Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults — and most people don't know they have it until significant damage has already occurred. At Park Central Dental, Dr. Mazin Nakhleh, Dr. Laura Fisher, and Dr. Shohreh Sharifi screen for gum disease at every dental exam and provide a full range of periodontal treatments to stop the disease, protect your teeth, and restore your gum health.

Call 214-340-9696 or request an appointment online if you've noticed any signs of gum disease.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection of the structures that support your teeth, including the gums, bone, and ligaments. It begins when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, accumulates along the gumline and is not adequately removed through brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings.

There are two primary stages:

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. The gums become red, swollen, and bleed easily, but the bone and ligaments are not yet affected. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and improved home care, but it must be caught and addressed before it progresses.

Periodontitis is the advanced stage. The infection spreads below the gumline, destroying the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. Without treatment, periodontitis leads to tooth loss and has been linked to systemic health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory illness.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Gum disease is often called a "silent" condition because it can progress for years with minimal pain. Watch for these warning signs:

  • Red, swollen and tender gums
  • Bleeding gums, especially during brushing and flossing
  • Gum recession
  • Pockets between the teeth and gums
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Loose teeth
  • Sores in the mouth or pus between the teeth
  • Changes in your bite or in the fit of oral appliances

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact our office promptly. Early treatment produces significantly better outcomes, and is far less involved, than treatment for advanced periodontitis.

What Causes Gum Disease?

The primary cause is plaque buildup from inadequate oral hygiene. However, several factors increase your risk:

  • Infrequent or skipped dental cleanings
  • Tobacco use — smoking dramatically increases gum disease severity and slows healing
  • Diabetes and other systemic conditions that affect immune response
  • Certain medications that cause dry mouth or gum overgrowth
  • Hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause
  • Genetic predisposition
  • Crooked or crowded teeth that are harder to clean effectively

Our Periodontal Treatment Options

The right treatment depends on how far the disease has progressed. Our dentists will thoroughly evaluate your gum health and recommend a personalized plan. We offer:

Scaling & Root Planing

Scaling and root planing is the most common first-line treatment for moderate to advanced gum disease. It is a deep cleaning procedure performed below the gumline, where a regular cleaning cannot reach. Scaling removes hardened tartar and bacterial deposits from the root surfaces. Root planing smooths the roots so gum tissue can reattach and bacteria have fewer places to accumulate.

Infection Control

Infection control targets the bacterial load driving the disease. Depending on your case, this may include antimicrobial rinses, locally delivered antibiotics placed directly into infected pockets, or systemic antibiotics. Infection control is often used alongside scaling and root planing to maximize effectiveness and reduce inflammation.

Flap Surgery

When gum disease has advanced to the point where non-surgical treatment is insufficient, flap surgery may be recommended. The gums are gently lifted to provide direct access to the roots and underlying bone, allowing for a more thorough removal of tartar and bacteria than is possible from above. The gum tissue is then sutured back into place. Flap surgery can also reshape the bone when irregularities are present that would otherwise harbor bacteria.

The Link Between Gum Disease and Your Overall Health

Research consistently links periodontal disease to serious systemic conditions. Bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream and contribute to inflammation throughout the body. Studies have associated untreated gum disease with:

  • Increased risk of heart attack and stroke
  • Poor blood sugar control in diabetic patients
  • Adverse pregnancy outcomes including preterm birth and low birth weight
  • Respiratory infections and complications

Treating gum disease is not just about your smile, it is an investment in your overall health.

Preventing Gum Disease from Returning

Once treated, gum disease requires active maintenance to prevent recurrence. Our team will recommend a periodontal maintenance schedule, typically every three to four months rather than the standard six, and work with you on home care techniques to keep your gums healthy long-term.

Key prevention habits include:

  • Brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled brush
  • Flossing daily to remove plaque below the gumline
  • Attending all recommended preventive care visits
  • Quitting tobacco use

If tooth loss has already occurred as a result of gum disease, our team can discuss restorative options including dental implants once your gum health has been stabilized.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is gum disease reversible?

‍Gingivitis, the early stage, is fully reversible with professional treatment and consistent home care. Periodontitis, the advanced stage, is not reversible but is controllable. With proper treatment and maintenance, most patients can stabilize the disease and prevent further bone and tooth loss.

Does gum disease treatment hurt?

‍Scaling and root planing is performed with local anesthesia, so the procedure itself is comfortable. Some soreness and sensitivity for a few days afterward is normal. For anxious patients, we can discuss sedation options to make the experience more comfortable.

Can I get dental implants if I have gum disease?

‍Not until the gum disease is fully treated and stabilized. Active infection is a contraindication for implant placement. Once your periodontal health is under control, our team will evaluate whether dental implants or All-on-4® are appropriate options to replace any lost teeth.

Schedule Your Periodontal Consultation in Dallas

Don't wait for gum disease to progress. Call 214-340-9696 today to schedule with Dr. Nakhleh, Dr. Fisher, or Dr. Sharifi. You can also request an appointment online, learn more about our preventive dentistry services, or meet our dental team before your visit.

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