Can Periodontitis Be Cured or Just Managed?

Gentle, Specialized Periodontal Care at Plaza Pointe Specialists

If your gums bleed when you brush, your breath stays fresh for only a short time, or your teeth seem to be getting more sensitive, your mouth may be telling you something important. Periodontitis is a serious form of gum disease that can damage the gums, jawbone, and tissues supporting your teeth.

At Plaza Pointe Dental Specialists, our periodontists, Dr. Tracy Scott and Dr. Izoh Ashour, evaluate the health of your gums and supporting bone before recommending appropriate treatment.

We welcome patients from Edmonds, Everett, and Snohomish looking for comprehensive periodontal care close to home. Call our Mukilteo dental office at (425) 215-0001 to schedule your periodontal evaluation.

How Plaza Pointe Dental Specialists Approaches Periodontal Care

Plaza Pointe Dental Specialists provides a highly elevated approach to gum health, combining state-of-the-art techniques with deeply personalized patient care. When treating gum disease, having dedicated specialists leads to predictable, long-lasting outcomes. Our practice is proud to feature leading periodontal clinicians who bring exceptional skill, advanced surgical training, and genuine compassion to every case:

• Dr. Tracy Scott: Dr. Scott is an Implant & Periodontal Specialist with more than 30 years of experience as a dental specialist. His career includes service as Periodontics Chairman and Residency Director at the Naval Postgraduate Dental School, as well as a clinical assignment at Bethesda Naval Hospital.
• Dr. Izoh Ashour: Dr. Ashour is a periodontist with advanced training in periodontology and implant dentistry. His clinical interests include minimally invasive treatment for gum recession and bone augmentation, and he uses technologies including the LANAP protocol and XNAV dynamic implant systems.

What Is Periodontitis?

Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that damages the tissues supporting your teeth. It usually develops from untreated gingivitis, which begins when plaque and bacteria accumulate around the gumline.

When plaque is not removed effectively, it can harden into tartar. Bacteria can then move deeper beneath the gums, creating spaces called periodontal pockets. As the infection progresses, these pockets can become deeper. The body’s inflammatory response can damage the ligament and bone that hold your teeth in place.

Why Periodontitis Is Different From Gingivitis

Understanding the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis is important when deciding whether to seek periodontal treatment at Plaza Pointe Dental Specialists.

• Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. The gums become inflamed because of plaque and bacteria, yet the deeper supporting structures remain intact. With professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene, gingivitis can often be reversed.
• Periodontitis occurs when inflammation and infection extend deeper into the tissues supporting the teeth. Bone and connective tissue can be destroyed as the disease progresses.

This is why waiting for bleeding gums to disappear can be risky. What starts as mild gum inflammation may eventually become a condition that threatens the stability of your teeth.

Can Periodontitis Be Reversed?

Periodontitis is generally considered a chronic disease that can be controlled and maintained rather than permanently “cured” in the way an infection such as strep throat might be cured. Treatment can stop or greatly slow active disease, reduce inflammation and pocketing, and in selected cases regenerate some lost periodontal tissue. Long-term periodontal maintenance is important because the disease can recur.

How Is Periodontitis Treated at Plaza Pointe Dental Specialists?

When periodontal pockets remain deep or difficult to clean after nonsurgical periodontal therapy, a periodontist may recommend additional treatment. Depending on the location and severity of the disease, options may include periodontal surgery or regenerative procedures.

• Bone Grafting: Periodontitis can contribute to bone loss around the teeth. In selected cases, regenerative or bone-grafting procedures may be used to rebuild areas of lost bone or prepare the jaw for future dental implant placement. Your periodontist will determine whether grafting is appropriate based on your bone levels and treatment goals.
• Sinus Lift Surgery: If periodontitis has resulted in tooth loss, restoring the missing tooth may require additional procedures. A sinus lift can increase bone height in the upper jaw when there is insufficient bone for dental implant placement.
• Gum Grafting: Periodontal disease can contribute to changes in the gum tissue, while recession can expose tooth roots and increase sensitivity. Gum grafting can cover exposed root surfaces and restore gum coverage.

Surgical Removal and Dental Implant Restoration

• Same-Day and Surgical Extractions: When a tooth has severe periodontal destruction and cannot be predictably maintained, extraction may be recommended. Removing a compromised tooth can allow the surrounding tissues to heal enough for restorations.
• Dental Implants: Dental implants can replace missing tooth roots after periodontal disease has been brought under control and the supporting bone and gums have been evaluated.

What Happens If Periodontitis Is Left Untreated?

Periodontitis generally doesn’t disappear on its own. Without treatment, the infection can continue damaging the tissues and bone surrounding the teeth. Advanced disease may eventually result in tooth mobility or tooth loss.

Untreated periodontal disease may also lead to:

• Increasing gum recession
• Deeper periodontal pockets
• Progressive bone loss
• Tooth movement
• Difficulty chewing
• Tooth loss

The sooner periodontal disease is identified, the more opportunity there is to protect the structures supporting your smile.

Can You Have Periodontitis Without Pain?

Yes. This is one reason gum disease can go unnoticed for years. Periodontitis doesn’t always cause pain. A patient may feel perfectly comfortable while the disease is gradually damaging the tissues supporting the teeth.

Watch for subtle warning signs such as:

• Blood on your toothbrush
• Pink or red saliva after flossing
• Chronic bad breath
• Tender gums
• Gums that appear to be pulling away from your teeth
• Teeth that feel different when you bite
• New sensitivity

How Does Home Care Help Control Periodontitis?

Professional treatment is an important part of periodontal care, yet daily home care remains essential.

Your routine may include:

• Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
• Cleaning between your teeth every day
• Using an antimicrobial mouth rinse if recommended
• Following your periodontal maintenance schedule
• Avoiding tobacco products
• Managing health conditions that can affect gum health

Your dental team can recommend specific tools or techniques based on the condition of your gums. The goal is to reduce the amount of harmful bacteria that can accumulate between professional appointments.

Reclaim Peace of Mind for Your Smile

Living with bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or loose teeth creates worry that burdens your everyday life. You don’t have to navigate periodontal concerns alone or guess about the health of your smile.

At Plaza Pointe Dental Specialists, our team provides compassionate, focused care inside a calming environment designed to put you at ease. Call our Mukilteo dental office at (425) 215-0001 to schedule your appointment.