Our Services
Gum Treatment
Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile — and your whole body's health starts here.
Understanding Gum Disease
More common than you might think — and more serious if left untreated.
Gum disease is one of the most prevalent dental conditions affecting adults. It starts as gingivitis — inflammation of the gum tissue — and can progress to periodontitis, a deeper infection that damages the bone supporting your teeth. Left untreated, it can lead to bleeding, swelling, bad breath, receding gums, and tooth loss.
What makes gum disease particularly worth taking seriously is its connection to your overall health. The bacteria that build up in pockets between your teeth and gums can enter the bloodstream when gums bleed, putting you at higher risk for conditions including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and respiratory disease.
We examine gum health at every checkup. If you've been noticing bleeding, tenderness, or persistent bad breath, let us know — we'll assess what's happening and explain your options clearly. We want to stop problems before they become bigger ones.
Periodontal treatment addresses infection and restores gum health at the root level.
Early detection at your routine checkup is the best defense against gum disease.
Why Vandervoort
Why Choose Vandervoort Family Dentistry for Gum Treatment
- Gum health assessed at every routine checkup — not just when symptoms appear
- Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) performed in-house for most cases
- Personalized hygiene guidance — toothpastes, rinses, and habits that actually help
- Clear explanation of your options before anything is scheduled
- Continuity of care — your gum history tracked visit to visit by a team that knows you
The Process
What to Expect at Your Gum Treatment Appointment
From evaluation to restored gum health, here's how treatment typically works.
Examination & Assessment
We measure pocket depths around each tooth and assess bone levels. This tells us whether we're dealing with gingivitis, early periodontitis, or something more advanced — and lets us plan treatment accordingly.
Scaling & Root Planing
For most cases, treatment involves a thorough deep cleaning — scaling to remove tartar and bacteria from above and below the gumline, and root planing to smooth root surfaces so gum tissue can reattach. We may also prescribe targeted antibiotics.
Follow-up & Maintenance
After treatment, we schedule a re-evaluation to confirm your gums are healing. Ongoing maintenance visits — typically every three to four months — help keep infection from returning and protect the progress you've made.
Have Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions About Gum Treatment
Explore More
Explore Our Services
Preventive Dentistry
Cleanings, exams, and early intervention — the foundation of long-term oral health.
Learn More →Restorative Dentistry
Crowns, bridges, implants, and full-mouth rehabilitation — planned around what you actually need.
Learn More →Dental Implants
Replace missing teeth with durable implants — planned with cone beam CT for long-term success.
Learn More →What Patients Say
“Staff is very friendly and courteous. Dr. Vandervort is an excellent, personable dentist. My husband and I highly recommend his practice.”
— Teresa S.
Read More ReviewsConcerned about your gum health?
We check gum health at every visit — but if something’s bothering you now, let’s take a look. We’ll tell you what we find and what we can do about it.