Gum disease treatment from a specialist periodontist
Why specialist treatment matters
Bleeding gums, swollen gums, and receding gums do not get better on their own, and routine cleanings rarely resolve them once the pockets have started to deepen. The right plan depends on disease activity, pocket depth, bone loss, and how the tissue is responding, which is why specialist diagnosis comes first. At PIHP, most cases are treated without surgery. Non-surgical scaling and root planing is the first-line approach; surgery is a fallback when pockets remain deep after re-evaluation, not a default. The goal is to interrupt active disease, hold what is healthy, and protect the foundation underneath your teeth for the long horizon.
your journey
How specialist gum disease treatment usually unfolds
Specialist evaluation
A full periodontal exam with pocket depth charting at multiple sites per tooth, bleeding-on-probing measurement, recession mapping, mobility checks, and a CT scan when the bone picture matters. This is the same diagnostic workup that anchors every PIHP consultation.
Diagnosis and case staging
We classify what we are seeing — gingivitis, early, moderate, or advanced periodontitis — and explain it in plain language with the imaging on screen. You leave understanding what stage you are at and what the realistic options are, not just a vague "you have gum disease."
Scaling and root planing — non-surgical first
For most cases, the first round of treatment is a thorough deep cleaning below the gum line. Scaling and root planing remove bacterial deposits and calculus from inside the pockets and smooth root surfaces so tissue can heal. Local anesthesia is used; comfort planning is part of the visit.
Re-evaluation and surgical options when needed
A few weeks after non-surgical care we re-measure the same sites and see how the tissue has responded. If pockets remain deep or bone loss is advanced, surgical options — flap surgery, regenerative procedures, or laser-assisted care in selected cases — are discussed with realistic expectations of what each can and cannot do.
Periodontal maintenance
Once the disease is controlled, you move onto a maintenance schedule built for periodontal patients — typically every three to four months rather than the standard six. This is what protects the result and keeps disease from quietly returning.
why this practice
Signs you may have gum disease
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Bleeding gums when you brush or floss
Healthy gums do not bleed routinely. Bleeding on brushing, flossing, or eating is one of the earliest signs that inflammation is active below the gum line and worth a specialist evaluation.
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Swollen gums or visible inflammation
Puffy, red, or tender gums — especially around the necks of the teeth — are the tissue reacting to bacterial plaque that the immune system has not been able to clear on its own.
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Receding gums and longer-looking teeth
When the gum line drops, the teeth start to look longer and the root can become exposed. Recession often appears alongside gum disease and changes how the case needs to be managed.
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Persistent bad breath or a bad taste
Bad breath that does not respond to brushing and mouthwash is often coming from bacterial activity inside the periodontal pockets, not from the surface of the tongue.
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Loose teeth or a bite that has shifted
Teeth that feel loose, that have started to drift, or a bite that no longer fits the way it used to are signs the supporting bone may have been compromised. Earlier intervention keeps more options on the table.
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Pockets your hygienist has flagged
If a hygienist has measured deeper pockets, recommended a deep cleaning, or said the gums are not responding the way they should, a specialist consultation gives you a second opinion before a more invasive plan is committed to.
How we care
Stages of gum disease — gingivitis vs periodontitis
Where you are on the spectrum drives what treatment is realistic. The earlier you act, the more conservative the plan can stay.
Gingivitis — earliest stage, fully reversible
Inflammation of the gum tissue without bone loss. Bleeding on brushing, redness, and puffiness are the typical signs. Professional cleaning and improved home care usually return the tissue to health.
Early periodontitis — bone loss begins
Pockets start forming, attachment is lost, and small amounts of bone begin to disappear. Non-surgical scaling and root planing combined with maintenance is usually enough to stabilize the disease at this stage.
Moderate periodontitis — pockets deepen
Pockets become harder to clean at home, more bone is lost, and some teeth may begin to feel loose. Non-surgical treatment is still the first step; surgery may follow if pockets do not respond.
Advanced periodontitis — significant bone loss
Substantial bone has been lost, mobility is more obvious, and some teeth may not be salvageable. Treatment focuses on protecting what remains, planning surgical care where it helps, and preparing for tooth replacement only where it is genuinely needed.
What our patients say
- 5 out of 5 stars. “Speaking as a patient of Dr. Rodriguez for the past 18 months, I take the greatest pleasure in recommending the team at Perio Implant Professionals without reservation. I have received expert care and my oral health has never been better.” — Clive, Los Angeles
- 5 out of 5 stars. “My experiences with Perio Implants have always been exceptional. The entire staff is very professional, personable, polite and kind. Dr. Rodriguez is very skilled, knowledgeable, thorough and simply the best. I would definitely refer everyone to Perio Implant Health Professionals.” — Geri, Los Angeles
- 5 out of 5 stars. “I have been coming to PIHP for a few years now and from the first moment I called till this day, it is always a pleasurable, and professional experience. I have had deep cleaning as well as oral surgery performed here and everything is always well explained, in person as well as on paper. Great communication from the whole team. I ALMOST look forward to coming there.” — Michael, Los Angeles
- 5 out of 5 stars. “The entire team, with Dr. Rodriguez leading the way, has made my experience a very positive one. They are incredibly kind and caring when it comes to each individual patient, and they have been with me through quite some challenges.” — Rolando, Los Angeles
- 5 out of 5 stars. “They handle my regular care and oral surgery. Cannot imagine better care. Very professional, competent, always running on schedule, cheerful and friendly.” — Otto, Los Angeles
- 5 out of 5 stars. “I was skeptical before I got to the office, but from the moment I arrived all my questions were answered and explained very clearly. They told me all my options and made me feel at ease with the whole process.” — Hugo, Los Angeles
- 5 out of 5 stars. “Everyone in the office is super nice and friendly. They take really good care of their patients. Always on time with their appointments. Office is really neat and clean.” — Maria, Los Angeles
- 5 out of 5 stars. “Despite the reality that I never want to HAVE to see a periodontist, seeing these folx is the best it gets. Everyone is lovely, upfront, and comforting.” — Rebecca, Los Angeles
- 5 out of 5 stars. “Excellent and professional doctor and staff. You will be fortunate to have this doctor and staff take care of your dental needs. You will not be disappointed. Staff are very considerate and kind.” — Teresa, Los Angeles
- 5 out of 5 stars. “Great people abound in this office. Professional to the T, yet very personable and friendly. I actually enjoy going there because the customer interaction is so genuine.” — Tracy, Los Angeles
- 5 out of 5 stars. “Trustworthy, professional, yet very easy-going. Feel comfortable being treated by Dr. Rodriguez and by his staff.” — Yvonne, Los Angeles
- 5 out of 5 stars. “Gentle, totally state of the art procedures and technology. No more loathing and fear.” — Sharon, Los Angeles
Gum disease treatment FAQs
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