Protect your gums and keep your smile strong
Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. If your gums bleed when you brush, feel tender, or have pulled away from your teeth, periodontal treatment at Desert Willow Dental in Glendale, AZ can help. Gum disease is common and treatable, especially when it is caught early.
Our team checks your gum health at every visit. If you need care, we will explain what we see, talk through your options, and recommend a plan that fits you.
Understanding gum disease
Gum disease starts with plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that builds up along the gum line. If plaque is not removed, it hardens into tartar and irritates the gums. This early stage is called gingivitis.
Without treatment, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. At this stage, the gums pull away from the teeth, bone loss can occur, and teeth may loosen. Some people have a higher risk, including those who smoke, have diabetes, take certain medications, go through hormonal changes, or have a family history of gum disease.
The good news is that gum disease can be managed. The earlier it is found, the more treatment options you may have.
.webp)
How we treat gum disease
The right treatment depends on how far the disease has progressed. For many patients, the first step is scaling and root planing, often called a deep cleaning. It removes tartar from below the gum line and smooths the root surfaces to help your gums heal and reattach.
Dr. Crane is trained in laser dentistry. In certain cases, a laser may be used to help treat infected tissue, and some patients find it more comfortable. After treatment, we often recommend maintenance cleanings every three to four months instead of every six.
If a tooth cannot be saved, tooth extractions and dental implant restoration may become part of your long-term plan.
.webp)
Preventing gum disease from returning
Gum disease is ongoing, so it needs steady care over time. Regular dental cleanings on the schedule your dentist recommends are a key part of that care. Brushing and flossing well every day also helps. So does addressing risk factors like smoking.
Fluoride treatments can also help protect weakened tooth surfaces. Our team will partner with you to maintain your progress and adjust your plan as your needs change.
Why treat gum disease early
Protect your natural teeth
Early treatment helps prevent the bone loss and tooth loosening that can happen when gum disease progresses untreated.
Reduce inflammation
Scaling and root planing help remove the bacteria and tartar that cause swollen, bleeding, and tender gums.
Support overall health
Research has linked gum disease to other health conditions, so managing it can benefit more than just your mouth.
Personalized treatment plans
Your dentist evaluates your gum health and builds a plan around your specific needs, risk factors, and goals.