Periodontal Disease
Gum Disease & Periodontal Treatment in St. George, Utah
Bleeding gums are common — but they are not something you have to ignore.
Periodontal disease, often called gum disease, affects the gums and the bone that support your teeth. It can begin quietly with redness or bleeding and progress over time to deeper periodontal pockets, gum recession, bone loss, loose teeth, and eventually tooth loss if it is not treated.
At Riverside Dental Care, our dentists and hygienists routinely evaluate gum health as part of comprehensive dental care. We measure periodontal pockets, look for bleeding and recession, review bone levels on dental X-rays, and recommend treatment based on what is actually happening in your mouth.
If you have been told you need a “deep cleaning,” have noticed bleeding gums or persistent bad breath, or have not had your gums evaluated in a while, we can help you understand what stage you are in and what the next step should be.
Periodontal disease, often called gum disease, affects the gums and the bone that support your teeth. It can begin quietly with redness or bleeding and progress over time to deeper periodontal pockets, gum recession, bone loss, loose teeth, and eventually tooth loss if it is not treated.
At Riverside Dental Care, our dentists and hygienists routinely evaluate gum health as part of comprehensive dental care. We measure periodontal pockets, look for bleeding and recession, review bone levels on dental X-rays, and recommend treatment based on what is actually happening in your mouth.
If you have been told you need a “deep cleaning,” have noticed bleeding gums or persistent bad breath, or have not had your gums evaluated in a while, we can help you understand what stage you are in and what the next step should be.
4.9 from 600+ St. George patients
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is inflammation and infection involving the tissues that surround and support the teeth. In its more advanced form, periodontitis, the disease can damage the bone and connective tissues that help hold teeth in place.
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that continually forms on teeth. When plaque is not removed effectively, it can harden into tartar, also called calculus. Tartar cannot be brushed away at home and has to be removed professionally.
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that continually forms on teeth. When plaque is not removed effectively, it can harden into tartar, also called calculus. Tartar cannot be brushed away at home and has to be removed professionally.
Bacteria and inflammation can extend below the gumline and create deeper spaces around the teeth called periodontal pockets. As periodontitis progresses, those pockets can become harder to keep clean and the supporting bone around the teeth can be lost.
Gum disease is common. Current CDC information estimates that about 42% of U.S. adults age 30 and older have some level of periodontitis. The important part is not the statistic — it is catching the disease early enough to limit further damage.
Gum disease is common. Current CDC information estimates that about 42% of U.S. adults age 30 and older have some level of periodontitis. The important part is not the statistic — it is catching the disease early enough to limit further damage.
Gingivitis vs. Periodontitis
Gingivitis is the earliest and mildest form of gum disease. The gums may appear red or swollen and may bleed during brushing or flossing, but the bone supporting the teeth has not yet been damaged.
Gingivitis can often be reversed with improved daily plaque control and professional dental care.
Gingivitis can often be reversed with improved daily plaque control and professional dental care.
Periodontitis is more advanced. Once gum disease has led to loss of the bone or attachment supporting a tooth, that damage is not simply reversed by brushing harder or getting a routine cleaning. Periodontitis is a chronic condition that needs professional treatment and ongoing maintenance to keep it stable.
Signs You May Have Gum Disease
Periodontal disease can become significant before it causes obvious pain. That is why routine gum measurements and dental X-rays matter even when your teeth feel fine.
Bleeding gums
Bleeding when you brush or floss can be an early sign of inflammation, especially when it happens repeatedly.
Red, swollen, or tender gums
Healthy gums should not remain persistently puffy or inflamed.
Persistent bad breath
Bacteria around the teeth and below the gumline can contribute to ongoing halitosis.
Gum recession
The gums may pull away from the teeth, making teeth look longer or exposing sensitive root surfaces.
Deep periodontal pockets
The space between the tooth and gum can deepen as inflammation and supporting tissues break down.
Loose or shifting teeth
Advanced bone loss can reduce the support around a tooth and change how the teeth fit together.
Pain or difficulty chewing
Inflammation, mobility, or advanced periodontal damage can make chewing uncomfortable.
A change in your bite or denture fit
Movement of teeth or changes in supporting tissues can alter how the teeth or a partial denture come together.
You do not need to have every symptom to have periodontal disease. Some people have very few noticeable warning signs, which is why an exam is the best way to know what is happening.
What Causes Gum Disease — and What Raises Your Risk?
Periodontal disease begins with bacterial plaque and the body’s inflammatory response to it. When plaque and tartar remain around the teeth and below the gumline, inflammation can damage the tissues that support the teeth.
However, not everyone responds to plaque in exactly the same way. Certain health conditions, habits, medications, and inherited factors can raise the risk of developing more severe disease or make periodontal treatment more difficult.
However, not everyone responds to plaque in exactly the same way. Certain health conditions, habits, medications, and inherited factors can raise the risk of developing more severe disease or make periodontal treatment more difficult.
Smoking or tobacco use
Tobacco is one of the strongest modifiable risk factors for periodontitis and can also interfere with healing.
Diabetes
Poorly controlled diabetes is associated with a higher risk and greater severity of periodontal disease.
Home-care habits
Inadequate plaque removal allows bacteria and tartar to remain around the gums.
Genetics
Some people are more susceptible to periodontal breakdown even with similar plaque levels.
Dry mouth and certain medications
Reduced saliva and medication side effects can make plaque control and oral health more difficult.
Grinding, clenching, or bite problems
These do not cause periodontal disease by themselves, but excessive forces can complicate teeth that have already lost periodontal support.
Age and other health factors
Periodontitis becomes more common with age, and several systemic conditions are associated with increased periodontal risk.
How We Diagnose Periodontal Disease
A periodontal evaluation is more than looking to see whether the gums are pink. We combine several pieces of information to determine whether gum disease is present and how advanced it is.
Your hygienist or dentist may use a small periodontal probe to measure the spaces around your teeth. Healthy pockets are typically shallow. Deeper measurements, bleeding, recession, tooth mobility, and bone loss on X-rays can indicate periodontal disease.
We also review your health history and risk factors because smoking, diabetes, medications, and other conditions can affect periodontal health and treatment planning.
Your hygienist or dentist may use a small periodontal probe to measure the spaces around your teeth. Healthy pockets are typically shallow. Deeper measurements, bleeding, recession, tooth mobility, and bone loss on X-rays can indicate periodontal disease.
We also review your health history and risk factors because smoking, diabetes, medications, and other conditions can affect periodontal health and treatment planning.
Scaling and Root Planing: The “Deep Cleaning”
If periodontitis is present, Riverside may recommend scaling and root planing, commonly called a deep cleaning. This is different from a routine preventive cleaning.
Scaling removes plaque and hardened tartar from above and below the gumline. Root planing cleans and smooths contaminated root surfaces so the gum tissue can heal more closely around the tooth and the bacterial load is reduced.
Treatment may be completed in sections of the mouth and local anesthetic can be used for comfort. The exact plan depends on how many areas are affected and how deep the periodontal pockets are.
After treatment, we reassess the gums to see how the tissues responded and determine the right maintenance interval.
Scaling removes plaque and hardened tartar from above and below the gumline. Root planing cleans and smooths contaminated root surfaces so the gum tissue can heal more closely around the tooth and the bacterial load is reduced.
Treatment may be completed in sections of the mouth and local anesthetic can be used for comfort. The exact plan depends on how many areas are affected and how deep the periodontal pockets are.
After treatment, we reassess the gums to see how the tissues responded and determine the right maintenance interval.
Routine Cleaning vs. Deep Cleaning: What Is the Difference?
A routine dental cleaning is preventive care for a patient whose periodontal tissues are generally healthy. It removes plaque, tartar, and surface buildup from the teeth and around the gumline.
A deep cleaning is treatment for active periodontal disease. It focuses on deposits and bacterial contamination deeper below the gums and along root surfaces where a routine cleaning cannot adequately treat the problem.
A deep cleaning is treatment for active periodontal disease. It focuses on deposits and bacterial contamination deeper below the gums and along root surfaces where a routine cleaning cannot adequately treat the problem.
If you are told you need scaling and root planing, it does not mean your hygienist is simply doing “a more thorough regular cleaning.” It means the diagnosis and the purpose of the appointment are different.
What Happens After Periodontal Treatment?
Treatment is only the first phase of controlling periodontitis. Once bone and attachment have been lost, the goal is to keep the disease stable and prevent additional breakdown.
After scaling and root planing, we monitor pocket depths, bleeding, gum inflammation, and home-care effectiveness. Depending on your periodontal condition, maintenance visits may be recommended every 3, 4, or 6 months instead of the interval used for routine preventive cleanings.
Periodontal maintenance appointments include reassessment and professional cleaning above and below the gumline in the areas that need ongoing management. Your interval can change over time depending on how stable your gums remain.
After scaling and root planing, we monitor pocket depths, bleeding, gum inflammation, and home-care effectiveness. Depending on your periodontal condition, maintenance visits may be recommended every 3, 4, or 6 months instead of the interval used for routine preventive cleanings.
Periodontal maintenance appointments include reassessment and professional cleaning above and below the gumline in the areas that need ongoing management. Your interval can change over time depending on how stable your gums remain.
What If Gum Disease Is More Advanced?
Some cases respond well to non-surgical periodontal treatment. Others need additional therapy, particularly when deep pockets, significant bone loss, recession, or persistent infection remain.
Periodontal Pocket Reduction / Flap Surgery
The gum tissue is carefully moved so deeper root surfaces and affected areas can be accessed and cleaned.
Gum Grafting
Grafting can be used in selected areas where recession has exposed root surfaces or there is inadequate gum tissue.
Regenerative Procedures / Bone Grafting
Certain defects around teeth may be candidates for procedures designed to rebuild some of the lost supporting structures.
Treatment of Periodontal Abscesses
Localized infection may require drainage, debridement, medication, or other urgent care depending on the situation.
Laser-Assisted Periodontal Treatment
Lasers may be used in selected periodontal procedures, but they are a tool rather than a substitute for an accurate diagnosis and complete periodontal treatment plan.
Referral to a Periodontist
For severe or complex disease, Riverside may recommend evaluation by a gum specialist for surgical or advanced periodontal care.
What Happens If Periodontal Disease Is Not Treated?
Periodontitis does not simply disappear on its own. Without treatment and maintenance, the inflammation and infection can continue to damage the supporting tissues around the teeth.
The earlier periodontal disease is identified and managed, the more tooth support there is left to protect.
The earlier periodontal disease is identified and managed, the more tooth support there is left to protect.
Gum Disease and Your Overall Health
Periodontal disease occurs in the mouth, but researchers also study its relationship with overall health. Gum disease has been associated with conditions including diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
It is important not to overstate that relationship: an association does not mean gum disease directly causes every systemic condition. What is clear is that controlling chronic inflammation and maintaining oral health is an important part of caring for your overall health, especially if you already have conditions such as diabetes.
It is important not to overstate that relationship: an association does not mean gum disease directly causes every systemic condition. What is clear is that controlling chronic inflammation and maintaining oral health is an important part of caring for your overall health, especially if you already have conditions such as diabetes.
Dry Mouth, Southern Utah, and Gum Health
St. George’s dry climate does not directly cause periodontitis, but dry mouth can make oral hygiene more challenging because saliva normally helps wash away food debris and buffer the oral environment.
Dry mouth may be related to dehydration, medications, health conditions, mouth breathing, tobacco use, or other factors. If your mouth regularly feels dry, tell us. Managing the cause and improving moisture can make daily plaque control more comfortable and effective.
Water, appropriate saliva-support products, regular brushing and interdental cleaning, and professional dental care can all play a role in protecting gum health in Southern Utah’s dry environment.
Dry mouth may be related to dehydration, medications, health conditions, mouth breathing, tobacco use, or other factors. If your mouth regularly feels dry, tell us. Managing the cause and improving moisture can make daily plaque control more comfortable and effective.
Water, appropriate saliva-support products, regular brushing and interdental cleaning, and professional dental care can all play a role in protecting gum health in Southern Utah’s dry environment.
Common Questions
Periodontal Disease FAQs
Does Dental Insurance Cover Periodontal Treatment?
Dental benefits vary widely, but many plans provide some coverage for periodontal exams, scaling and root planing, periodontal maintenance, or other gum-disease treatment when the plan’s clinical criteria are met.
Some plans limit the number or frequency of periodontal services, require specific pocket depths or bone-loss documentation, or provide less coverage than the treatment your dentist recommends.
Riverside can help verify available benefits and provide an estimate before treatment. Insurance is useful, but the treatment plan should still be based on what is needed to protect your teeth and gums.
Some plans limit the number or frequency of periodontal services, require specific pocket depths or bone-loss documentation, or provide less coverage than the treatment your dentist recommends.
Riverside can help verify available benefits and provide an estimate before treatment. Insurance is useful, but the treatment plan should still be based on what is needed to protect your teeth and gums.
Insurance benefits verified when possible
Written treatment estimates before care
Financing options available for eligible treatment
No assumption that insurance coverage equals the ideal clinical treatment
Periodontal Care at Riverside Dental Care
Periodontal disease is common, often quiet, and influenced by much more than whether someone “brushes well.” The job of our team is to identify the problem, explain what we are seeing, and help you get the disease under control — not lecture you about how you got there.
Our dentists and hygienists routinely evaluate periodontal pocket depths, bleeding, recession, tooth mobility, and bone levels. When treatment can be managed in our general practice, we provide that care and ongoing maintenance. When a case would benefit from specialty treatment, we can refer to a periodontist.
Riverside Dental Care serves St. George, Washington Fields, and surrounding Southern Utah communities from two convenient locations.
Our dentists and hygienists routinely evaluate periodontal pocket depths, bleeding, recession, tooth mobility, and bone levels. When treatment can be managed in our general practice, we provide that care and ongoing maintenance. When a case would benefit from specialty treatment, we can refer to a periodontist.
Riverside Dental Care serves St. George, Washington Fields, and surrounding Southern Utah communities from two convenient locations.
About Us
Trusted by St. George Families for Generations
Don't take our word for it — hear from the patients who keep coming back.
" If you're dealing with a toothache, a broken or knocked-out tooth, swelling, or another urgent dental problem, call us right away and we'll help you figure out the next step. With extended weekday hours and two locations across the St. George area, Riverside Dental Care is built to help quickly when it matters most. "— Longtime St. George Patient
" #2 If you're dealing with a toothache, a broken or knocked-out tooth, swelling, or another urgent dental problem, call us right away and we'll help you figure out the next step. With extended weekday hours and two locations across the St. George area, Riverside Dental Care is built to help quickly when it matters most. "— Longtime St. George Patient
" #3 If you're dealing with a toothache, a broken or knocked-out tooth, swelling, or another urgent dental problem, call us right away and we'll help you figure out the next step. With extended weekday hours and two locations across the St. George area, Riverside Dental Care is built to help quickly when it matters most. "— Longtime St. George Patient
" #4 If you're dealing with a toothache, a broken or knocked-out tooth, swelling, or another urgent dental problem, call us right away and we'll help you figure out the next step. With extended weekday hours and two locations across the St. George area, Riverside Dental Care is built to help quickly when it matters most. "— Longtime St. George Patient
Our Locations
Two Convenient St. George-Area Locations
Care that fits your schedule — including early mornings and evenings.
Hours
Mon / Wed
7am - 7pm
Tues / Thurs / Fri
8am - 5pm
Saturday
Emergencies Only
Hours
Mon / Wed
7am - 7pm
Tues / Thurs / Fri
8am - 5pm
Saturday
Emergencies Only
Bleeding Gums Are Worth Checking
If your gums bleed, feel swollen, have receded, or you have been told you need a deep cleaning, do not wait for the problem to become painful. A periodontal evaluation can show whether you are dealing with reversible gingivitis, periodontitis that needs treatment, or another cause entirely.
New patients always welcome · Financing options available
4.9 from 600+ St. George patients
