Periodontal Services
Altoona Dentist
Last updated
Comprehensive treatment for gum disease and prevention.
We offer comprehensive periodontic services to diagnose and treat gum disease, helping patients maintain healthy gums and strong, stable smiles. From early detection to advanced deep-cleaning procedures, our team uses modern technology and gentle techniques to restore gum health and protect long-term oral function. Each treatment is carefully planned to meet your needs and support your overall well-being.
Gum disease can affect more than just your mouth; it impacts your ability to chew comfortably, preserve natural teeth, and even safeguard your overall health. Left untreated, it can progress quietly, leading to bone loss and tooth loss. At Altoona Smiles, we provide personalized periodontal care that addresses every stage of gum disease with precision and compassion. Don’t let periodontal concerns threaten your smile; explore treatment options that protect your health and confidence.
Our periodontal services are designed to detect gum disease early and provide effective treatment before it worsens. We’ll guide you through every step, from diagnosis to follow-up care, ensuring comfort, clarity, and lasting results. If you’re ready to protect your gums and preserve your smile, we’re here to help.
Restore Gum Health with Periodontal Care at Altoona Smiles
- Diagnosis of Periodontal Disease
We begin with a comprehensive evaluation of your gum health, checking for signs such as bleeding, gum recession, or deep periodontal pockets. Using advanced tools like digital X-rays and periodontal charting, we identify the stage and severity of disease. Early diagnosis is the key to halting progression and creating a customized plan that protects your gums, teeth, and bone health. - Scaling & Root Planing
When gum disease advances beyond routine cleaning, scaling and root planing provides a highly effective non-surgical solution. Scaling removes plaque and tartar from beneath the gumline, while root planing smooths root surfaces so gums can reattach more securely. This treatment reduces inflammation, supports healing, and helps prevent tooth loss by stopping infection in its tracks.
Featured Treatments
Diagnosis
Diagnosing periodontal disease is the first step in protecting oral health.
Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is an effective non-surgical treatment for gum disease.
Gum Disease Progression and Treatment Success by Stage
Treatment Success Rate %
Bone Preservation/Tooth Retention %
Gingivitis (Early Stage, Reversible)
99
100
Mild Periodontitis (Early Bone Loss)
95
95
Moderate Periodontitis (Significant Bone Loss)
88
80
Severe Periodontitis (Advanced Bone Loss)
78
60
Untreated Progression (No Treatment)
1
10
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
0%
50%
100%
Narrative: Shows that early treatment of gingivitis achieves nearly 100% success and complete bone preservation. As disease progresses to periodontitis, treatment becomes less predictable and bone loss becomes irreversible. Untreated disease progresses to bone loss and tooth loss. This demonstrates the critical importance of early detection and aggressive treatment.
| Gum Disease Stage | Clinical Findings | Treatment Success Rate | Bone Preservation | Treatment Approach | Prognosis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gingivitis (early) | Gum bleeding, inflammation; no bone loss | 99% | 100% bone preserved | Scaling, hygiene improvement , home care | Excellent; reversible |
| Mild periodontitis | Bleeding, pocket depth 4-5mm, early bone loss | 95% | 95% bone preservation | Scaling & root planing, antimicrobial therapy | Very good; arrest progression |
| Moderate periodontitis | Pocketing 6mm+, significant bone loss, possible mobility | 88% | 80% bone preservation | Scaling & root planing, possible adjunctive therapy | Good; requires maintenance |
| Severe periodontitis | Deep pockets 7mm+, major bone loss, tooth mobility | 78% | 60% bone preservation | Scaling & root planing + possible surgical treatment | Fair; some teeth may be lost |
| Untreated/Progressive | Bone loss, tooth mobility, abscess formation | 0% (continues progressing) | 10% bone remains | Extraction often necessary | Poor; tooth loss imminent |
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) | American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) | American Dental Association (ADA) | Journal of Periodontal Research | Periodontics journal studies on disease progression and treatment outcomes
Key Findings About Periodontal Services
Periodontal disease (gum disease) affects nearly half of American adults over age 30, according to the CDC, with prevalence increasing with age; untreated gum disease leads to progressive bone loss, tooth mobility, and eventual tooth loss, making early diagnosis and treatment critical for preserving natural teeth.
The progression of gum disease occurs in stages, gingivitis (inflammation of gum tissue, reversible with treatment) progresses to periodontitis (bone loss, partially irreversible) if untreated; early detection during the gingivitis stage allows non-invasive treatment to prevent permanent bone loss.
Risk factors for periodontal disease include smoking (major risk factor), poor oral hygiene, genetic predisposition, diabetes, hormonal changes, stress, and certain medications; patients with multiple risk factors require more frequent monitoring and more aggressive treatment approaches to prevent progression.
The connection between periodontal disease and systemic health is well-established; research shows that untreated gum disease increases risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes complications, and respiratory infections, making periodontal treatment important not just for oral health but for overall health outcomes.
Modern periodontal treatment emphasizes non-surgical approaches when possible, including professional scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), antimicrobial therapy, and behavioral modification (smoking cessation, improved hygiene); many cases of moderate periodontitis can be successfully treated without surgery.
Early detection of gum disease through regular screening, careful diagnosis, and patient education about risk factors allows preventive and less invasive treatment approaches that preserve more tooth structure and bone, whereas delayed diagnosis often requires more extensive surgical interventions or leads to tooth loss.
See Why Patients Trust Us Through Verified Reviews
“Periodontal disease is silent in its early stages, which is why so many patients don’t realize they have it until significant damage has already occurred. My goal is to catch gum disease early through regular screening and thorough diagnosis, then treat it aggressively before it progresses to irreversible bone loss. When we treat gum disease successfully, we’re not just saving teeth, we’re preventing serious health consequences and protecting the foundation that all your other dental work depends on. A healthy mouth starts with healthy gums.”
Dr. Eric Forsberg
Co-Owner & General Dentist
Questions Patients Ask About Periodontal Services in Altoona
How do I know if I have gum disease?
Early signs include gum bleeding during brushing or flossing, red or swollen gums, persistent bad breath, and receding gum lines. However, gum disease often progresses silently without obvious symptoms until significant damage has occurred. This is why regular professional screening is essential, the Altoona Smiles team checks for gum disease at every appointment by measuring pocket depth and evaluating bone levels on X-rays. If you notice any signs, contact the Altoona Smiles team promptly for evaluation.
Is gum disease reversible?
Early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) is fully reversible with professional treatment and improved home care. Once bone loss occurs (periodontitis), the bone loss is permanent, but the progression can be stopped and stabilized with aggressive treatment. The key is early detection, treating gingivitis aggressively prevents the permanent bone loss that characterizes periodontitis. This is why catching gum disease in its earliest stages is so important.
Can I have gum disease without symptoms?
Yes, absolutely. Gum disease is often called a “silent” disease because many patients don’t notice symptoms until significant damage has already occurred. Some people’s gums don’t bleed even with active disease. This is why regular professional screening and X-rays are essential, the Altoona Smiles team can identify gum disease before you develop obvious symptoms. Patients should not assume they’re disease-free just because they don’t see bleeding or swelling.
What’s the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gum tissue only, with no bone loss yet, and is fully reversible with treatment. Periodontitis involves progressive bone loss and is not fully reversible, though it can be stopped and stabilized. Once you progress from gingivitis to periodontitis, some damage is permanent. The goal is to treat gingivitis aggressively before it progresses to periodontitis, another reason early detection is so critical.
Does gum disease affect overall health?
Yes. Research shows that untreated gum disease increases risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes complications, and respiratory infections. The bacteria and inflammation associated with gum disease can enter the bloodstream and affect systemic health. Conversely, successfully treating gum disease improves not just oral health but also overall health outcomes. This makes periodontal treatment important for your total health, not just your teeth.