Gum Disease Treatment in Beaverton, OR
Bleeding gums are not something to just live with. We find gum problems early, explain them plainly and treat them step by step.
Gum disease is common, quiet and very treatable when found in time. Most people do not feel pain until the problem is well along, which is why bleeding gums are worth mentioning even when everything else feels fine.
Two stages, two very different outlooks
| Gingivitis | Periodontitis | |
|---|---|---|
| What is affected | Gum tissue only | Gums, ligaments and supporting bone |
| What you notice | Red, swollen gums; bleeding when brushing or flossing | Gums pulling back, persistent bad breath, spaces opening, loose teeth |
| Reversible? | Yes, with cleaning and daily care | Can be controlled and stabilized; lost bone does not regrow on its own |
| Typical care | Thorough cleaning, coaching, closer recall | Scaling and root planing, then regular maintenance visits |
The takeaway: bone loss is the line you do not want to cross. Treatment is about keeping what you have.
Signs worth a call
- Gums that bleed when you brush, floss or eat
- Bad breath or a bad taste that returns quickly after brushing
- Gums that look longer, darker red or shiny, or that pull away from teeth
- Teeth that feel loose or bite differently than before
- Pus or tenderness along the gumline
Certain factors raise your risk: smoking or vaping, diabetes, pregnancy and other hormonal shifts, some medications that dry the mouth, a family history of gum problems, and long gaps between dental visits. None of these mean you will get gum disease. They mean it is worth being watched more closely.
Diabetes and gum health influence each other, so if you manage blood sugar, tell us. The American Dental Association has a plain-language overview at MouthHealthy.org.
How we evaluate your gums
Your exam includes a gentle measurement of the small space between each tooth and gum, called probing depth. Healthy gums usually measure shallow readings and do not bleed. Deeper pockets and bleeding points show where bacteria and tartar are hiding. X-rays let us see the bone level around the roots.
Dr. Gvozden will go over the findings with you in everyday language, point out where the trouble spots are, and recommend the simplest treatment that fits. If your teeth need a hygiene visit first to make an accurate diagnosis, we will say so.
Treatment options
Preventive cleaning
For gingivitis, a careful cleaning above and just below the gumline plus a plan you can actually keep up. See our adult exams and cleanings.
Scaling and root planing
A deeper cleaning under the gums, usually done one area of the mouth at a time with local anesthetic, that removes tartar from root surfaces and smooths them so gums can reattach.
Maintenance visits
After treatment, many patients return more often for a period so the pockets stay healthy. Frequency is set by how your gums respond.
Some advanced cases benefit from a periodontist, a gum specialist. If yours does, we will explain what that involves and keep working alongside them. We do not promise that every tooth can be saved, and we will tell you honestly when the outlook is guarded.
What happens after a deep cleaning?
Plan on some tenderness and mild sensitivity to hot and cold for a few days. Gums often look less swollen and pink up within a couple of weeks, and it is common for them to appear slightly recessed as the swelling goes down. That is the inflammation leaving, not new damage.
We usually re-measure the pockets several weeks later. Shallower readings mean the gums are reattaching. Pockets that stay deep tell us where more help is needed, whether that is an extra visit, a targeted treatment or a conversation about a periodontist. Either way, you will know where you stand and what comes next.
Gum disease and the rest of your health
Researchers continue to study links between gum inflammation and conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. The connection is still being clarified, and gum treatment is not a cure for anything else. But healthy gums are part of a healthy body, and managing both together makes sense. Please tell us about medical conditions and medications, since they can affect how your gums heal.
What you can do at home
- Brush twice a day for two minutes with a soft brush angled toward the gumline, using fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean between teeth daily. Floss, interdental brushes or a water flosser all work; the best one is the one you will use.
- Do not stop when gums bleed. Bleeding usually means the area needs more attention, and it tends to settle within a couple of weeks of steady care.
- Skip tobacco. It masks bleeding and slows healing, so gum disease can advance unnoticed.
- Keep your checkups. Tartar can only be removed professionally.
Gum health is a family habit. Kids can develop gingivitis too, and the routines you model at the sink matter. Dr. Hsu covers gum care as part of children’s checkups.
Loose or missing teeth from long-standing gum disease can be replaced with implants or dentures, and teeth that cannot be stabilized may need extraction. Beaverton, Aloha, Hillsboro and Tigard patients are welcome; call (503) 822-0096 to schedule a gum evaluation.
Questions patients often ask
Can gum disease be reversed?
Gingivitis, the early stage, can be reversed with professional cleaning and consistent home care. Periodontitis cannot restore lost bone, but it can usually be controlled so it stops getting worse.
Is scaling and root planing painful?
The gums are numbed with local anesthetic, so most people feel pressure and vibration rather than pain. Gums can be tender for a few days afterward, and a soft diet and gentle brushing help.
Why do my gums bleed when I floss?
Usually because plaque has inflamed the gum tissue, making it fragile. Bleeding that continues past a couple of weeks of gentle daily cleaning is a good reason to book an exam.
How is periodontal disease diagnosed?
With a review of your health history, a visual exam, gentle measurements of the pockets around each tooth and X-rays to check bone levels.
Will I need to see a periodontist?
Many patients are managed well in a general dental office. If you have deep pockets that do not respond, significant bone loss or a need for gum surgery, we may recommend a periodontist.
How often should I have cleanings after gum treatment?
It varies. Many patients return more often than twice a year for a while, and we adjust based on how your gums are healing.
Does insurance cover gum disease treatment?
Many plans cover deep cleanings and periodontal maintenance, with limits on frequency. We confirm your benefits before starting. See our insurance and payment options page or call (503) 822-0096.
Ready to book your child’s visit?
Tell us a little about your family and we’ll reach out to find a time that works. New patients — kids, teens and adults — are welcome, and we accept almost all dental insurance and the Oregon Health Plan (OHP).