At James Martin, DMD, we prioritize your oral and overall health through comprehensive dental services and advanced technology. This type of dental issue requires early detection, personalized treatment, and consistent care.
If you want to keep your active lifestyle without worrying about symptoms worsening, then contact our dental office today and schedule an appointment to start treatment.
Understanding Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease occurs when your gums suffer from irritation, inflammation, or infection. There are varying degrees of periodontal disease, but no matter what stage it is at, periodontal concerns should be addressed quickly.
The different stages of periodontal disease include:
- Gingivitis: Gingivitis starts as just simple irritation of the gums, often a result of poor oral health and hygiene. Plaque can irritate the gums and cause pain or sensitivity. Gingivitis can be easily reversed and has no lasting effects.
- Periodontitis: This is the most serious stage of periodontal concerns, and includes infection in your gums. You may notice your gums receding more or even your teeth feeling loose. Periodontitis can cause loss of teeth and bone density. This is usually when we begin to do targeted treatments for your gums.
No matter what stage your gum disease is at, our office has a variety of solutions for your smile. Even if you haven’t visited a dentist in a while, we can help you regain your smile and health.
Symptoms and Signs You Might Need a Dental Deep Clean
A dental deep clean, also called scaling and root planing, is often the first step in treating periodontal disease. If you are struggling with these symptoms, a dental deep clean can help your smile get on the right track:
- Bleeding gums
- Swollen or painful gums
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Infection or bumps on your gums
- Discolored gums, especially white gums
- In severe cases, loose teeth
- Receding gums, especially in several areas
If you are struggling with these symptoms or are worried about your gums, the best place to start is a consultation with Dr. Martin. Call us today to schedule one.
Why Treat My Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease may start quietly with swollen or bleeding gums, but over time it can do lasting damage. Left untreated, gum disease doesn’t just affect your smile—it can compromise the bone and tissue that support your teeth. This can eventually lead to tooth loss, shifting teeth, and a decline in overall oral function.
Periodontal disease is also connected to gum recession. If you have struggled with gum recession, we offer gum grafts to get your smile rejuvenated and healthy once more.
Beyond your mouth, ignoring gum health often means more costly and complex treatments down the road. At James Martin, DMD, we help patients address gum concerns early, so you can protect both your smile and your long-term health while enjoying the confidence that comes with a stable, functional bite.
Gum Health and Whole-Body Wellness
Your gums are deeply connected to the rest of your body. Research has shown strong links between periodontal disease and systemic conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Chronic inflammation in your gums can increase strain on your cardiovascular system and make it more difficult to manage other health conditions.
By treating gum disease, you’re not only strengthening your smile but also taking an important step toward supporting your overall wellness.
What Are My Options?
Any dental treatment can feel daunting when you do not know how to get started or what to expect. At our dental office, we want you to feel comfortable every step of the way. Our treatment options to improve your oral health are:
Comprehensive Gum Assessments
To know how far gum disease has progressed in your smile, we will conduct a comprehensive gum assessment. After evaluating your current smile state, we will create a customized treatment plan. We know that healthy gums are the foundation of a strong smile so our plans will be created based on the nature and severity of the condition.
Advanced Treatment Techniques
Using the latest technology and techniques, we take your oral and overall health to the next level. Our commitment to long-lasting gum health starts with root planing, scaling, and state-of-the-art methods to manage gum disease. Targeting the root causes of gum disease will contribute to the overall health and vitality of your gums.
A dental deep clean, often called scaling and root planing, is a specialized treatment designed to target gum disease beneath the gumline. Unlike a standard cleaning that focuses on the surfaces of your teeth, a deep clean carefully removes plaque and tartar from below the gums where bacteria thrive. The roots of your teeth are then smoothed, which helps your gums reattach and makes it more difficult for bacteria to build up again.
Personalized Oral Care Plans
Gum disease progresses at different levels for each person, so we make all of our gum treatment plans based on your needs. The severity of your case at diagnosis will determine how treatment will be administered, including any oral hygiene routines and lifestyle changes your specific needs may require.
Ongoing Periodontal Maintenance
Gum disease requires ongoing care to keep it from progressing. Even after our initial treatment, you will need regular checkups and professional cleanings to monitor and maintain your gum health. This is essential to preventing gum issues from recurring and for maintaining a vibrant, healthy smile.
Laser Dentistry for Periodontal Disease
Did you know that lasers can help us treat your gums? Instead of a root scaling and planing with traditional dental tools, laser dentistry removes the infected areas of the gum while encouraging healthy new growth.
Here’s How it Works
Similar to a traditional dental deep clean, the gums will be lifted from the tooth root. The laser will remove any decaying gum tissue in these pockets, while instantly cauterizing the area. We may use dental tools to remove any extra plaque in the area.
We offer local anesthesia and sedation options for your comfort throughout this entire process.
Experience the Comfort of Laser Dentistry
Dr. Martin offers some of the most advanced technology for treating periodontal disease. We embrace the use of dental lasers in our clinic because they provide patients with:
- Minimized Discomfort: Laser treatment is far less invasive than traditional deep cleanings, which means less soreness during and after the procedure.
- Precise Targeting: The laser removes diseased tissue and bacteria with incredible accuracy, protecting surrounding healthy gums.
- Faster Healing: Because the laser reduces trauma to the gums, patients typically experience shorter recovery times.
- Reduced Risk of Infection: The laser sterilizes the treatment area as it works, lowering the chance of infection.
- Preservation of Healthy Tissue: Unlike traditional methods, laser dentistry focuses only on affected areas, allowing more of your natural gum tissue to remain intact.
- Improved Gum Attachment: By eliminating bacteria and encouraging tissue regeneration, laser therapy helps gums reattach to teeth more effectively.
- Comfortable Experience: For many patients, laser treatment reduces the need for anesthesia and is a more relaxed process overall.
Preventing Gum Disease
There are many things that you can do to prevent gum disease. Our office focuses on prevention, which is why we recommend:
- Brushing Twice a Day: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque along the gumline.
- Flossing Daily: Flossing clears away food particles and bacteria between teeth where brushing can’t reach.
- Rinsing with Antimicrobial Mouthwash: Adding a rinse can help reduce bacteria and freshen breath.
- Staying on Top of Dental Visits: Professional cleanings remove tartar buildup and allow Dr. Martin to catch early signs of gum disease.
- Choosing a Balanced Diet: Foods rich in vitamins C and D, along with lean proteins and whole grains, help keep gums healthy.
- Quitting Tobacco Products: Smoking and smokeless tobacco both increase the risk of gum disease and slow healing.
- Staying Hydrated: Drinking water encourages saliva production, which helps wash away harmful bacteria.
- Managing Health Conditions: Diabetes and other systemic conditions can affect gum health—keeping them controlled lowers your risk.
We work with you to prevent gum disease. If we notice anything during a cleaning or exam we will tell you, and can give you advice on how to improve your smile again.
Periodontal Care FAQs
Can Periodontal Disease Come Back After Treatment?
Yes, gum disease can return if it isn’t managed with consistent oral care and follow-up visits. That’s why ongoing maintenance and healthy home habits are essential after treatment.
Will My Dental Insurance Cover Periodontal Treatment?
Coverage varies depending on your plan. Many policies cover at least part of the cost for scaling, root planing, or other periodontal therapies. Our team can review your benefits and help you understand your options.
Is Periodontal Treatment Painful?
Modern techniques, including sedation dentistry and laser therapy, make treatment more comfortable than most patients expect. Dr. Martin also uses advanced numbing techniques to help reduce discomfort.
How Do I Know If I Need to See a Periodontist Instead of Dr. Martin?
Dr. Martin has extensive training and over 2,000 hours of post-residency education, allowing him to treat even complex gum concerns in-house. If your case requires collaboration with a specialist, he will guide you through the referral process.
Can Improving My Gum Health Really Affect My Overall Wellness?
Absolutely. Research has shown strong links between gum health and systemic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Treating periodontal disease supports not only your smile but also your whole-body health.
Protect Your Gums Today!
Start on your path to a healthier smile so you can get back to your active lifestyle without pain. Schedule an appointment to strengthen your smile today!
About Dr. Martin
Dr. James Martin received his doctorate in dentistry from Boston University in 2011 and then completed a one-year residency at Lutheran Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. He continues to travel all around the world to attend at least 200 hours a year of continuing education from the leaders in the field. Dr. Martin is also a Kois-trained dentist in order to provide top aesthetic and long-term oral health care. Dr. Martin blends innovation with personalized attention for a healthier, more radiant smile.
Darrell C.
“As a medical provider myself, I am quite impressed by the degree of care provided at this dental office. They have state of the art equipment and a beautiful clinic. Dr. Martin is incredibly thorough and the hygienist Marie has a delicate touch. Everyone at the front desk provided a warm welcome. And the soundtrack playing at the clinic was excellent If you want the best dental care, I recommend going here.”
Cheryl H.
“Dr Martin and the whole staff are amazing! I’ve been seeing Dr Martin for nearly a year now getting a lot of long overdue work done, and am currently nearing the end of the process of getting a couple implants. His work is amazing and top of the line! I have major anxiety in general, but excessive health (dental) anxiety and everyone here has been very supportive and understanding when I had many questions or just needed reassurance. Richelle, Kelly and Sabrina are the best as well and really make the whole experience positive.”
Judy P
“I don’t usually give reviews, but my experience with Dr. Martin and his staff have been excellent and beyond thorough. I’ve always had high anxiety with dental work. But, not this time with this office! I just got 2 crowns and a filling all in one sitting. The coolest thing is their oral sedation (which is free).
Didn’t feel a thing and just slept for a while after the procedure. If you suffer from dental anxiety and are sensitive to pain, I strongly recommend James Martin DMD and their awesome team! They really do rock!”
Jeremy W.
“Words can hardly express my appreciation. Their facility is High tech. They are knowledgeable and compassionate with a great ability to communicate. They enjoy what they do and take pride in their work. Dr. Martin is a true artist of his time and blessing to his field.”
Kathy G.
“This is THE Dental office to go to for fantastic personal care!! Dr James Martin’s staff is as caring and professional as Dr Martin. Every step of the way we have been treated with kindness and respect. Every step of the way the procedure has been explained in detail so I understand why things are going forward & the precise way that they are set out. Thank you to Dr James Martin and team!!”
Sherry W.
“Dr. Martin is the most thorough dentist I have ever been to. He truly cares about his patients and the quality of his work is excellent. The staff is so friendly and efficient at their jobs. The technology they use is very modern and some of their equipment I have never seen before with any of my previous dental offices. I highly recommend James Martin DMD!”
Darby M.
“This is by far the best dentist office I have ever been too. I would recommend them to anyone, especially those with fears of going. I have never felt more welcomed or treated with as much respect.”
Rebecca D.
“I have a major phobia of the dentist. Which has made me not go when I’ve needed too. After my initial call, the office emailed and text to follow up to have me make an appointment. Dr. Martin was great. He talked me through the first step of work I would need, and he made me feel comfortable. I was put under for my first step of work. I got a text the next day to follow up on my care and Dr. Martin talked me through the concerns I had. All of the team was wonderful as well! I appreciate this office and what they do to help people get the care they need.”
Jesse G.
“I’m completely amazed by how wonderful the staff is here as well as Dr. Martin. I can honestly say that I have never been this comfortable at a dentist’s office in my life. Dr. Martin truly cares about his patients and is passionate about what he does. I have low sinuses and he was able to extract my tooth without perforating my sinus. That was a first for me. He listens to his patients. I will never go anywhere else for dental care. From the first point of contact with his office to my most recent follow-up appointment today, the care, the kindness, and the helpfulness have been genuine and consistent!”
Dan C.
“Best dentist I’ve ever had. Everyone on the team is friendly and very knowledgeable. They really make going to the dentist a relaxing experience instead of an anxious one.”
Lauren Y.
“This is the best dentist I’ve ever been to! Go here and you’ll be completely satisfied.”
Brian C.
“All the things I was scared about and all my concerns, Dr. Martin dissuaded me from feeling those things. I’ve never been to any location, like any business or doctor, that’s really cared as much as [this office] does and goes out of their way to make sure that I’m taken care of; that’s a big thing for me. Things that I’m able to do now that I wasn’t before, that’d be being happy and proud to take pictures. Since getting all this work done and completed, I’m actually able to eat all the things that I want now.”
