The Phases of Periodontal Treatment

Gum or periodontal disease is more common than you might think. In the United States, it affects approximately 40% of adults over 30, rising to 60% among those over 65.

Gum disease begins with minor signs, such as red, swollen gums, but can progress to tooth loss and bone damage if left untreated. The good news is that with the proper care, you can manage and even reverse the problem with expert periodontal treatment.

At Kathryn Jodry DDS, we guide our patients through every step of periodontal treatment using a phased approach that targets both the symptoms and the underlying cause of the disease. Let’s take a look at the phases of periodontal therapy and what to expect at each stage.

Phase 1: Evaluation and initial (nonsurgical) treatment

The first step in treating gum disease is determining its severity. During your visit, we examine your gums, check for signs like bleeding, swelling, or gum recession, and measure the depth of your gum pockets (the space between your gums and teeth).

We may also take X-rays to see if there’s been any bone loss. All of this helps us determine the severity of your gum disease and which treatments will work best for you. For most people with early or moderate gum disease, the first line of treatment is scaling and root planing. 

This deep cleaning procedure removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line. Scaling removes the sticky bacterial buildup that irritates your gums. Root planing smooths out the root surfaces, allowing your gums to reattach more easily.

This phase may require one or more appointments, depending on the extent of the buildup present. We also recommend antibacterial rinses or oral antibiotics to help reduce the risk of infection.

After deep cleaning, your gums begin to heal, and you should notice a reduction in bleeding and swelling within a few weeks. Good home care, including brushing, flossing, and regular checkups, is crucial to maintaining this progress.

Phase 2: Re-evaluation

After a few weeks, you return for a follow-up exam. This visit helps us see how your gums have responded to the initial treatment.

We measure your gum pockets again and check for signs of improvement. In many cases, thorough cleanings and improved home care are sufficient to manage early-stage gum disease. However, if your gum pockets remain deep or your gums are still inflamed, further treatment may be necessary.

If nonsurgical treatment hasn’t solved the problem or the condition is more advanced, Dr. Jodry may refer you for periodontal surgery. These procedures aim to remove deep infection and restore damaged tissue.

Common types of surgery include:

Flap surgery

In this procedure, a periodontist gently lifts the gums to expose the roots, allowing for thorough cleaning. They then place the gums back snugly around the teeth.

Bone grafts

Bone grafts rebuild bone that infection has destroyed.

Soft tissue grafts

Soft tissue grafts help restore receded gum tissue.

Guided tissue regeneration

Guided tissue regeneration encourages new bone and gum tissue to grow.

Dr. Jodry explains your options in detail and ensures you understand each step of the process. She only recommends surgery when it’s truly necessary to protect your oral health.

Phase 3: Maintenance and prevention

Once your gums are healthy again, it’s essential to keep them that way because periodontal disease can recur if you don’t maintain your oral hygiene. That’s why this final phase (periodontal maintenance) is just as important as the earlier steps.

You’ll likely need cleanings every 3–4 months rather than every six months, which is the standard interval between dental visits. These more frequent maintenance visits help keep bacteria from rebuilding under the gums.

We also continue to monitor your gum health, reinforce good brushing and flossing habits, and provide ongoing support to help you maintain a healthy smile in the long term.

Why early treatment matters

Gum disease doesn’t usually cause pain until it reaches an advanced stage — that’s why so many people don’t realize they have it until it’s serious. By catching it early and following each phase of periodontal treatment, you can avoid tooth loss, infections, and expensive procedures later.

If your gums bleed when you brush, feel tender, or look swollen, don’t wait — we’ll evaluate your gum health and guide you through a personalized treatment plan to get you back on track.

We’re committed to helping you keep your smile healthy and strong. Whether you’re in the early stages of gum disease or need more advanced care, we’ll work with you every step of the way.

Healthy gums are the foundation of a beautiful smile, so let’s protect yours. Contact Kathryn Jodry, DDS, by phone or via the form on our website.