Periodontal Treatment

Gum disease is one of the most common yet most underestimated threats to oral health in the United States. It progresses silently, often without pain, and by the time many patients notice something is wrong, significant damage has already occurred. At Advanced Family Dental, we take periodontal health seriously because we know it is directly tied not only to the health of your teeth but to your overall well-being. Dr. Nelcy Triana and her team are committed to helping patients in Kendall and across Miami prevent, detect, and treat gum disease at every stage.

Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is a bacterial infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. It begins as gingivitis, a mild inflammation of the gums characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding during brushing or flossing. When left untreated, gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, a more serious condition that damages the bone and connective tissue holding teeth in place. Advanced periodontitis is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults.

Research has established strong connections between periodontal disease and a range of systemic health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, and complications during pregnancy. The chronic inflammation caused by gum disease can affect the entire body, making it far more than a dental problem. Managing periodontal health is a meaningful component of your overall healthcare, and at Advanced Family Dental, we approach it with that level of importance.

For patients with early to moderate periodontal disease, deep cleaning is often the first and most effective line of treatment. Unlike a routine prophylaxis cleaning, which addresses the teeth above and just below the gumline, scaling and root planing targets the bacteria, tartar, and calcified deposits that have accumulated in the pockets between the teeth and gums.

During scaling, Dr. Triana or our hygienist uses specialized instruments to carefully remove buildup from the tooth surfaces and root areas. Root planing then smooths the root surfaces, making it more difficult for bacteria to reattach and allowing the gum tissue to reattach more closely to the tooth. The procedure is typically performed with local anesthesia for patient comfort and may be completed in one or more appointments depending on the
extent of the disease.

At Advanced Family Dental, we offer laser treatment for periodontal disease using our advanced diode laser system. Laser therapy is a minimally invasive option that targets and eliminates diseased gum tissue with exceptional precision while leaving healthy tissue untouched. The laser simultaneously disinfects the treatment area, reducing bacterial counts significantly and promoting faster healing.

Patients who undergo laser periodontal treatment often experience less discomfort, less swelling, and faster recovery compared to traditional surgical approaches. It is an outstanding option for patients who want effective
treatment with minimal downtime. Dr. Triana will evaluate your specific condition and recommend the most appropriate approach for your level of disease.

For cases of advanced periodontal disease where non-surgical treatments have not been sufficient to restore gum health, periodontal surgery may be recommended. Surgical procedures allow direct access to deep pockets and infected areas that cannot be adequately cleaned through scaling and root planing alone. The goal is always to reduce pocket depths, eliminate disease, and create an environment that is easier to maintain at home.

Successfully treating gum disease is only the beginning. Once active disease has been controlled, ongoing periomaintenance appointments are essential to keeping it from returning. Periomaintenance visits are typically scheduled every three to four months and involve a thorough cleaning, pocket depth measurements, and a carefulevaluation of your gum health. This regular monitoring allows us to catch any signs of recurrence early and intervene before the disease progresses.

At Advanced Family Dental, we view periomaintenance as a true partnership between our team and our patients. We will work with you to optimize your home care routine, provide personalized recommendations, and ensure
that your gum health stays on the right track for the long term.