What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal (gum) disease is a progressive bacterial infection of the gums and the bone that supports your teeth. It begins subtly, often without pain, but can silently cause lasting damage to your oral health if left untreated. Most adults are unaware they have it. Gum disease in Scottsdale, AZ, typically starts as gingivitis, a mild inflammation of the gums, and can advance to periodontitis, where the infection destroys the connective tissue and bone that hold teeth in place.
The good news: when detected early and treated with modern laser therapy, gum disease is highly manageable. At Scottsdale Implants & Periodontics, Dr. Braydon Haskell specializes in the latest minimally invasive techniques to stop gum disease in its tracks and help you keep your natural teeth.
Common Signs & Symptoms of Gum Disease
- Bleeding Gums:
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss are among the earliest, and most overlooked, signs of an active infection.
- Swollen or Red Gums:
- Healthy gums are pink and firm. Puffiness, redness, or tenderness to the touch signals inflammation and bacterial activity.
- Persistent Bad Breath:
- Chronic bad breath (halitosis) that doesn't improve with brushing is often caused by bacteria residing in deep gum pockets.
- Receding Gums:
- When gums pull away from the teeth, they expose sensitive root surfaces and indicate tissue and bone loss.
- Loose Teeth:
- Teeth that feel mobile or have shifted position may have lost the bone support needed to hold them securely in place.
- Sensitive Teeth:
- Increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods can result from exposed roots due to gum recession.
Conditions We Treat with Laser
Moderate to Advanced Gum Disease
Deep Periodontal Pockets
Gum Inflammation
Bacterial Infections
Crown Lengthening
Gummy Smile Correction
What to Expect from Your Treatment at Scottsdale Implants & Periodontics
From your first visit to long-term maintenance, every step of your care is thoughtfully designed around your comfort, your health goals, and your schedule.
- Comprehensive Evaluation:
- Dr. Haskell performs a thorough periodontal exam, reviewing your medical history and assessing gum health with clinical probing.
- Digital Imaging & Pocket Measurements:
- Advanced digital X-rays and precise pocket-depth measurements help map the extent of disease and guide treatment planning.
- Customized Treatment Plan:
- No two patients are alike. Your plan is tailored to your specific diagnosis, lifestyle, and goals, with all options explained clearly.
- Laser Therapy:
- Using precision laser technology, Dr. Haskell removes infected tissue and bacteria from the pockets while promoting natural healing.
- Ongoing Maintenance Plan:
- Gum health is a long-term commitment. Your personalized maintenance schedule keeps bacteria at bay and monitors your progress over time.
Gum Disease & Your Overall Health
Your mouth is the gateway to your body, and the health of your gums profoundly affects your overall well-being. Research has firmly established that untreated periodontal disease is linked to serious systemic health conditions.Chronic oral inflammation allows bacteria to enter the bloodstream, triggering systemic inflammatory responses. Treating gum disease isn’t just about saving your teeth; it may help protect your heart, manage chronic disease, and support a longer, healthier life.
- Heart Disease— periodontal bacteria are associated with increased cardiovascular risk
- Diabetes— gum disease can make blood sugar harder to control, and vice versa
- Systemic Inflammation— chronic gum infection elevates whole-body inflammatory markers
- Respiratory Health— oral bacteria can be aspirated into the lungs, affecting breathing
“Treating gum disease is not just about your smile — it’s about protecting your entire body from the inside out.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is laser gum treatment painful?
How many laser treatment sessions will I need?
How long is the recovery period after laser periodontal therapy?
Is laser gum treatment covered by insurance?
Am I a candidate for laser gum treatment?
What happens if gum disease goes untreated?