Periodontist in Las Vegas, NV

The first sign of gum disease is gingivitis, a condition where gums become inflamed. This is usually caused by plaque build-up, a sticky bacterial film that forms on teeth. Plaque irritates the gums, making them red, swollen, and more likely to bleed. Gingivitis is the earliest stage and can often be reversed with good oral hygiene and professional care. However, without treatment, gingivitis progresses to periodontitis.

Periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease, can wreak havoc on your oral health. Bacterial infection causes gums to recede and pull away from teeth while destroying supporting tissue and bone. This can lead to tooth loss and the need for procedures like dental implants to replace missing teeth. While periodontitis has no cure, our periodontics specialists help control and slow its progression through advanced treatments.

What are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?

Periodontal disease ranges from mild gum inflammation to severe damage affecting soft tissue and bone supporting your teeth. Recognizing symptoms early allows for more effective treatment and better outcomes. Common warning signs include:

• Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing

• Red, swollen, or tender gum tissue

• Persistent bad breath or taste

• Receding gums exposing tooth roots

• Loose teeth or changes in bite

• Pus between teeth and gums

• Sensitive teeth due to exposed roots

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to see Dr. John M. Quinn or Dr. Paul Leatham for diagnosis and treatment.

Periodontal Treatment Options

Early-stage gum disease typically responds well to professional cleaning combined with improved oral hygiene. Our hygienists remove plaque and tartar while providing education on proper brushing and flossing techniques. For more advanced cases, specialized procedures become necessary.

Scaling and root planing represent the gold standard in non-invasive periodontal treatment. This deep cleaning removes bacterial deposits from above and below the gum line while smoothing tooth roots to prevent future buildup. The procedure reduces pocket depth, inflammation, and bleeding. Many patients require periodic maintenance to sustain periodontal health.

For severe cases involving bone loss or deep pockets, surgical intervention may be needed. Modern techniques allow us to regenerate lost tissue and save teeth that might otherwise require extraction. When tooth loss occurs, dental implants provide an excellent replacement option, preserving jawbone structure and maintaining facial aesthetics.