Periodontics

Gum Treatments & Periodontal Care

Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy mouth. At Austin Institute of Dental Medicine, our periodontal specialists provide comprehensive care for gum disease and other conditions affecting the supporting structures of your teeth, using advanced techniques to restore and maintain gum health.

If you are suffering from the symptoms of periodontal disease, don’t wait. Call us for a dental deep clean or laser gum therapy today.

Understanding Periodontal (Gum) Disease

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition affecting the gums and bone that support your teeth. It begins with gingivitis, characterized by red, swollen gums that bleed easily. Without treatment, it can progress to periodontitis, causing gum recession, bone loss, and eventually tooth loss. Research has also linked periodontal disease to systemic health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory issues.

Warning Signs of Gum Disease

We invite you to visit us for a periodontal cleaning if you are suffering from any of these signs of periodontal disease out for these signs of periodontal disease:

  • Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing
  • Red, swollen, or tender gums
    Persistent bad breath
  • Receding gums (teeth appear longer) 
    Loose or shifting teeth
  • Changes in how your teeth fit together when you bite
  • Pus between teeth and gums

Sometimes periodontal disease can be hard to detect, especially in its early stages. One key part of detection and prevention is visiting our office for regular cleanings. During exams, we check your teeth and gums for signs of gum disease. Together, we can prevent or treat this serious health issue.

We Are Here to Help You Detect and Prevent Gum Disease


Catching gum disease early means that you can save time and money on treatment. Periodontal disease in its first stage—gingivitis—often just requires increased attention to oral hygiene or increased cleanings. In order to diagnose or detect gum disease and understand the impact it is having on your oral health, we use advanced imaging technology.

Prevention

Prevention is the first step in treating gum disease, because we never have to treat it if it doesn’t happen. We offer patient education and consistent dental cleanings to help prevent dental disease.

If you:

Smoke or use tobacco

Have a family history of gum disease

Are pregnant or breastfeeding

Have a past history of gum disease

Have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes

You are more at risk of gum disease. We may recommend unique products for your situation, or that you visit us more often than every 6 months.

Detection

Gum disease is detected in many different ways. Some of the ways we help you detect gum disease include:

1

Oral exams

At routine or emergency exams

2

Advanced imaging

Technology that also allows us to analyze oral damage from gum disease

3

Consultations on your oral health

Where we talk about any oral health struggles you may be having

4

In severe cases,

Emergency dentistry visits where we treat issues caused by periodontal issues

The Benefits of Treating Your Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, even at its early stages, can severely affect your smile and your overall health. Treating your periodontal disease can:

Reduce Inflammation:

Periodontal disease inflames your gums but it can also increase the bacterial load on your body, causing chronic inflammation throughout your body, not just in your mouth.

Preserve Your Teeth:

Periodontal disease can damage your teeth permanently and even cause tooth loss in some cases.

Help Your Smile Shine:

Periodontal disease can cause your gums to be discolored or red, damaging the appearance of your smile.

Solve Bleeding and Pain:

If you are struggling with periodontal disease, you are likely suffering from pain and bleeding gums.

Protect Your Heart and Lungs:

Periodontal disease is connected with poor heart and lung health. It can make current issues worse, or start issues itself.

Lessen the Effects on Your Body:

Along with cardiovascular issues, periodontal issues are associated with pregnancy issues and Alzheimer’s.

Comprehensive Periodontal Therapy

We offer a range of treatments to address gum disease at every stage. We will recommend one of these treatments after detecting and diagnosing your gum disease, which often happens during a routine dental exam or emergency dental exam.

Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy

For early to moderate gum disease, we offer effective non-surgical treatments:

  • Scaling and Root Planing: A deep cleaning procedure to remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooth root surfaces to promote healing and prevent bacterial reattachment.
  • Localized Antibiotic Therapy: Placement of time-released antibiotics directly into periodontal pockets to target infection.
  • Customized Home Care Programs: Specific tools and techniques to maintain gum health between professional treatments.

Advanced Periodontal Treatments

For more advanced cases, we offer specialized procedures:

  • LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure): A minimally invasive laser treatment that precisely targets diseased tissue while preserving healthy gum tissue
  • Periodontal Surgery: When necessary, surgical intervention to reduce pocket depths, regenerate lost bone, or address aesthetic concerns

Gum Grafting & Aesthetic Periodontal Procedures

In addition to treating disease, we also address aesthetic concerns related to the gums:

  • Gum Grafting: Procedures to cover exposed roots due to recession, preventing further recession, and reducing sensitivity.
  • Crown Lengthening: Reshaping gum tissue to expose more of the natural tooth, often in preparation for restorative procedures.
  • Gum Contouring: Reshaping the gumline to create a more balanced, symmetrical smile.

The Benefits of Our Laser Treatments

LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) offers a modern, comfortable solution for treating gum disease without the need for traditional surgery. This advanced laser technology allows our specialists to precisely remove diseased tissue while preserving the healthy gum structure that supports your smile. Because LANAP is minimally invasive, there’s no need for scalpels or sutures, resulting in less discomfort, minimal bleeding, and a faster recovery time.
Beyond comfort, LANAP also promotes your body’s natural ability to regenerate bone and connective tissue lost to periodontal disease. Patients often return to normal activities within a day or two, and the results help create a healthier, more stable foundation for long-term oral wellness. By reducing bacteria and inflammation at the source, LANAP not only restores gum health—it also supports overall health throughout the body.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Your Gum Disease

Our periodontal treatment plans are customized to your specific needs and may include a combination of professional in-office care, advanced home care techniques, and lifestyle modifications to support optimal gum health. We use the latest diagnostic tools, including digital imaging and bacterial testing when appropriate, to develop targeted treatment strategies.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of gum disease or have concerns about your gum health, we encourage you to schedule a comprehensive periodontal evaluation.

Heal Your Smile With Us

Gum disease can be a serious oral health issue, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t solutions. Our various periodontal treatments can help you achieve optimal oral health once more. Call us today if you are suffering from periodontal disease, and get the help you need.

Dental Practice
Regular Checkup
Healthy Smile
Thorough Dental Treatment