Gum Disease Treatment in East Las Vegas.

Periodontal Care

From a routine cleaning to treatment for gum disease, we start with what your gums need. Not the same visit for everyone.

Common, and easy to miss.

Gum disease affects nearly half of adults over 30. It starts quietly as gingivitis: red, swollen gums that bleed easily when you brush.

Left untreated, it can become periodontitis, where bacteria break down the gums and bone that hold your teeth in place. It's a leading cause of tooth loss in adults and has been linked to heart disease and diabetes. Catching it early, with the right kind of cleaning, helps stop it.

Which cleaning do you need?

The difference between a preventive cleaning and treatment for gum disease.

Regular Cleaning

(Prophylaxis)

A preventive cleaning for people with healthy gums. It cleans the parts of your teeth you can see, above the gumline.

When is it needed?

Usually every 6 months

When gums are pink, firm and don't bleed

When gum pockets measure 1 to 3 mm

Deep Cleaning

(Scaling & Root Planing)

A treatment for gum disease. It reaches below the gumline to remove hardened tartar and the bacteria that damage the bone and gums.

When is it needed?

When gums are red, swollen or bleed easily

When X-rays show signs of bone loss

When gum pockets measure 4 mm or deeper

How does a deep cleaning work?

Scaling and root planing (SRP) stops gum disease from getting worse and lets your gums heal and reattach to your teeth. We keep you comfortable throughout.

Numbing

We're cleaning below the gumline, so we numb the area first with local anesthetic. You'll feel pressure, not pain.

Scaling

We remove hardened tartar and bacteria from below the gumline and out of the gum pockets.

Root Planing

We smooth the tooth roots so bacteria have a harder time reattaching, and your gums have a clean surface to heal and tighten around.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can gum disease be cured?

Gingivitis, the earliest stage, can be reversed with a professional cleaning and better brushing and flossing at home. Once it becomes periodontitis and bone has been lost, it can be managed but not cured. A deep cleaning stops the active infection, and regular maintenance cleanings help keep it from coming back.

Will my teeth be sensitive after a deep cleaning?

Some sensitivity to hot and cold and mild gum soreness for a few days is common. The roots that were covered by tartar are now exposed. A toothpaste for sensitive teeth and avoiding very hot or cold foods for a few days will help.

Why do I need to come back every 3-4 months after a deep cleaning?

After a deep cleaning, you move to a periodontal maintenance schedule instead of regular cleanings every 6 months. The bacteria that cause gum disease build back up in the deeper pockets within about 3 to 4 months. Cleaning them out on that schedule is the most reliable way to keep bone loss from starting again.

Is a deep cleaning done all at once?

Usually not. Because we numb the area, we typically treat one side of your mouth at the first visit and the other side a week or two later. That way you're not numb on both sides at once.

Request an appointment or call (702) 641-8868.