – This form of gum disease occurs in an otherwise clinically healthy individual. It is characterized by rapid loss of gum attachment, chronic bone destruction and familial aggregation.
- Necrotizing periodontitis – This form of periodontal disease most often occurs in individuals suffering from systemic conditions such as HIV, immunosuppression and malnutrition. Necrosis (tissue death) occurs in the periodontal ligament, alveolar bone and gingival tissues.
- Periodontitis caused by systemic disease – This form of gum disease often begins at an early age. Medical condition such as respiratory disease, diabetes and heart disease are common cofactors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs of gum disease?
Bleeding when brushing, red or swollen gums, persistent bad breath, gums that sit lower on the tooth than before, loose teeth, and temperature sensitivity are the common signs. Some patients have no symptoms until the disease reaches an advanced stage.
Can gum disease be reversed?
Gingivitis is fully reversible with professional cleaning and better home care. Once periodontitis develops and bone loss has occurred, the damage cannot be undone, but treatment stops further progression and stabilizes the condition.
How long does gum disease treatment take?
Scaling and root planing takes one to two appointments. Laser therapy follows a similar timeline. Surgical procedures and grafting require several weeks of healing before follow-up. The full timeline is shaped by the severity of the disease and how the gums respond.
Does gum disease cause tooth loss?
Yes. Advanced periodontitis destroys the bone and tissue holding teeth in place. Teeth become loose and eventually fall out or require extraction. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?
Gingivitis is early-stage gum inflammation with no bone loss and is fully reversible. Periodontitis is the advanced stage where bacteria have formed pockets below the gumline, and bone loss has begun. Periodontitis requires professional treatment and cannot be resolved on its own.
How much does gum disease treatment cost in Tucson?
In Tucson, scaling and root planing range from $200 to $400 per quadrant. Surgical procedures and grafting involve higher costs based on the extent of treatment needed. Most insurance plans cover a portion when treatment is medically necessary. We provide a full breakdown before treatment begins.