Periodontal Health · Gum Disease Treatment
Gum Disease Treatment
Comprehensive Periodontal Care.
Nearly half of American adults have some form of gum disease. At Palo Alto Advanced Dentists, we diagnose, treat, and manage every stage of periodontal disease — from early gingivitis to advanced bone loss — with the full spectrum of non-surgical and surgical options in one practice.
Diagnosis & Staging
The Four Stages of Periodontal Disease
Treatment success and tooth survival rates are directly tied to how early gum disease is diagnosed. Here is what each stage looks like and how we treat it.
Gingivitis
- Gums bleed when brushing or flossing
- Gums appear red or swollen
- Mild bad breath
- No bone loss yet
Treatment
Professional cleaning + improved home hygiene. Fully reversible at this stage.
Mild Periodontitis
- Pocket depths 4–5mm
- Early bone loss visible on X-ray
- Persistent bad breath
- Gum recession beginning
Treatment
Scaling and root planing (SRP) — deep cleaning below the gumline. Antibiotic therapy.
Moderate Periodontitis
- Pocket depths 6–7mm
- Moderate bone loss
- Teeth may feel loose
- Sensitivity to temperature
Treatment
SRP + locally delivered antibiotics. Possible osseous surgery. Maintenance every 3 months.
Advanced Periodontitis
- Pocket depths 8mm+
- Severe bone loss
- Tooth mobility or shifting
- Tooth loss occurring
Treatment
Surgical intervention, bone grafting, guided tissue regeneration, or implant replacement.
Our Treatments
Full Spectrum of Periodontal Therapy
We manage all stages of gum disease under one roof — no referrals needed for most periodontal procedures.
Scaling & Root Planing (SRP)
The gold-standard non-surgical treatment for periodontitis. We use ultrasonic scalers and hand instruments to remove calculus deposits from root surfaces below the gumline, then smooth the roots to prevent bacterial reattachment.
Antibiotic Therapy
Locally delivered antibiotics (such as Arestin® microspheres) are placed directly into periodontal pockets after SRP to eliminate residual bacteria and extend the therapeutic effect of the deep cleaning.
Laser Periodontal Therapy
Diode laser energy selectively targets and removes diseased gum tissue, reduces bacterial load in pockets, and stimulates reattachment without cutting. Often used adjunctively with SRP for advanced cases.
PINHOLE Surgical Technique®
For gum recession caused by periodontitis, Dr. Ho's certified PINHOLE technique repositions gum tissue without grafts or sutures, restoring coverage of exposed roots in a single visit.
Osseous Surgery
For advanced cases with deep irregular bone defects, osseous surgery reshapes the underlying bone to eliminate pockets and make the area maintainable. Performed under local anaesthesia.
Periodontal Maintenance
After active treatment, periodontal maintenance visits every 3–4 months are essential. These are more thorough than standard cleanings — including full pocket charting, root debridement, and reassessment of bone levels.
Whole-Body Health
Gum Disease Is a Systemic Health Issue
Periodontal disease is not just a dental problem. The chronic inflammation and bacterial load of untreated gum disease affect the entire body — with links to some of the most serious chronic conditions.
Cardiovascular Disease
Periodontal bacteria can enter the bloodstream and contribute to arterial inflammation. Multiple studies link moderate-to-severe periodontitis with a 2–3× increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
Type 2 Diabetes
Gum disease and diabetes have a bidirectional relationship: periodontitis raises blood sugar levels, and elevated blood sugar accelerates gum disease. Treating periodontitis improves HbA1c by up to 0.4%.
Alzheimer's Disease
Porphyromonas gingivalis — the primary pathogen in periodontitis — has been found in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. Chronic oral inflammation may accelerate neurodegeneration.
Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes
Pregnant women with untreated periodontitis have significantly higher rates of preterm birth, low birth weight, and pre-eclampsia. Periodontal treatment during pregnancy is safe and recommended.
Respiratory Disease
Oral bacteria aspirated into the lungs worsen existing respiratory conditions including COPD and pneumonia. Frail elderly patients are particularly vulnerable.
47%
of US adults over 30 have periodontitis
CDC / Journal of Dental Research
3–4×
higher heart disease risk with severe gum disease
American Heart Association data
3–4mo
maintenance interval after active treatment
AAP clinical guidelines
95%+
of cases can be managed non-surgically if caught early
PAAD clinical outcomes
FAQ
Gum Disease Questions Answered
Gum disease caught early is fully reversible.
Schedule a comprehensive periodontal evaluation including digital X-rays and full pocket charting.