Periodontal Disease Treatment

Periodontal Disease Treatment in Maple Ridge

At Kanaka Creek Family Dental, we provide comprehensive periodontal disease treatment to protect your gums, preserve your teeth, and restore your oral health.

Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is a bacterial infection that affects the tissues surrounding and supporting your teeth. It begins as gingivitis, a mild inflammation of the gums, and can progress to periodontitis, a more serious condition that damages the bone and connective tissue holding your teeth in place. Left untreated, periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

Our team uses advanced diagnostic tools including digital X-rays and thorough periodontal assessments to detect gum disease at its earliest stages. Early intervention is key — the sooner we identify the problem, the more conservative and effective the treatment.

Book an Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the signs of periodontal disease?

  Common signs include red, swollen, or tender gums, bleeding when brushing or flossing, persistent bad breath, receding gums, loose teeth, and changes in your bite. Many people have gum disease without noticeable symptoms, which is why regular dental checkups are so important.

• Is periodontal disease reversible?

  Gingivitis, the earliest stage, is fully reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene. Once it progresses to periodontitis, the damage to bone and tissue cannot be fully reversed, but treatment can halt the progression, manage the condition, and prevent further loss.

• How is periodontal disease treated?

  Treatment depends on severity. Mild cases respond well to scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning procedure that removes tartar and bacteria from below the gumline. More advanced cases may require ongoing periodontal maintenance, antimicrobial treatments, or referral to a periodontist for surgical intervention.

• Does periodontal treatment hurt?

  Scaling and root planing is performed with local anaesthesia to ensure your comfort. Most patients report only mild tenderness afterward, which resolves within a few days. We prioritize your comfort throughout every step of treatment.

• Can gum disease affect my overall health?

  Yes. Research has linked periodontal disease to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes complications, respiratory infections, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Treating gum disease is not just about your mouth — it supports your overall wellbeing.

What to Expect

Step 1: Comprehensive Assessment
We begin with a thorough periodontal examination, measuring pocket depths around each tooth, checking for gum recession, and reviewing digital X-rays to evaluate bone levels.

Step 2: Scaling and Root Planing
Using specialized instruments, we carefully remove plaque and tartar deposits from below the gumline. Root planing smooths the tooth root surfaces, making it harder for bacteria to reattach and allowing your gums to heal.

Step 3: Healing and Re-evaluation
After treatment, your gums need time to heal and reattach to the teeth. We schedule a follow-up visit to measure improvement in pocket depths and determine if further treatment is needed.

Step 4: Ongoing Maintenance
Periodontal disease requires ongoing management. We create a personalized maintenance schedule — typically every three to four months — combining professional cleanings with at-home hygiene guidance to keep the disease under control.

Benefits of Periodontal Treatment

• Save Your Natural Teeth — Treating gum disease early prevents the bone loss that leads to tooth loss, helping you keep your natural smile for life.
• Eliminate Infection — Deep cleaning removes the bacteria causing chronic infection, reducing inflammation and allowing your gums to heal.
• Fresher Breath — Persistent bad breath is often caused by bacteria trapped in deep gum pockets. Treatment removes these deposits and restores freshness.
• Protect Overall Health — By addressing gum disease, you reduce the associated risks to your cardiovascular, respiratory, and systemic health.
• Prevent Costly Procedures — Early treatment avoids the need for more invasive and expensive procedures like extractions, dental implants, or bridges and dentures.