Top 5 Periodontal Treatments Recommended by Dentists

Healthy gums support long-lasting oral function, stable teeth, and overall wellness. When gums begin showing signs of inflammation or infection, dentists turn to a precise group of periodontal treatments designed to control bacterial activity, rebuild tissue support, and restore oral stability. 

Some cases respond well to non-surgical solutions that target pockets and soft tissue irritation. Others require surgical intervention to rebuild areas affected by advanced periodontal breakdown. Understanding the purpose and benefit of each option provides clarity for patients navigating gum disease and its potential complications.

What Periodontal Treatment Is and When It Is Needed

Periodontal treatment & gum disease care in Phoenix, AZ includes specialized procedures that target inflammation and infection. These affect both the gums and the supporting structures of the teeth. These treatments remove harmful bacteria, reduce pocket depth, and help the gums reattach, keeping the smile’s foundation stable.

Dentists recommend periodontal care when early signs of gum disease begin to appear. These signs include bleeding during brushing, persistent gum tenderness, chronic bad breath, or pockets forming between the teeth and gums. 

Once bacteria settle beneath the gumline and the tissue starts to separate from the tooth, routine cleanings can no longer correct the problem. Periodontal treatment becomes necessary at this stage to stop further damage and restore healthier gum function.

The Top 5 Periodontal Treatments Dentists Highly Recommend

Scaling and Root Planing: Deep Cleaning to Restore Attachment

Dentists frequently rely on dental scaling and root planing when gum pockets deepen and inflammation becomes persistent. This procedure is often described as a deep cleaning that extends beneath the gumline. 

The treatment’s purpose is simple. Bacteria, plaque, and hard deposits accumulate in areas that cannot be reached through regular brushing or standard cleanings. Once they remain on the root surface, the gums detach and form pockets. This situation traps even more bacteria.

Scaling removes these harmful deposits from the root surfaces. Root planing then smooths the roots, making it easier for the gums to reattach. A smoother root surface also discourages future bacterial buildup. 

Many experts consider that this treatment represents one of the most widely used approaches within modern gum disease therapy. The improvement in tissue health can be significant because the gums have fewer irritants to combat.

Laser Periodontal Therapy: A Precise and Gentle Option

Interest continues to grow around laser-assisted periodontal care. Laser periodontal therapy appeals to many patients because it targets infected tissue and bacteria with high accuracy. Plus, it can minimize disruption to healthy structures. Lasers can even reach into periodontal pockets, remove diseased tissue, and reduce bacterial levels within seconds. This method often produces less discomfort, less bleeding, and quicker healing than traditional surgical cleaning.

Laser therapy complements other non-surgical gum treatments. It may also create a cleaner environment for subsequent procedures. Many dental teams adopt lasers as part of their comprehensive gum care programs because they provide predictable outcomes while preserving comfort.

Local Antibiotic Therapy: Targeted Delivery for Stubborn Infections

Sometimes gum pockets harbor bacteria that resist mechanical cleaning alone. This is where local antibiotic therapy becomes valuable. 

In this approach, dentists place medication directly inside the affected pocket. The antibiotic remains in place long enough to reduce bacterial load. As such, the treatment is more concentrated than oral antibiotics can provide.

Local antibiotics are an important part of periodontal treatments for patients with persistent inflammation. They offer an added layer of control when pocket depths remain challenging or when bacteria repopulate quickly. This treatment works as a supplement rather than a standalone option, helping ensure that the gums stay stable while long-term healing occurs.

Flap Surgery for Deep Cleaning and Pocket Reduction

Flap surgery becomes necessary when deep pockets prevent effective cleaning. The dentist gently lifts the gums. The goal is to thoroughly clean the roots and surrounding bone of the affected area. 

Once bacteria and tartar are removed from the inaccessible areas, the gums are repositioned more snugly around the teeth. This tighter seal helps prevent debris from collecting and reduces the likelihood of further tissue breakdown.

Flap surgery can significantly improve pocket depth measurements and stabilize teeth that were previously at risk. The recovery period often involves mild soreness, but the benefits of improved access and reduced bacterial load provide a strong foundation for long-term maintenance.

Bone or Soft Tissue Grafts to Rebuild Lost Support

When periodontal disease destroys bone or gum tissue, grafting procedures help restore the lost structure. Bone grafts rebuild areas affected by resorption. Soft tissue grafts reinforce thin gums or cover exposed roots. These grafts come from donor sources or from the patient’s own tissue. It will depend on the specific case.

Rebuilding these structures helps protect the teeth from future damage. It also improves the appearance of the gumline and reduces sensitivity caused by exposed roots. Grafting represents the most restorative stage of gum disease therapy for cases that have reached advanced severity.

The Role of Periodontal Maintenance in Long-Term Gum Health

Once active treatment phases are complete, ongoing care becomes essential for maintaining stability. Periodontal maintenance appointments involve more frequent cleanings tailored for patients who have experienced gum disease at any stage. These visits focus on monitoring pocket depths, assessing tissue health, and removing bacterial buildup before inflammation returns.

Long-term stabilization relies on consistent follow-up care. Standard cleanings are effective for general oral health, but periodontal maintenance offers the specialized attention needed to prevent recurrence. Many dental professionals emphasize the importance of this schedule within their broader programs for dentist-recommended gum care, since gum disease can return if bacteria accumulate unchecked.

Periodontal Treatment & Gum Disease Care in Phoenix, AZ: How 24th Street Dental Care Supports Patients

24th Street Dental Care provides comprehensive periodontal treatment & gum disease care in Phoenix, AZ, focusing on early detection, tailored intervention, and long-term stability. Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the tissues and bone supporting the teeth. It begins with plaque buildup that leads to gingivitis. 

As inflammation deepens, periodontitis develops, and pockets form between the teeth and gums. These pockets create a space where bacteria thrive, eventually damaging bone and soft tissue. If not treated, teeth can loosen or fall out.

The dental team at 24th Street Dental Care recognizes the importance of intervening early and monitoring gum health regularly. Their clinical approach includes educational support, thorough evaluations, and evidence-based treatments. Patients learn how gum inflammation links to systemic concerns such as diabetes and heart disease.

Schedule your periodontal care now.

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