Periodontal Disease

Overview

Periodontal disease is gum disease — chronic inflammation of the tissues that support the teeth, driven by bacterial plaque and tartar that have not been cleared. It progresses in stages, from gingivitis (the earliest, reversible form) through periodontitis to advanced periodontitis, where the supporting bone is lost and teeth can loosen or fall out. Catching it early makes a meaningful difference in what treatment looks like.

Stages, Briefly

• Gingivitis. Red, swollen, easily bleeding gums; no bone loss yet. Reversible with professional cleaning and improved home care.

• Periodontitis. Pockets begin forming between teeth and gums; some bone loss; more involved cleaning needed.

• Advanced periodontitis. Significant bone loss; teeth can loosen, drift, or be lost without intervention.

Treatment at Diamond Dentistry

How aggressive the treatment plan is depends on how far the disease has progressed:

• Early-stage cases are handled in-house with scaling and root planing (SRP) — a deeper, targeted cleaning that removes tartar from below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces so the gums can reattach.

• Moderate cases may add a course of antibiotics, focused on the specific bacterial profile in the periodontal pockets.

• Advanced cases needing surgical periodontal therapy are coordinated with a trusted periodontal specialist. Dr. Rowland will tell you up front when a referral is the right call and help arrange it.

Why Treatment Is Worth It

• Stops the bone and gum loss that ultimately costs teeth

• Reduces bleeding, swelling, and bad breath tied to chronic infection

• Lowers systemic inflammation linked to cardiovascular disease and diabetes complications

• Catching it early prevents far more expensive restorative work later