Nonsurgical Gum Therapy

A conservative approach to gum disease

Gum disease is one of the most common — and most preventable — dental problems in adults. The good news is that the vast majority of cases can be controlled without surgery. At Lakeview Family Dentistry, our nonsurgical gum therapy program is designed to halt the progression of periodontal disease, restore gum health, and keep small problems from becoming big ones.

Our team takes the time to evaluate your gum health at every visit, measure pocket depths, and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your specific situation.

Scaling and root planing — the foundation of treatment

Scaling and root planing (sometimes called a deep cleaning) is the cornerstone of nonsurgical periodontal therapy. Under local anesthesia, your hygienist removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline, then carefully smooths the tooth root surfaces to discourage bacteria from recolonizing.

• Comfortable. Local anesthesia keeps the procedure painless.
• Thorough. Treatment is typically performed in quadrants over multiple visits so each area gets the time it needs.
• Effective. When followed by good home care and regular maintenance visits, scaling and root planing can resolve most cases of early to moderate periodontitis.

Adjunctive therapies

For patients with deeper pockets or more aggressive disease, we add targeted adjunctive therapies to support healing:

• Antimicrobial mouth rinses to reduce bacterial load between visits
• Custom home-care recommendations, including specific brushes, floss, and rinses for your situation
• More frequent maintenance cleanings (typically every 3–4 months) to keep things stable

What to expect after treatment

Most patients return to normal activities the same day. Some mild tenderness or sensitivity is common for a few days and is easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Within a few weeks, gums look pinker, feel firmer, and stop bleeding when you brush and floss.

Long-term success depends on consistent home care and regular periodontal maintenance visits. We'll work with you on a schedule that fits your needs.

When referral is the right call

For severe periodontitis, complex bone loss, or cases that haven't responded to nonsurgical care, we refer to trusted local periodontists we've worked with for years. You'll always get honest guidance about what's appropriate for your situation.