Gum Disease Treatment in Winslow, AZ
Bleeding gums, bad breath, or gum recession? We treat gum disease in-house — no specialist referral needed.
Stopping Gum Disease in Its Tracks
How Gum Disease Starts
Gum disease begins as gingivitis — red, swollen gums that bleed when you brush or floss. Left untreated, it progresses to periodontitis, where the gums pull away from the teeth and bone loss begins. Catching it early makes treatment far simpler. Catching it late means you're trying to keep teeth from being lost.
Deep Cleaning Treatment
If you've already developed early gum disease, a deep cleaning (also called scaling and root planing, or SRP) is usually the first step. We numb your gums and clean below the gumline, removing the tartar and bacteria that regular cleanings can't reach. Most cases take 2 visits — one side per appointment — and immediate improvement is common.
Ongoing Maintenance
Once you've had gum disease, you'll need cleanings every 3–4 months instead of every 6 — what we call perio maintenance. These cleanings keep the bacteria from rebuilding and prevent the disease from progressing. We coordinate everything in-house, so you'll never need to be referred to a periodontist for routine care.
Common Questions
What is gum disease treatment?
Gum disease treatment includes deep cleanings (scaling and root planing), ongoing maintenance cleanings, and home-care guidance to stop and reverse gum disease. At Winslow Dental, all gum disease care is provided in-house — no separate periodontist visits required for most cases.
How much does gum disease treatment cost in Winslow, AZ?
Costs vary based on the severity of your case. Most dental insurance plans cover deep cleanings as a basic or major service. We'll give you written pricing before treatment and walk through your insurance and payment options. See Finances & Insurance.
Does deep cleaning hurt?
Your gums are numbed before treatment, so the cleaning itself is comfortable. Some sensitivity for a few days afterward is normal. Patients with anxiety can request nitrous oxide for additional comfort. Dr. Gardner is known for thorough numbing — pain shouldn't be a barrier to care.
How long does gum disease treatment take?
Most deep cleanings are completed in 2 visits — one side of your mouth per appointment, each about 60 to 90 minutes. After the initial treatment, you'll come in every 3–4 months for maintenance cleanings to keep the disease from coming back.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have gum disease?
Common signs include bleeding when you brush or floss, bad breath that doesn't go away, gums that look red or swollen, and teeth that feel loose or have shifted. If you're noticing any of these, come in. Early stages are very treatable.
Can gum disease be reversed?
Early gum disease (gingivitis) can be reversed with deep cleaning and good home care. More advanced periodontitis can be controlled and stabilized — bone loss can't be reversed, but progression can be stopped. Either way, the sooner we treat it, the better the outcome.
Will I need to see a periodontist?
Most cases are treated in-house at Winslow Dental. For severe cases that need surgical treatment, we'll refer you to a trusted local specialist. Either way, we coordinate your care so you're not bounced around between offices.
