Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an infection and inflammatory condition that affects the gums and supporting bone around the teeth. In its early stages, gum disease may cause bleeding, swelling, tenderness, bad breath, or gum irritation. As it progresses, it can lead to gum recession, deep periodontal pockets, bone loss, loose teeth, shifting teeth, and eventual tooth loss.
Many patients are surprised to learn that gum disease is often painless until it becomes more advanced. A periodontal evaluation helps determine whether the condition is mild, moderate, or severe and whether treatment can be managed with non-surgical therapy, periodontal maintenance, gum surgery, bone regeneration, or other specialty care.
Dr. Robert DeVoll evaluates the health of the gums, bone, teeth, bite, and overall risk factors before recommending treatment. The goal is to help patients understand what is happening, why it matters, what treatment options are realistic, and what may happen if periodontal disease is left untreated.
Treatment may include deep cleaning, scaling and root planing, periodontal maintenance, localized gum surgery, bone grafting or regenerative procedures, laser-assisted therapy when appropriate, and long-term monitoring to help control infection and preserve teeth where possible.
If you have bleeding gums, loose teeth, gum recession, bone loss, or have been told you have periodontal disease, a specialist evaluation can help clarify the next best step.