Gum Disease Treatment in Scottsdale, Tempe & Gilbert
Bleeding gums, bad breath, or loose teeth? Gum disease is treatable — and the sooner you act, the better the outcome. Our team provides thorough periodontal care to protect your smile.
Gum disease — also called periodontal disease — is one of the most common oral health conditions, affecting nearly half of all adults over 30. It starts silently with inflamed gums and can progress to bone loss, loose teeth, and eventual tooth loss if left untreated. The good news: with the right care, gum disease can be treated, managed, and in early stages even reversed.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the tissues that support your teeth. It begins when plaque — a sticky film of bacteria — accumulates along and below the gum line. If plaque is not removed through brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings, it hardens into tartar (calculus) that can only be removed by a dental professional.
Gingivitis is the earliest stage. Gums become red, swollen, and bleed easily, but there is no bone loss yet. Gingivitis is fully reversible with professional cleaning and improved home care.
Periodontitis develops when gingivitis is not treated. The infection spreads below the gum line, creating pockets between the gums and teeth where bacteria thrive. Over time, the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place are destroyed, leading to loose teeth and potential tooth loss.
What Are the Signs of Gum Disease?
Gum disease can be painless in its early stages, which is why regular dental checkups are essential for early detection. Watch for these warning signs: gums that bleed when you brush or floss, red, swollen, or tender gums, persistent bad breath that does not go away, gums pulling away from the teeth (recession), loose or shifting teeth, changes in how your teeth fit together when you bite, and pus between teeth and gums.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule an evaluation. For more information, visit our bleeding gums guide.
How We Treat Gum Disease
Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
The primary treatment for early to moderate gum disease. Scaling removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. Root planing smooths the root surfaces so gums can reattach to the teeth. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and is usually done in two visits, treating half the mouth each time.
Antibiotic Therapy
In some cases, topical or oral antibiotics are used alongside scaling and root planing to help control the bacterial infection, particularly in deep pockets that are difficult to reach mechanically.
Periodontal Maintenance
After initial treatment, ongoing maintenance cleanings every 3 to 4 months replace the standard 6-month cleanings. These visits monitor pocket depths, remove any new tartar buildup, and ensure the disease stays under control.
Advanced Cases
For severe periodontitis that does not respond to non-surgical treatment, we may refer you to a periodontal specialist for surgical options such as flap surgery, bone grafting, or tissue regeneration.
How Much Does Gum Disease Treatment Cost?
Scaling and root planing typically costs $200 to $400 per quadrant (the mouth is divided into four quadrants). Most dental insurance plans cover periodontal treatment, including both the initial deep cleaning and ongoing maintenance visits.
We are in-network with Delta Dental, Cigna, Aetna, MetLife, UnitedHealthcare, and many other plans. Our Summit Savings Plan provides 15% off for uninsured patients, and CareCredit financing is available.
Your Periodontal Care Team
Gum disease treatment at Summit Ridge Dental is provided by our general dentists, all of whom are experienced in diagnosing and managing periodontal conditions. Our hygiene team plays a critical role in ongoing maintenance and patient education.
Dr. James Patel, DMD
Associate Dentist — Tempe & Gilbert
Dr. Patel emphasizes prevention and early intervention for gum disease, with a gentle approach that puts patients at ease.
View full bio →
Dr. Maria Vasquez, DDS
Associate Dentist — Gilbert & Scottsdale
Dr. Vasquez takes a thorough, educational approach to periodontal care, helping patients understand their condition and commit to long-term health.
View full bio →Gum Disease Treatment — Frequently Asked Questions
Bleeding gums, redness, swelling, bad breath, receding gums, loose teeth, and pus between teeth and gums. Gum disease can be painless in early stages — regular checkups catch it early.
Gingivitis (early stage) is fully reversible with professional cleaning and improved home care. Periodontitis (advanced stage) can be managed and controlled but not fully reversed. Early treatment prevents progression.
The area is numbed with local anesthesia, so the procedure is not painful. Mild soreness for a few days is normal. Sedation options are available for anxious patients.
Most patients need periodontal maintenance cleanings every 3 to 4 months after initial treatment, rather than the standard 6-month schedule. Your dentist will recommend the right interval based on your response to treatment.
Yes. Most dental insurance plans cover scaling and root planing as well as periodontal maintenance visits. We verify your benefits before treatment so you know your costs upfront.
Related Services
Cleanings & Exams
Preventive cleanings are your first line of defense against gum disease.
Learn more →Bleeding Gums Guide
Understand what causes bleeding gums and when to see a dentist.
Learn more →Dental Implants
If gum disease has led to tooth loss, implants provide a permanent replacement.
Learn more →Protect Your Gums. Protect Your Smile.
Do not wait for gum disease to progress. Schedule your gum health evaluation at any of our three locations.