Gum Disease Treatment
in Las Vegas.
Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. Whether you need a routine preventative cleaning or advanced therapy for periodontal disease, our gentle, comprehensive approach helps give your teeth the healthy support they need.
Schedule a Cleaning
The silent epidemic.
Gum disease (periodontal disease) is very common, affecting nearly half of adults aged 30 and older. It begins silently as gingivitis—often presenting as red, swollen gums that bleed easily when brushing.
If left untreated, it progresses into periodontitis. The bacteria in plaque begin to destroy the gum tissue and the underlying bone that holds your teeth in place. It is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults and has been linked to serious systemic health issues, including heart disease and diabetes. Early detection and the right type of cleaning are critical.
Which cleaning do you need?
Understanding the difference between preventative care and active periodontal therapy.
Regular Cleaning (Prophylaxis)
A regular cleaning is a preventative procedure for patients who have generally healthy gums. It focuses on cleaning the crowns of the teeth—the parts you can see above the gumline.
When is it needed?
- Every 6 months for maintenance
- When gums are pink, firm, and do not bleed
- When periodontal pockets measure 1-3mm
Deep Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing)
A deep cleaning is an active medical treatment for periodontal disease. It goes beneath the gumline to remove hardened tartar and bacteria that are actively destroying the bone and tissue.
When is it needed?
- When gums are red, swollen, or bleed easily
- When X-rays show signs of bone loss
- When periodontal pockets measure 4mm or deeper
How does a
deep cleaning work?
Scaling and Root Planing (SRP) is a meticulous procedure designed to slow or stop the progression of gum disease and give your gums a chance to heal and reattach to the teeth. We prioritize your comfort throughout the entire process.
Local Anesthesia
Because we are cleaning deep below the gumline, we numb the area with local anesthetic first. You may feel pressure, but most patients feel little or no pain.
Ultrasonic Scaling
We use an ultrasonic scaler. This tool uses high-frequency vibrations and a gentle stream of water to effectively blast away hardened calculus (tartar) and flush out bacteria from deep within the periodontal pockets.
Root Planing
Finally, we smooth (plane) the rough surfaces of the tooth roots. This makes it much harder for bacteria to re-attach in the future and provides a clean, smooth surface for your gums to heal and tighten back around the tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gingivitis (the earliest stage) can be completely reversed with a professional cleaning and improved home care. However, once it progresses to periodontitis (where bone loss has occurred), it cannot be cured, only managed. A deep cleaning treats the active infection, and regular maintenance cleanings help keep it from coming back.
It is very common to experience some temperature sensitivity and mild soreness in the gums for a few days following a deep cleaning. This is because the roots of the teeth, which were previously covered by tartar, are now exposed. Using a sensitivity toothpaste and avoiding extremely hot or cold foods for a few days will help.
Once you have had a deep cleaning, you are placed on a 'Periodontal Maintenance' schedule rather than a regular 6-month cleaning schedule. The bacteria that cause gum disease repopulate in the deep pockets every 90-120 days. Cleaning them out every 3-4 months helps prevent further bone loss.
Usually, no. Because we need to numb the mouth, we typically divide the mouth into halves or quadrants. We will clean one side of your mouth during your first visit, and the other side at a second appointment a week or two later. This ensures you aren't completely numb on both sides of your face at once.