Take Control of Your Gum Health
Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults, yet many people do not realize they have it until significant damage has occurred. At Williamsburg Dental Health, we screen for gum disease at every routine exam and provide effective treatment when it is detected.
For early-stage gum disease (gingivitis), a professional cleaning combined with improved home care is often enough to reverse the condition. For more advanced cases (periodontitis), we perform scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning that removes bacteria and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces to promote healing.
Ongoing Maintenance and Whole-Body Health
After treatment, we set up a personalized maintenance schedule to monitor your gum health and prevent recurrence. Patients from Williamsburg, Marengo, and across Iowa County receive periodontal care at both of our offices. Research links gum disease to heart disease, diabetes complications, and other systemic conditions, making treatment an investment in your overall health.
Recognising the Signs and Taking Action
Gum disease often begins silently. The earliest signs — red or swollen gums, occasional bleeding when brushing or flossing, and persistent bad breath — are easy to dismiss as minor irritations. Left unaddressed, gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, where the infection extends below the gumline and begins destroying the bone that supports your teeth. Pockets form between the teeth and gums, trapping more bacteria and accelerating the cycle. Eventually, teeth loosen and may need to be extracted.
Scaling and root planing is performed under local anaesthesia so you remain comfortable throughout the procedure. Specialised instruments clean the root surfaces below the gumline, removing the bacterial colonies and calculus deposits that drive the infection. Smoothing the roots helps the gum tissue reattach to the tooth, reducing pocket depth and giving your body the chance to heal. For moderate to severe cases, multiple appointments may be needed to treat different sections of the mouth.
After active treatment, ongoing maintenance is essential. Patients with a history of periodontal disease typically benefit from cleanings every three to four months rather than the standard six-month interval. These more frequent visits allow our hygienists to monitor pocket depths, remove any recurring buildup, and catch early signs of recurrence before the condition advances again. Combined with diligent home care — thorough brushing, daily flossing, and an antimicrobial rinse if recommended — most patients maintain stable, healthy gums for years to come.
Your Gum Disease Treatment
From diagnosis to ongoing management
Assessment
We measure gum pocket depths, evaluate bone levels with X-rays, and determine the severity of the condition.
Deep Cleaning
Scaling and root planing removes bacteria and tartar from below the gumline and smooths root surfaces.
Maintenance
We schedule periodic maintenance visits to monitor your gums and prevent the disease from progressing.
Key Benefits
Routine Gum Screening
We measure pocket depths and check for bleeding, swelling, and bone loss at every exam so gum disease is caught at the earliest stage.
Scaling and Root Planing
A deep-cleaning procedure that removes bacteria and tartar from below the gumline and smooths root surfaces so gum tissue can reattach.
Personalised Maintenance Plans
After treatment, we set a customised cleaning schedule — typically every three to four months — to keep your gums stable and prevent recurrence.
Whole-Body Health Connection
Research links untreated gum disease to heart disease, diabetes complications, and other systemic conditions, making periodontal care an investment in your overall health.
Both Locations Equipped
Periodontal evaluation and treatment are available at our Williamsburg and Marengo offices so you can receive care close to home.