Root canal therapy
See how diagnosis, internal treatment and final restoration connect.
Read the guide →Healthy support for teeth and restorations
Gum disease and periodontal care
Periodontal care focuses on the gums, bone and other tissues that support the teeth. Bleeding, recession and bone loss have different causes and severity, so the plan begins with measurements, examination, appropriate images and an individual risk review.
A periodontal evaluation measures support
The clinician may record pocket depths, bleeding, recession, mobility, furcation involvement, plaque and calculus, then review bone levels on appropriate images. Medical history, tobacco or nicotine use, diabetes control, medications, home care and prior treatment also matter.
Gingivitis and periodontitis are not the same
Gingivitis is inflammation without the attachment and bone loss that defines periodontitis. Periodontitis varies in severity and rate of progression. A diagnosis guides whether prevention, non-surgical treatment, periodontal surgery, specialist care or another plan is appropriate.
Treatment is matched to the diagnosis
Care may include improved daily plaque control, removal of deposits above and below the gumline, scaling and root planing, management of risk factors and reevaluation. Some sites need surgical treatment or referral to a periodontist. Services and clinician availability must be confirmed.
Maintenance protects the treatment result
Periodontitis is usually managed over time rather than cured by one cleaning. After active treatment, the interval and procedures for periodontal maintenance depend on disease history, current findings and risk. Home care and regular reassessment remain essential.
Coordinate oral and overall health
Smoking and poor diabetes control can increase periodontal risk and affect healing. Tell the dental team about health changes and medicines, and keep medical professionals informed when coordination is needed. Periodontal treatment does not replace medical care.
Teeth and supporting tissues
Explore root canal and periodontal care
Root canal vs. tooth extraction
Compare the complete plans for retaining or removing a tooth.
Read the guide →Gum grafting
Review goals, materials, realistic limits and provider confirmation.
Read the guide →Regular cleaning vs. deep cleaning
Know why preventive cleaning and periodontal treatment differ.
Read the guide →Use the diagnosis to choose the next step
Periodontal care continues beyond one visit
Ask how the proposed treatment, reevaluation and maintenance schedule respond to your measurements and risk factors.
Explore all dental services →Margate · Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
Choose your office
Margate
100 FL-7, Suite 300Margate, FL 33063Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
236 Commercial BoulevardLauderdale-by-the-Sea, FL 33308Your questions, answered
Do bleeding gums always mean periodontitis?
No. Bleeding signals inflammation or irritation but does not establish the diagnosis or severity. An examination and measurements are needed.
Is periodontal treatment the same as a regular cleaning?
No. Routine preventive cleaning and treatment for diagnosed periodontal disease have different goals, areas treated and follow-up.
Will I need a periodontist?
That depends on severity, complexity, response to treatment and the general dentist’s scope. The team should explain when referral is appropriate.
Connected care
Explore general and urgent care
General and preventive dentistry
Build an individualized plan for exams, prevention and follow-up.
Read the guide →Dental cleanings and exams
Understand the different roles of an examination and professional cleaning.
Read the guide →Night guards for teeth grinding
Learn how an appliance may protect teeth and where its limits apply.
Read the guide →Oral cancer screening
Know what a brief oral cancer examination checks and what follows a finding.
Read the guide →Emergency dentistry
Know when to call the dental office and when to seek emergency medical care.
Read the guide →Get ready for your visit
Organize your paperwork, questions and next steps.
Independent patient resources
General education does not replace the examination, diagnosis or recommendation of the treating clinician.