Periodontal therapy improves a patient's oral health overall.

It reduces the risk of tooth loss and other serious dental problems.

This therapy improves your appearance by making your teeth look healthier and more attractive.

Schedule an Appointment Now

Contact Us

Periodontal Treatment for Gum Disease

Manchester & Windsor, CT's Preferred Periodontal Dentists

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, affects about 30% of adults. It's also the number one cause of tooth loss. Many denture cases begin because of this. While there is no cure for gum disease, it is treatable. At Signature Smiles, we work hard to help our patients experiencing gum disease to maintain a healthy smile.

What Causes Gum Disease?

Our mouths host millions of bacteria, both beneficial and harmful. Bacterial waste forms sticky plaque, which adheres to the teeth. Brushing and flossing aim at removing plaque before it mineralizes into tartar. Tartar becomes a colony for more bacteria releasing toxins into the gums. Around the base of each tooth, there is a small collar of gum tissue that forms a small crevice. This warm, dark environment provides a perfect habitat for deeper tartar and bacteria to infiltrate.

Diagnosis

There are many factors we take into account before we make a gum disease diagnosis. The small gum pocket around each tooth usually sits 2-3 millimeters deep that can easily be cleaned by floss or toothpicks. Our doctors and our hygiene team can measure multiple areas using a small measuring device called a periodontal probe. Measurements over 3 millimeters that bleed upon probing indicate that periodontal disease. We can also evaluate the texture and shape of your gums, and any movement detectable in each tooth.

Treatment

After establishing a diagnosis defining the severity of gum disease, we can develop a personalized treatment plan. In milder cases, one or two visits with our hygiene team may resolve the problem. If the inflammation has advanced and bone loss is evident, a proactive approach to stop further deterioration should be strongly considered. Once it is determined that we may be facing a more severe case of gum disease, we will do the following:

Over a few visits, a portion of your mouth will be deep cleaned. The infected pocket around each tooth and the mineralized tartar must be carefully removed using a process referred to as scaling and planing. 

Polishing the teeth to establish glassy surfaces that help repel stain and plaque accumulation typically finishes this initial therapy.

Maintenance Matters

Regular home care is critical in stopping the progression of gum disease. Within a few hours of cleaning, the bacteria begin to repopulate and adhere to the teeth. Plaque left undisturbed will start to harden and mineralize within 24 hours. This means that just because you are receiving periodontal therapy does not mean you can stop your dental regime at home! When you visit us for periodontal therapy, you can expect the following:

We customize your plan to include two, three, or four visits a year. 

Our recommendation depends on the severity of the disease, how it responds to treatment, and the consistency of your home care.

If our combined efforts don't slow or stop the progression of your gum disease, we will refer you to a periodontist. Additional treatment may be also be recommended.

Why Is Treatment Important?

Research continues to establish clear links between bacterial disease in your mouth and ailments in other parts of the body. Studies show a link between oral bacteria and conditions such as heart disease, stroke, arthritis, Alzheimer's, or even certain types of cancers. This means that the relationship between a person’s oral health and their whole body health is extremely important to understand, and that dental care is very important to a person's overall health.

Contact Us for Periodontal Therapy

Have you been suffering from gum disease? If so, it is time to contact the professional, experienced staff at Signature Smiles. We strive to help each and every patient that walks through our door to maintain a healthy smile. Contact us today to schedule your periodontal therapy consultation!

Associations and Accreditations

Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontal Therapy

  • Is periodontal therapy painful?

    Discomfort can vary depending on the severity of the disease and the type of treatment. Most modern periodontal procedures are performed with minimal discomfort, often under local anesthesia. We do everything we can to make our patients as comfortable as possible.

  • What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?

    Symptoms include red, swollen, or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, receding gums, loose teeth, and discomfort when chewing.

  • What are the non-surgical treatments for periodontal disease?

    Non-surgical treatments include scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), antibiotics, and antiseptics. These methods aim to clean the pockets around teeth and prevent further damage to surrounding bone.

  • How can I prevent periodontal disease?

    Good oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing and flossing, along with routine dental checkups and cleanings, are essential in preventing periodontal disease.

View All FAQ
Two Convenient CT Locations

Two Convenient CT Locations

Over 1,000 Dental Implants Placed

Over 10,000 Dental Implants Placed

Financing Options Available

Financing Options Available

Sedation Dentistry Offered

Sedation Dentistry Offered

Over 500 Online Reviews

Over 500 Online Reviews

Invisalign Gold Provider

Invisalign® Gold Provider

Free Dental Consultations

Free Dental Consultations

Payment Plans Offered

Payment Plans Offered 

Dental Payment Plans and Financing Options

Are you looking for affordable, quality dental care? If so, look no further than Signature Smiles! We strive to ensure that patients in the Manchester and Windsor areas have access to dental services at a fair price, which is why we offer payment plans and accept financing options! To learn more, click the button below.

Get Started
CareCredit
GreenSky
LendingPoint
DocPay

Meet the Doctors

Our knowledgeable dentists have over 10 years of industry experience helping patients to maintain healthy smiles!

Learn More

New Patients

Are you a new patient? Prepare for your first visit by navigating to our New Patient page and browse through our resources.

Learn More

Our Locations

Signature Smiles Family Dentistry offers comprehensive dental care at two locations in the Greater Hartford, CT area. 

Learn More
Share by: