3100 S Congress Ave, Suite F, Austin, TX 78704
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease — also called periodontal disease — is a bacterial infection that affects the gums and supporting structures around the teeth. It develops when plaque and bacteria build up along and beneath the gumline, leading to inflammation and infection.
Over time, untreated gum disease can damage the bone and tissue supporting the teeth, eventually leading to tooth loss. Research has also linked periodontal disease to broader health concerns including heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
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Understanding the Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease develops in stages, and treatment depends on how far it has progressed.
Gingivitis — Early Stage.
The earliest and most reversible form of gum disease. Signs include red, swollen, or bleeding gums — particularly when brushing or flossing. At this stage, a thorough professional cleaning combined with improved home care can often fully reverse the condition with no lasting damage.
Mild to Moderate Periodontitis.
When gingivitis is left untreated, bacteria begin to work their way deeper below the gumline, forming pockets between the teeth and gums. Bone loss begins to occur. At this stage, a deep cleaning — scaling and root planing — is typically needed to remove infection and help stabilize the gums and slow disease progression.
Advanced Periodontitis.
In more severe cases, significant bone and tissue loss has occurred. Some patients also notice changes in their bite or difficulty chewing comfortably.
Treatment at this stage may involve more intensive periodontal therapy, and in some cases referral to a periodontist. Early intervention is always preferable.
Know the Warning Signs
Gum disease is often painless in its early stages, which is why many people don't realize they have it until it's more advanced. Watch for:
- Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
- Red, swollen, or tender gum tissue
- Gums that appear to be pulling away from the teeth
- Persistent bad breath that doesn't resolve with brushing
- Teeth that feel loose or have shifted position
- Increased sensitivity along the gumline
- Pus between the teeth and gums
- A change in the way your teeth fit together when biting
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, don't wait. The sooner we evaluate what's happening, the more treatment options are available to you.
How We Treat Gum Disease
Professional Cleaning & Oral Hygiene Guidance.
For patients with early-stage gingivitis, a professional cleaning combined with personalized home care instruction is often all that's needed to restore gum health. We'll show you exactly what to do at home to keep inflammation at bay.
Scaling & Root Planing (Deep Cleaning).
For patients with more advanced gum disease, scaling and root planing is the gold standard non-surgical treatment. This procedure goes deeper than a routine cleaning — removing plaque, tartar, and bacterial deposits from below the gumline and smoothing the root surfaces to discourage future buildup and encourage the gums to reattach to the teeth.
Periodontal Maintenance.
After active gum disease treatment, regular periodontal maintenance visits — typically every three to four months — are essential to keep the disease controlled and prevent recurrence. These visits are more thorough than a standard cleaning and are a critical part of long-term gum health.
Gum disease is a chronic condition, which means ongoing maintenance is essential for keeping it stable long-term.
Gum Disease & Your Overall Health
Research continues to show a strong connection between gum health and overall health. Chronic inflammation caused by periodontal disease has been linked to conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and complications during pregnancy.
Treating gum disease isn't just about saving your teeth — it's about protecting your overall health. We take this connection seriously and treat periodontal health as an essential part of your total wellbeing.
Straightforward Pricing, Flexible Options
Periodontal treatment is covered to varying degrees by most dental insurance plans, and we will work to maximize your benefits.
For patients without insurance, our TRU Club™ membership offers preferred pricing on periodontal treatment and preventive care. We also offer financing through Cherry and CareCredit for more extensive treatment plans.
The Sooner You Treat It, the Simpler the Fix.
Gum disease often progresses quietly, but early treatment can make a significant difference. Whether you've noticed symptoms or it’s simply been a while since your last visit, our team is here to give you clear answers and a comfortable, judgment-free path forward.