Gum disease is one of the most common threats to adult oral health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly half of adults over 30 show signs of periodontal disease. The condition ranges from reversible inflammation to deep tissue and bone destruction, but with timely care it can be managed and often halted. At the office of M. Kurt Berky, DDS, PC, we focus on early detection, practical prevention, and proven therapies to help patients protect their smiles.
Periodontal disease begins when bacterial biofilm — the sticky layer of plaque that builds up on teeth — irritates the gums and the supporting tissues around the teeth. Left unchecked, that irritation becomes chronic inflammation. Over time, the inflammatory process can damage the connective fibers and bone that keep teeth stable, ultimately threatening tooth retention and oral function.
The early stages are often subtle: slight redness, occasional bleeding, or persistent bad breath can be the only signs. Because symptoms can be mild or intermittent, many people don’t realize a problem has begun until it has progressed. That’s why routine dental exams and professional cleanings are essential parts of prevention and early intervention.
Recognizing the warning signals of gum disease gives you the best chance to stop it before it causes lasting harm. Being proactive — combining attentive home care with regular visits to your dental team — helps preserve both the health and appearance of your smile.
Common signs to watch for include:
Gums that are swollen, tender, or darker than normal
Bleeding during brushing or flossing
Gum recession that reveals more of the tooth or root surface
Increased tooth sensitivity to temperature or pressure
Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth
Teeth that feel loose or changes in how your bite fits together
New gaps developing between teeth or difficulty with existing partial dentures
Discharge or pus around the gumline
Discomfort when chewing or biting
Oral inflammation doesn’t remain confined to the mouth. A growing body of research links periodontal disease with broader health concerns, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes management, and certain respiratory conditions. While the exact relationships are complex, maintaining healthy gums reduces chronic inflammation and supports overall health.
Because of these connections, our approach goes beyond treating symptoms — we emphasize prevention and education so patients can reduce their risk factors. Good home care, smoking cessation, and controlling chronic medical conditions all influence periodontal outcomes and long-term well-being.
When periodontal problems are identified, timely treatment can reduce systemic inflammation and restore a healthier oral environment. We work with each patient to create a treatment and maintenance plan that aligns with their medical history and personal goals.
Gingivitis is the initial, reversible stage of gum disease. It is characterized primarily by gum inflammation without irreversible loss of bone or connective tissue. Patients with gingivitis may notice occasional bleeding, tenderness, or redness, but many experience minimal discomfort — which is why regular dental checkups are crucial.
When gingivitis is addressed promptly, tissue health can often be restored through improved oral hygiene and professional care. A targeted clean to remove plaque and tartar, combined with consistent brushing and interdental cleaning, usually enables the gums to return to a healthy state.
Your dental team will work with you on practical steps for home care and schedule follow-up assessments to confirm healing. Preventing recurrence depends on maintaining good daily habits and keeping up with periodic professional maintenance cleanings.
If inflammation continues unchecked, gingivitis can evolve into periodontitis — a stage marked by tissue breakdown and potential bone loss. In periodontitis, pockets can form between the tooth and gum, trapping bacteria and accelerating damage. As supporting structures deteriorate, teeth may loosen or shift, and function can be compromised.
Treatment at this stage focuses on stopping the disease process and preserving as much supporting tissue as possible. That may include deeper cleaning procedures, targeted antimicrobial therapies, and, when necessary, surgical interventions to reshape tissues or restore lost support.
Early diagnosis and intervention remain the most effective defenses against severe tissue loss. With appropriate care, many patients are able to stabilize their condition and maintain comfortable, functional mouths for years to come.
Periodontal care now combines time-tested clinical techniques with advanced technologies that improve precision and outcomes. Non-surgical therapies such as scaling and root planing remove harmful deposits from below the gumline, while localized antimicrobials help reduce bacterial burden. For select cases, laser-assisted procedures can enhance access, reduce pocket depths, and support healing with less tissue trauma.
When tissue loss requires reconstruction, regenerative options — including bone grafting and guided tissue regeneration — can rebuild the framework that supports teeth or implants. These procedures aim to restore form and function so patients can enjoy durable results and improved oral health.
Every treatment plan is individualized. We consider your oral health status, medical background, and personal preferences to recommend therapies that balance effectiveness with comfort and long-term maintenance.
Selecting an appropriate course of treatment depends on the disease stage, the amount of tissue loss, and overall health factors. Initial efforts usually emphasize the least invasive, most predictable measures to regain control of inflammation and support tissue recovery. When non-surgical care is insufficient, surgical techniques are used to access root surfaces, reduce pocket depths, and reconstruct damaged areas.
We provide clear explanations of the goals and expectations for each approach and guide patients through the steps needed to reach stable periodontal health. Our goal is to preserve natural teeth when possible and to create an environment that is easy to keep clean and maintain over time.
When periodontal disease is discovered early, conservative measures often succeed. Scaling and root planing — careful removal of plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smoothing of the root surfaces — reduces inflammation and helps gums reattach to the tooth.
Adjunctive therapies such as locally delivered antimicrobials or systemic medications may be used when appropriate to enhance bacterial control. After initial therapy, a structured maintenance program is essential to prevent recurrence and monitor healing.
Non-surgical care is the foundation of periodontal treatment and is focused on restoring health with the least invasive methods possible.
When pocket depths are deep or damage cannot be managed with non-surgical care alone, periodontal surgery is often recommended. Surgery provides direct access to diseased root surfaces and allows clinicians to clean thoroughly, reshape tissues, and address bone defects.
Procedures such as flap surgery permit visualization and treatment of areas that are otherwise inaccessible. In many cases, regenerative techniques are used to encourage new bone and tissue attachment where appropriate.
Today, surgical care can be complemented by precision technologies and minimally invasive approaches that aim to improve comfort and recovery while achieving lasting periodontal stability.
Remove subgingival bacteria and thoroughly clean root surfaces
Arrest progression of tissue and bone loss and reshape affected structures as needed
Reduce pocket depths to make daily home care and professional maintenance more effective
Following surgical intervention, careful follow-up and a personalized maintenance schedule help protect the investment in treatment and support long-term oral health.
Protecting your periodontal health starts with awareness and timely action. Our team combines clinical experience with modern techniques to design treatment plans that meet each patient’s needs. If you have concerns about your gums, bleeding, sensitivity, or changes in tooth position, please contact us for more information and to discuss your options.
Most people don’t realize that periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults. According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every two adults over the age of 30 in the United States has periodontal disease.
You may be surprised to learn that the human mouth is home to a wide variety of microbes. The fact is that over 700 different strains of bacteria have been detected in the oral cavity. Although some of these bacteria are beneficial, others are harmful to oral health. Without proper oral hygiene and routine dental care, these harmful bacteria can cause tooth decay and gum disease, compromising both your oral health and overall wellbeing.
In addition to inadequate oral hygiene and infrequent professional care, other factors, including smoking, genetic tendencies, and unchecked diabetes, can contribute to the escalation of periodontal disease.
Your gums and teeth have an interdependent relationship, which means healthy teeth depend on the support of healthy gums. Also, taking care of your smile does more than keep your teeth and gums in optimal condition; good oral health also supports systemic health. In addition to being the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, researchers are finding more and more links between periodontal disease and a number of medical problems, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory problems, and adverse pregnancy outcomes such as pre-term and low birth-weight babies.
If you notice that your gums are bleeding with the slightest pressure while brushing or flossing, it’s a sign of gingivitis. Although gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, it can easily be reversed with deeper cleanings as well as an improved regimen of oral hygiene at home.
In the absence of professional treatment and better home care, gingivitis progresses to the next stage, which is known as periodontitis. In this stage, the connective tissue and bone that hold the teeth in place begin to break down with an increase in pocketing between the teeth and bone, gum recession, and bone loss. Without proper treatment by your dentist, periodontitis will progress from a mild to moderate loss of supporting tissue to the destruction of the bone around the teeth.
Although gingivitis can often be reversed with improved oral hygiene and professional cleanings, as periodontal disease advances, more extensive procedures are required to halt its progression. Based on a complete assessment of your periodontal health and a review of possible contributing factors, our office will recommend the best options in care. Treatment for periodontitis may include a series of deeper cleanings known as root planing and scaling, surgical procedures to reduce pocket depth, bone or tissue grafts, laser procedures, or antimicrobial medications.
The cost of care depends on the type of procedures required to restore your periodontal health. If you have dental insurance, plans often cover treatment to prevent gum disease as well as many procedures to treat the various stages of gum disease. Our goal is to help patients restore and maintain good oral health. We do all we can to help you begin care without additional stress or delay. Our business office works with you to maximize your benefits and provide easier, more convenient payment options.
By seeing our office regularly for care and doing your best to eat a healthy diet and practice good oral hygiene, you can keep your smile in tip-top shape as well as protect your overall wellbeing.
At the office of M. Kurt Berky, DDS, PC, we provide a comprehensive range of services to address all your oral healthcare needs. You can rest assured that your smile is in the best of hands at our office. Our skilled and experienced team maintains a position at the forefront of advances in care and remains dedicated to providing the highest quality of skilled and compassionate treatment.
Periodontal disease, commonly called gum disease, is an inflammatory condition that affects the tissues and bone that support the teeth. It begins when bacterial plaque and calculus build up along the gumline and beneath the gums, provoking an immune response that can damage soft tissue and bone over time. Because early stages are often painless, regular dental exams are important to identify disease before significant damage occurs.
Gingivitis is the reversible, early stage of periodontal disease characterized by red, swollen or bleeding gums, while periodontitis refers to more advanced destruction of connective tissue and bone around the teeth. Left untreated, periodontitis can lead to pocket formation, gum recession, tooth mobility, and ultimately tooth loss. Modern periodontal care focuses on stopping disease progression, repairing damage when possible, and maintaining long-term oral health.
Common signs of gum disease include gums that are red, swollen, or that bleed during brushing and flossing, persistent bad breath, and a bad taste in the mouth. Patients may also notice gum recession, exposed tooth roots, increased tooth sensitivity, or teeth that feel loose or that shift position. Because symptoms can be subtle, many people do not realize they have periodontal disease until a dental exam reveals pocketing or bone loss.
Other indicators include new spaces developing between teeth, changes in bite, drainage or discharge near the gums, and discomfort when chewing. Systemic factors such as smoking or certain medical conditions can mask or worsen symptoms, so a comprehensive evaluation by your dental team is essential. Early recognition and treatment improve the likelihood of saving affected teeth and restoring periodontal health.
Periodontal disease is primarily caused by bacterial plaque that accumulates on tooth surfaces and below the gumline; these bacteria produce toxins that trigger inflammation and tissue breakdown. Risk factors that increase susceptibility include poor oral hygiene, tobacco use, diabetes, certain medications, genetic predisposition, hormonal changes, and conditions that weaken the immune system. Lifestyle and systemic health factors often interact with local oral conditions to determine how aggressively gum disease progresses.
Smoking is one of the most significant modifiable risk factors because it reduces blood flow to the gums and impairs healing, while uncontrolled diabetes both increases risk and complicates treatment outcomes. Medications that reduce saliva or cause gum overgrowth can also contribute to plaque retention and periodontal problems. Regular dental care and early intervention can reduce risk and limit disease progression even in patients with systemic risk factors.
Diagnosis begins with a thorough clinical exam that includes measuring pocket depths around each tooth, assessing gum inflammation and recession, and checking for tooth mobility or suppuration. Digital radiographs or CBCT scans may be used to evaluate bone levels, identify localized bone loss, and help plan treatment. A complete medical and dental history is important to identify risk factors that affect diagnosis and treatment planning.
When needed, your clinician may also use adjunctive tests such as plaque sampling, bacterial testing, or a host-response assessment to better understand the disease process. These diagnostic tools help determine whether non-surgical therapy or surgical intervention is indicated and inform a personalized maintenance schedule. Clear documentation at baseline is essential for tracking response to therapy over time.
Non-surgical therapy is typically the first line of treatment and focuses on removing plaque and calculus from above and below the gumline to reduce bacterial load and inflammation. Scaling and root planing is a deep-cleaning technique that smooths root surfaces to discourage reaccumulation of plaque and promotes reattachment of gum tissue. Adjunctive measures can include localized antimicrobial delivery, systemic antibiotics when indicated, and antimicrobial rinses to help control oral bacteria.
Improved home care habits—such as effective brushing, daily interdental cleaning, and supportive oral hygiene instruction—are essential components of non-surgical care. After initial therapy, clinicians reassess pocket depths and inflammation to determine whether the disease is responding or whether additional intervention is necessary. Many patients achieve stable periodontal health with thorough non-surgical therapy plus regular maintenance.
Periodontal surgery is generally recommended when deep pockets (often 5 mm or greater), persistent inflammation, or significant bone loss cannot be resolved with non-surgical treatment alone. Surgical approaches, such as flap (pocket reduction) surgery, allow the clinician to access and thoroughly debride root surfaces and recontour damaged bone to reduce pocket depths and facilitate long-term cleaning. Surgery may also be indicated to correct gum recession, reshape soft tissue for improved hygiene, or prepare the site for restorative procedures.
Procedures can include flap surgery, osseous recontouring, soft tissue grafts, and access for regenerative techniques depending on the goals of care. Postoperative care and improved oral hygiene are critical to maintain surgical outcomes, and clinicians will establish a maintenance regimen tailored to the extent of disease and patient needs. With appropriate treatment and follow-up, surgical therapy can arrest disease progression and improve both function and aesthetics.
Lasers and other modern technologies can be valuable adjuncts in periodontal treatment by targeting diseased tissue and bacteria while minimizing trauma to surrounding structures. Procedures such as LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) and conservative laser debridement may reduce pocket depths, treat peri-implantitis, and provide an alternative to more invasive surgery in select cases. Advanced imaging, digital records, and laser precision help clinicians plan and execute treatments with improved control and visualization.
At the office of M. Kurt Berky, DDS, PC we combine traditional periodontal techniques with appropriate advanced technologies to match the treatment to each patient’s needs. Technology does not replace clinical judgment but can enhance patient comfort, reduce bleeding and swelling, and support predictable outcomes when used in the right clinical context. Your clinician will explain whether laser therapy or other technologies are appropriate for your situation during the treatment planning process.
Bone grafts and regenerative procedures aim to restore lost bone and connective tissue support around teeth that have been damaged by periodontitis. These techniques use grafting materials, barrier membranes, or biologic agents to encourage new bone growth and reattachment of periodontal ligaments, improving both support and appearance. Regenerative therapy is typically considered when there are localized defects that, if treated, can change the prognosis for a tooth from hopeless or questionable to maintainable.
Success depends on careful case selection, meticulous surgical technique, and patient commitment to oral hygiene and follow-up care. Your clinician will evaluate the defect type, overall periodontal condition, and systemic health before recommending regenerative options. When successful, these procedures can increase bone volume, reduce pocket depth, and create a more favorable environment for long-term tooth preservation or implant placement.
Prevention centers on consistent and effective home care combined with professional dental cleanings and regular periodontal evaluations. Daily brushing with a fluoride toothpaste, interdental cleaning (floss, interdental brushes or water flossers), and routine removal of plaque at and below the gumline are essential to prevent inflammation and attachment loss. Tobacco cessation, blood sugar control for diabetic patients, and managing medications that affect the oral environment also play important roles in prevention.
Routine professional maintenance visits allow clinicians to identify early signs of recurrence and deliver timely care such as scaling, root planing, or localized antimicrobial therapy. Educational support from the dental team helps patients adopt techniques and habits tailored to their anatomy and risk profile. Preventive efforts are the most reliable way to maintain healthy gums and avoid complex periodontal interventions.
Periodontal maintenance is an ongoing program of frequent professional cleanings and monitoring after initial therapy to prevent recurrence and preserve clinical gains. Maintenance appointments typically include assessment of pocket depths, careful removal of subgingival and supragingival plaque and calculus, reinforcement of home care, and evaluation of any sites that show signs of inflammation or bleeding. The interval between visits is individualized based on disease severity, response to treatment, and risk factors, and may range from every three months to longer for stable patients.
Regular maintenance is critical to long-term success because periodontitis is a chronic condition that can reactivate without proper care. Your dental team will document results at each visit and adjust the maintenance plan as needed to maintain periodontal stability. If new problems arise, early retreatment or adjunctive therapies can often prevent progression and protect your oral health.
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