Gum Disease Treatment

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease or periodontitis, is the inflammation of the gums and bone tissue that support and anchor your teeth. It develops when bacteria (plaque) accumulate on tooth surfaces and migrate beneath the gum line, where regular brushing and flossing cannot reach. If left untreated, gum disease can result in bone loss, tooth mobility, and eventual tooth loss. Early-stage gum disease, called gingivitis, can often be reversed with proper professional care and improved home hygiene. However, advanced periodontitis is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management and regular professional treatment to prevent progression and preserve your teeth.

Gum disease treatment is essential for maintaining oral health and preventing further complications. Gum disease has different stages, from bleeding and inflamed gums to gum failure and tooth loss. Many Albertans suffer from some form of periodontal disease, and it’s essential to treat it before it progresses into something worse. We can help you there!

Signs You May Have Gum Disease

If you experience any of the following signs, schedule a gum disease evaluation at East Village Dental:

• Bleeding gums during brushing, flossing, or eating

• Swollen, puffy, or tender gums with redness

• Persistent bad breath (halitosis) that doesn’t improve with brushing

• Gum recession where the roots of teeth become exposed

• Loose or shifting teeth

• New gaps developing between teeth

• Tooth sensitivity or discomfort

• Pus or discharge from gums

Early detection and treatment can prevent complications and save your teeth.

Gum Disease Treatment: What Causes Gum Disease and Periodontal Disease?

Your gums are a vital part of your mouth’s living ecosystem. Gum disease develops gradually as plaque builds up and infects your gums. Plaque results from the naturally occurring bacteria in your mouth that break down food. This leaves a white film on your teeth that eats away at them. Most plaque is removed through brushing and flossing; however, when it gets missed, it can burrow into the gums and become gum disease. It’s essential to be aware that other preexisting risk factors put you at an increased risk of periodontal disease, including:

• Diabetes.
• Tobacco use.
• Crooked teeth.
• Damaged teeth.
• Chipped or cracked teeth.
• Failing dental work that needs to be replaced.

All of these risk factors pose an increased risk to the structure of your gums. When you visit East Village Dental, we will examine your teeth and give you feedback about the current condition of your oral health and whether you are at risk for developing periodontal disease.

Gum Disease Treatment at Our Dental Office

Treating gum disease is one of the most important jobs we have. A healthy smile is impossible if your gums are at risk. At East Village Dental, we have a comprehensive plan for preventing and treating gum disease. Prevention | The best way to stop gum disease is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. This can typically be accomplished by routine cleanings every six months and practicing proper oral hygiene at home. These practices will keep your gums healthy and your mouth free of plaque. Diagnosing Gum Disease | When you come into our office, we will screen your teeth for gum disease. We will check for sure signs, including:

• Swollen or inflamed gums with a red appearance.
• Persistent bad breath.
• A receding gum line.
• Bleeding gums.
• Loose teeth.
• Etc.

If we determine that you have periodontal disease, we can offer gentle, surface-level procedures to treat gum disease and restore the health of your gums.

Gum Disease Treatment Options

East Village Dental offers a comprehensive approach to gum disease treatment, from early prevention through advanced surgical restoration.

Non-Surgical Gum Disease Treatment

For early to moderate gum disease, non-surgical treatments are typically the first line of care and are highly effective at stopping disease progression.

Scaling and Root Planing: This deep cleaning procedure removes tartar and bacteria from below the gum line and smooths the tooth root surfaces. Unlike a regular cleaning that addresses only above-the-gum plaque, scaling and root planing targets the source of infection beneath the gums. This allows gum tissue to heal and reattach to teeth, creating a healthier foundation.

This is the process of removing tartar and other buildup from the teeth and gums, performed by our dental hygienist. Our dental hygienists will perform this nonsurgical procedure. It is a standard gum disease treatment that is gentle and effective. We may use laser technology to aid in healing as well. Book your dental hygiene cleaning today!

Antimicrobial Rinses: We may recommend prescription antimicrobial rinses or antibiotics to control bacterial growth and support healing alongside scaling and root planing.

Laser Technology: We may use laser technology during treatment to aid in healing and reduce inflammation more effectively than traditional methods alone.

At-Home Care Plan: Our team will provide you with a customized at-home care plan emphasizing gentle brushing, daily flossing, antimicrobial rinse use, and dietary adjustments to support gum healing.

Advanced Surgical and Restorative Treatments

When advanced gum disease has caused significant bone loss or when non-surgical treatment alone cannot arrest disease progression, surgical options may be recommended.

Soft Tissue Grafts: This procedure adds graft material to areas of severe gum recession, protecting exposed roots and restoring gum contour.

Flap Surgery: The dentist or surgeon gently folds back the gum tissue to access and clean deep below the gum line, removing bacteria and tartar that cannot be reached non-surgically.

Bone Grafts: When significant bone loss has occurred, bone graft material can be placed to regenerate lost bone structure and provide better support for teeth.

Guided Tissue Regeneration: This advanced technique uses special membranes to encourage the body’s natural regenerative processes, promoting new bone and gum tissue growth around damaged tooth roots.

Gum Disease is a Chronic Condition

It is important to understand that gum disease, particularly periodontitis, is a chronic condition similar to diabetes. While early gingivitis can be reversed with aggressive treatment and excellent home care, advanced periodontitis cannot be cured but can be effectively managed. The goal of treatment is to control inflammation, eliminate bacteria, prevent further bone loss, and preserve your natural teeth through regular professional care and diligent home hygiene. Most patients with treated gum disease require professional cleanings every 3–4 months and regular monitoring to maintain their results.

Instead, it would be best to focus on brushing gently, regularly flossing, and using mouthwash to clean the gums. Our dental team will provide an at-home dental plan for the patient’s needs. Visit us at East Village Dental today!

What Are the Dangers of Not Treating My Gum Disease?

Your gums help keep your teeth and the rest of your mouth healthy. If left untreated, periodontal disease can gradually cause the rest of your oral health to decay, leading to bone loss. This, in turn, can lead to tooth loss as the supporting structures of the teeth are compromised. Your gums may recede to the point that your teeth fall out. This, in turn, can lead to jawbone loss. The good news about periodontal disease is that it can be reversed at East Village Dental!

Why Do I Have Such Bad Breath?

Bad breath can occur from a variety of factors. Our mouths are full of bacteria that help break down food. As it breaks down, this food causes the occurrence of plaque. Swollen gums are another common symptom of gum disease that can contribute to bad breath. Plaque is full of bacteria that produce odors, and this smell can get progressively worse as gum disease develops, the bacteria multiply, and it gets harder to clean. At East Village Dental, we educate you on proper oral hygiene and put your bad breath to bed!  

 

At-Home Gum Care a good oral hygiene plan is essential to prevent the development of gum disease.

• Brush Your Teeth: Brush your teeth daily with the toothbrush angled away from your gums. Be gentle but thorough; you don’t need to scrub with elbow grease! Scrubbing too hard can cause gum recession and damage the soft tissue of your gums, leading to further complications.
• Floss: Flossing your teeth is probably the most critical thing you can do for your gums. Getting between your eternally helps prevent plaque from progressing to tartar.
• Attend Preventative Dental Visits: Though not strictly “at home,” regular visits to our Calgary office are essential for keeping your gums healthy. We can catch the beginnings of gum disease and advise you on handling it.

Why Visit East Village Dental for Gingivitis and Periodontitis  Gum Disease Treatment?

Our doctors at East Village Dental care about your whole health—not just your teeth. When you have problems with your gums, it can also affect the rest of your body, We offer advanced gum disease treatments, such as soft tissue grafts, to repair and restore the health of your gums. Come to our office to get excellent health care for your teeth, gums, and total health system!

Meet Your Gum Disease Treatment Team at East Village Dental

Dr. Gregory Broyde, BSc, DDS
Owner & General Dentist, East Village Dental

Dr. Broyde brings extensive clinical experience in comprehensive periodontal care, advanced gum disease treatment, and restorative dentistry. With a focus on patient education and preventative care, Dr. Broyde has helped hundreds of Calgary patients manage gum disease, avoid tooth loss, and restore their smiles. He stays current with the latest periodontal techniques and technologies, including laser-assisted treatments and guided tissue regeneration.

View Dr. Broyde’s Full Bio & Credentials »

Our Approach to Gum Disease Care:
At East Village Dental, we believe in a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to periodontal health. We diagnose and treat early to moderate gum disease with advanced in-house techniques, allowing most patients to receive complete care without referrals. For highly complex surgical cases or severe bone regeneration needs, we seamlessly coordinate care with trusted local periodontists to ensure you receive the highest standard of specialized treatment.

Affiliations & Credentials:

• Member, Canadian Dental Association (CDA)

• Member, Alberta Dental Association

• Continuing education in periodontal therapy and advanced restorative dentistry

• Advanced training in laser-assisted gum disease treatment

• IV sedation certified for anxious patients

What Our Patients Say About Gum Disease Treatment

“My gums were bleeding constantly, and I was worried about losing my teeth. After scaling and root planing at East Village Dental, the bleeding stopped within weeks. The team educated me on proper home care, and I’ve maintained healthy gums for over a year now. I avoided extraction and saved my smile!”
— Michael P., Downtown Calgary

“I had persistent bad breath that was affecting my confidence. Dr. Broyde diagnosed early gum disease and explained my treatment options clearly. The scaling and root planing was painless, and within a few weeks, my breath improved dramatically. I’m so grateful to have caught it early!”
— Jennifer R., Bridgeland, Calgary

“I was referred to a periodontist, but Dr. Broyde said he could handle my case in-house. His advanced laser treatment reduced my gum pockets significantly. If I ever need more complex work, I trust his judgment to refer me to a specialist. East Village Dental saved me time and money!”
— David T., Inglewood, Calgary

Why Choose East Village Dental for Gum Disease Treatment?

Expert Diagnosis & Treatment Planning
We perform comprehensive gum assessments using advanced diagnostic tools to determine the stage of your gum disease and recommend the most effective treatment approach.

Advanced In-House Capabilities
Unlike clinics that refer all gum disease to specialists, we treat early to moderate periodontitis with cutting-edge techniques including scaling and root planing, laser-assisted therapy, antimicrobial protocols, and advanced restorative procedures.

Honest Specialist Coordination
For complex surgical cases requiring bone regeneration or advanced periodontal surgery, we proudly coordinate with respected local periodontists rather than attempt procedures beyond our scope. Your care remains seamless and well-coordinated.

Personalized At-Home Care Plans
We don’t just treat gum disease—we educate you on preventing recurrence. Each patient receives a customized home care protocol to maximize treatment success and long-term oral health.

Compassionate, Patient-Centered Care
We understand gum disease can be stressful. Our team takes time to explain your condition, answer questions, and support you through every stage of treatment.

Get Excellent Periodontal Care at East Village Dental!

Your gums help hold the rest of your smile together; they deserve the best care. If you are one of the many people experiencing periodontal disease, we are here to help heal your mouth. Our advanced gum disease treatments include flap surgery to clean deep under the gums, bone grafts to replace lost bone, and guided tissue regeneration to promote the growth of your bone. Through advanced dental procedures like scaling and root planing, we can restore the natural health of your gums. Call our office today to schedule your appointment!

 

Common Asked Questions

• Q: What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?
  A: Gingivitis is early-stage gum inflammation that can often be reversed with proper care. Periodontitis is advanced gum disease where bone loss has occurred; it is a chronic condition requiring ongoing management.

• Q: What are the early signs of gum disease?
  A: Early signs include bleeding gums, puffiness, redness, persistent bad breath, and slight sensitivity. Regular checkups help catch these early.

• Q: How is gum disease treated?
  A: Treatment begins with scaling and root planing to remove bacteria below the gum line. Advanced cases may require surgical options like flap surgery or bone grafts.

• Q: Can gum disease be cured?
  A: While early gingivitis can be reversed, advanced periodontitis is managed long-term through professional cleanings and excellent home care to prevent progression.

• Q: How often should I see my dentist if I have gum disease?
  A: Patients with gum disease typically require professional cleanings every 3–4 months and regular monitoring to maintain oral health and prevent tooth loss.

• Q: Does gum disease treatment hurt?
  A: Scaling and root planing is typically performed with local anesthesia, making it comfortable. You may experience mild soreness afterward managed with over-the-counter pain relief.