Periodontal Care in South Philadelphia

Healthy gums aren’t just important for your smile — they’re essential to your overall health. Gum disease (periodontal disease) is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, and research has established strong links between periodontal health and systemic conditions including heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. At Pera Dentistry & Aesthetics, we take gum health seriously and offer comprehensive periodontal care to detect, treat, and manage gum disease at every stage.

Our South Philadelphia team conducts a thorough periodontal evaluation at every routine visit — assessing gum tissue health, pocket depths, bone levels on X-rays, and signs of inflammation or recession. Catching gum disease early means simpler treatment and better long-term outcomes.

Understanding Gum Disease

Gingivitis

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The earliest stage of gum disease, gingivitis is characterized by red, swollen gums that may bleed during brushing or flossing. It’s caused by plaque buildup at the gumline and is reversible with professional cleaning and improved home care.

Periodontitis

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When gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis — a more serious infection in which bacteria spread below the gumline, causing damage to the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. Periodontitis is not reversible but can be effectively managed with professional treatment.

Signs of Gum Disease

Red, swollen, or tender gums
Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing
Persistent bad breath
Gum recession (teeth appearing longer than before)
Sensitive teeth
Loose or shifting teeth
A change in how your teeth fit together when you bite

Our Periodontal Services

Periodontal Evaluation

At every routine visit, we measure the depth of the pockets between your teeth and gums, assess gum tissue health, and review X-rays for bone changes. This ongoing monitoring allows us to track your periodontal health over time and catch changes early.

Periodontal Deep Cleanings (Scaling and Root Planing)

For patients with active periodontal disease, a deep cleaning — also called scaling and root planing — is the first line of non-surgical treatment. This thorough cleaning goes below the gumline to remove tartar and bacteria from the root surfaces, and smooths the roots to discourage future buildup and encourage the gum tissue to reattach.

Periodontal Maintenance

Patients who have been treated for gum disease require more frequent professional cleanings — typically every three to four months — to keep the disease from progressing. This periodontal maintenance schedule is a critical part of managing the condition long-term.

The Connection Between Gum Health and Overall Health

The bacteria that cause periodontal disease can enter the bloodstream and contribute to systemic inflammation. Studies have linked untreated gum disease to increased risk of cardiovascular disease, poorly controlled diabetes, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and other serious health conditions.

Treating and managing periodontal disease is genuinely important to your overall well-being — not just your oral health.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontal Care

Is gum disease common?

Very. The CDC estimates that nearly half of American adults over 30 have some form of periodontal disease — and many are unaware of it, since early stages often cause no pain. This is one of the most important reasons to maintain regular dental exams and cleanings.

Can gum disease be reversed?

Gingivitis — the earliest stage — can be completely reversed with professional cleaning and improved home care. Periodontitis, the more advanced stage involving bone loss, cannot be fully reversed but can be effectively arrested and managed with consistent professional treatment and maintenance. Early intervention makes an enormous difference in outcomes.

Will a deep cleaning hurt?

A periodontal deep cleaning is performed with local anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout. You may experience some soreness and sensitivity in the treated areas for a few days afterward, which is normal. Most patients tolerate the procedure well, especially knowing that it’s addressing an active infection that, left untreated, would cause greater damage over time.

How many visits does a deep cleaning take?

A full deep cleaning is typically split across two appointments — treating one side of the mouth at a time under local anesthesia. This approach allows adequate numbing without affecting your bite and gives each treated area time to begin healing before we address the other side.

How often do I need to come in after a deep cleaning?

After completing a deep cleaning, most patients transition to a periodontal maintenance schedule of every three to four months rather than the standard six-month recall. This more frequent monitoring helps keep bacteria and tartar from reaccumulating below the gumline and allows us to track how the gum tissue is responding to treatment.

Does my overall health affect my gum disease risk?

Yes, significantly. Conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and hormonal changes (including pregnancy) can increase susceptibility to gum disease or affect how it progresses. Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors for periodontal disease and also impairs healing after treatment. Certain medications that cause dry mouth or gum changes can also affect periodontal health. Sharing your complete health history with us helps us provide the most appropriate care.

Ready to restore your smile?

Located at 1627 S Broad St, South Philadelphia. Coming soon to Haddonfield, NJ.