Periodontal Therapy · Washington, DC
Gum Disease Treatment in Washington, DC
Early periodontal care can protect gum and bone support before tooth loss becomes the next problem.
Direct answer
Gum disease is an infection of the tissue and bone that supports your teeth. Early gum disease (gingivitis) can be reversed; advanced gum disease (periodontitis) can be stabilized to prevent further damage.
Why it matters: Gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. It also has documented links to heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Why see a periodontist: Periodontists complete three years of additional surgical training focused on the gum and bone. We treat the cases that have progressed past what a general dentist's hygiene appointment can manage.
Next step in DC: Both DC Perio locations offer the full range of periodontal therapy. Patients can be seen via referral from a general dentist or self-refer.
How to recognize gum disease
Bleeding when you brush or floss. This is not normal — it is usually the earliest sign.
Gums that look puffy, red, or have pulled back from the teeth.
Persistent bad breath that does not respond to brushing and mouthwash.
Teeth that feel loose, or seem longer than they used to (root exposure).
Sensitivity to hot or cold along the gum line.
Stages of gum disease
Gingivitis: inflammation of the gum without bone loss. Reversible with professional cleaning and home care.
Early periodontitis: some bone loss, gum pockets deepening. Treatable with non-surgical therapy in most cases.
Moderate to advanced periodontitis: deeper bone loss, larger pockets, possible tooth mobility. Often requires a combination of non-surgical and surgical approaches.
Treatment options by stage
Non-surgical: scaling and root planing (deep cleaning under the gum), targeted antimicrobial therapy, customized hygiene routine, and a maintenance schedule.
LANAP laser therapy: for qualified cases of moderate to advanced disease, laser-assisted therapy avoids the scalpel and sutures of traditional surgery, with faster recovery.
Traditional gum surgery: when access to the bone is required or extensive tissue reshaping is needed.
Regenerative procedures: grafts, membranes, and biologics that can rebuild bone and attachment lost to disease.
The connection to overall health
Mounting evidence connects untreated periodontal disease to cardiovascular disease, diabetes complications, stroke, certain cancers, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. We treat your gum disease as a piece of your overall health, not as an isolated dental issue.
Common questions
Frequently asked about gum disease treatment
- Can gum disease be cured?
- Gingivitis (the early form) can be reversed with professional care and improved home hygiene. Periodontitis (the advanced form) involves bone loss that does not regrow naturally — it can be stopped and stabilized, and selected cases can be partially regenerated. The earlier we intervene, the better the result.
- Is gum disease treatment painful?
- Most non-surgical periodontal therapy is performed with local anesthesia and is well-tolerated. Surgical procedures, including LANAP, are also performed under anesthesia. Sedation options are available for anxious patients.
- How often will I need maintenance?
- Most periodontal maintenance patients are seen every three to four months. The interval is set based on your case stability, not a one-size-fits-all schedule. We coordinate this with your general dentist so it fits into your routine dental care.
- Will gum disease come back?
- Periodontal disease is chronic — like high blood pressure or diabetes, it requires ongoing management. With consistent maintenance, controlled home care, and good general health, most patients keep disease stable for decades. Without maintenance, recurrence is common.
Your care team
Ready to talk through your options?
A consultation reviews your specific case and gives you honest options — not a pitch.