At Godfrey Dentistry in Somersworth, NH, we offer a full range of periodontal care in one place, from non surgical treatment and maintenance to surgical and regenerative procedures. We start with a thorough evaluation, explain what we find in plain language, and recommend the most conservative treatment that will protect your teeth. Our approach centers on prevention, because a healthy mouth supports a healthier body.
Schedule a Gum Health EvaluationSigns You May Need Periodontal Care
Anyone can develop gum disease, but some patients are at higher risk. A thorough exam tells us whether treatment is needed and how urgent it is. You may benefit from an evaluation if any of these situations apply.
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
- Gums that are pulling away from your teeth, or teeth that look longer
- Loose teeth, or teeth that have shifted or gapped
- Pus or a bump on the gums
- A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
If you have pain, swelling, or a fever along with these symptoms, our emergency dentistry page explains what to do.
Who Should Be Evaluated for Periodontal Care?
Gum disease often develops quietly, and many people feel little or no pain until it is advanced. That is why regular exams and measurements of the gum pockets matter so much. Please schedule a visit if you notice any of the following.
- You notice bleeding, swelling, or tenderness in your gums
- Your gums are receding or your teeth look longer than they used to
- You have loose teeth or changes in how your teeth fit together
- You have had gum disease before and need ongoing maintenance
- You are planning dental implants and need healthy gums and bone to support them
- You have a family history of gum disease, or you smoke or use tobacco
- You have a condition such as diabetes that can affect gum health
Our Periodontal Services at a Glance
Every patient’s gums are different, so we offer treatments for different stages and needs. Each service is explained in detail below. Use these links to jump to the one you want to learn about.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical treatment for gum disease that removes plaque and calculus from beneath the gums and smooths the tooth roots. This helps the gums heal and reattach while making it harder for bacteria to accumulate. It may be recommended for deep pockets around the teeth, bleeding or swollen gums, calculus buildup beneath the gumline, or early to moderate gum disease.
We numb the area as needed to keep you comfortable and may treat one section of your mouth at a time, depending on your needs.
Learn More About Scaling and Root PlaningARESTIN® for Targeted Treatment
ARESTIN® is a locally applied antibiotic that delivers minocycline microspheres in the form of a powder. It is placed directly into an infected periodontal pocket at the time of scaling and root planing, which makes treatment easy and targeted. The microspheres adhere to the surrounding surfaces to provide a sustained release of the antibiotic at the site of active infection. It is used for pocket depth reduction and may be part of a periodontal maintenance program. Benefits of ARESTIN® include the following.
- No local anesthesia required
- No adhesive required
- No dressing required
- No need for removal, since the microspheres are completely bioresorbed
- Remains active in the pocket for an extended period of time
Gum Grafting
Gum grafting treats root exposure caused by receded gum tissue. When gums recede, the roots of the teeth become exposed, which can cause sensitivity, make teeth look longer, and increase the risk of decay and further recession. In this procedure, tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth or from gum tissue near the tooth and stitched into the area that needs repair.
Learn More About Gum GraftingOsseous Surgery (Pocket Depth Reduction)
Osseous surgery, also called pocket depth reduction, is a surgical procedure used to smooth and reshape affected bone under the gum tissue. It is performed when a pocket around a tooth or teeth has not responded to other treatments. By reshaping the bone, the procedure creates a shallower pocket, which makes it difficult for bacteria to survive and damage the bone. That helps protect against bone loss and ultimately tooth loss. It may be recommended when deep pockets remain after scaling and root planing, or when bone has been left uneven by gum disease.
Bone Regeneration
Bone regeneration is a periodontal surgical procedure that regenerates jaw bone and the surrounding tissue. It is often performed to protect your existing teeth and the tissues that keep them in place from bacterial plaque. During the procedure, the gum tissue is folded back so the disease causing bacteria can be removed. Membranes, bone grafts, or tissue stimulating proteins can then be used to encourage the body’s natural ability to regenerate bone and tissue. It may be an option when gum disease has caused bone loss around a tooth that can still be saved.
Ridge Preservation
When a tooth is removed, the bone that supported it begins to shrink, which can leave the area weaker and make it harder to place a restoration later. Ridge preservation involves placing a regenerative bone grafting material into the empty tooth socket to rebuild bone where an extraction has left a weakened area. This process encourages your body’s natural capacity to regenerate bone. It is especially helpful if you plan to replace the tooth with a dental implant, since it helps protect the foundation for your new tooth. You can read about our tooth extractions services if a tooth cannot be saved.
Periodontal Splinting
Periodontal splinting stabilizes teeth that have become loose because of bone loss from periodontal disease. Our doctor will determine whether splints are needed, since careful management of the disease can sometimes make teeth more stable on its own. When they are needed, splints may use stabilizing wire or ribbon, composite resin, crowns, inlays and onlays, or veneers to accomplish the goal of stabilizing the teeth. Splinting can improve comfort when chewing and help loose teeth stay in place while the underlying disease is treated.
Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening removes gum tissue and, in some cases, bone to expose more of a tooth’s structure. It is one of several cosmetic periodontal procedures, along with soft tissue grafts and bone grafting. These procedures can enhance your smile and your dental work by correcting a number of concerns.
Your Path to Healthier Gums, Step by Step
Periodontal care follows a clear plan, and we begin with the most conservative options whenever possible. Knowing what to expect can help you feel at ease. Here is how we guide you.
01
Comprehensive Periodontal Evaluation
We examine your teeth and gums, measure the depth of the spaces around each tooth, and take digital X-rays or 3D images to look at your bone.
02
Diagnosis and Explanation
We explain what we found in plain language, including the stage of any gum disease and what it means for your teeth.
03
Your Personalized Treatment Plan
We outline your options, the order of treatment, the timeline, and your estimated costs. The decision to move forward is always yours.
04
Non Surgical Treatment First
Many patients begin with scaling and root planing, sometimes along with a locally applied antibiotic, to remove buildup and help the gums heal.
05
Surgical or Regenerative Care When Needed
If pockets, bone loss, or recession do not respond to other treatment, procedures such as osseous surgery, bone regeneration, or gum grafting may be recommended.
06
Maintenance and Home Care
We create a periodontal maintenance schedule and show you how to care for your gums at home so your results last.
Benefits of Treating Gum Disease Early
Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults, but it is also largely preventable and treatable. Acting early protects your teeth, your comfort, and your overall health. Patients who treat gum problems promptly often notice these benefits.
- Healthier, calmer gums. Less bleeding, swelling, and tenderness.
- Fresher breath. Removing bacteria and buildup helps eliminate a common source of bad breath.
- Protection for your teeth and bone. Stopping the disease helps keep your teeth firmly in place.
- Fewer complex treatments. Early care can help you avoid surgery, extractions, and replacements later.
- A more comfortable bite. Stable teeth and healthy gums make chewing easier.
- Support for your overall health. Oral health is part of overall wellness, and gum disease has been linked to other health concerns.
- A better foundation for other treatment. Healthy gums support implants, crowns, and cosmetic work.
Although a bridge is permanent in the sense that it is attached and cannot be removed at home, most bridges will need to be replaced at some point because of normal wear or breakage. Good care helps you get as many years from your bridge as possible.
Understanding the Cost of Gum Care
Many patients want to understand costs before they begin, and we are happy to explain. The cost depends on the treatment you need, the number of areas involved, and whether surgery is recommended. Dental plans often cover part of periodontal treatment, although coverage levels, waiting periods, and annual maximums vary. Our team will review your benefits, explain your options, and give you a clear estimate before treatment begins. We accept all dental insurance plans except Medicaid, we are in network with Delta Dental Premier, and we offer financing through Sunbit for care that insurance does not fully cover.
Protect Your Gums Before Small Problems Grow
Gum disease rarely goes away on its own, and early care is almost always simpler and more comfortable. Whether you have noticed bleeding gums or want to protect your smile for the long term, our team is ready to help. Our team at Godfrey Dentistry in Somersworth, NH will evaluate your gums, explain your options, and guide you every step of the way. Schedule your gum health evaluation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Periodontal Treatment
Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, is an infection of the gums and the bone that support your teeth. It begins when plaque builds up along the gumline and hardens into calculus, and the bacteria inflame and damage the surrounding tissue. In early stages, it is called gingivitis, and in more advanced stages, it is called periodontitis, which can cause bone loss and loose teeth. It can be treated at every stage, and early treatment is the simplest.
Common signs include red, swollen, or tender gums, bleeding when you brush or floss, persistent bad breath, gums that are pulling away from the teeth, and loose or shifting teeth. Many people notice only mild symptoms at first, and some have none. A periodontal evaluation, including measurements of the pockets around your teeth, can find gum disease early. If you notice any of these signs, schedule an exam as soon as you can.
Gingivitis, the earliest stage, can often be reversed with professional cleanings and good home care. Once the disease has progressed to periodontitis, damage to the bone cannot always be fully undone, but it can be stopped and controlled with treatment. Some procedures, such as bone regeneration and gum grafting, can also help rebuild lost tissue in certain cases. The earlier you start, the better the outcome.
A regular cleaning removes plaque and tartar from the visible surfaces of your teeth and just beneath the gumline, and it is meant for healthy mouths. Scaling and root planing is a non surgical deep cleaning used to treat gum disease. During scaling, specialized instruments remove plaque and calculus from beneath the gums, and during root planing, the root surfaces are smoothed so the gums can heal and reattach. Our team will tell you which one you need based on your exam.
Periodontal maintenance is a program of ongoing visits that helps keep gum disease under control after treatment. Each visit includes an oral exam, a dental cleaning, and a check of your gum health. We recommend a schedule based on how quickly you develop calculus and your past and current periodontal health, and many patients come every three to four months. Keeping these visits is one of the best ways to protect your teeth.
Most patients are comfortable during periodontal treatment. We numb the area with local anesthetic when needed, so you should feel pressure but not pain. Some soreness or sensitivity afterward is normal and usually fades in a few days. If you are nervous about treatment, tell our team so we can talk through your comfort options.
Gum grafting treats receded gums and exposed roots by stitching tissue from the roof of the mouth or nearby gum tissue into the area that needs repair. For bone loss, bone regeneration can help regenerate jaw bone and surrounding tissue around a tooth that can be saved, and osseous surgery can reshape bone to reduce deep pockets. After an extraction, ridge preservation places grafting material in the empty socket to protect bone for a future restoration. We will recommend what fits your situation after an exam.
Many dental plans cover part of periodontal treatment, such as scaling and root planing and periodontal maintenance, although coverage levels, waiting periods, and annual maximums vary. Surgical procedures are often covered differently. We accept all dental insurance plans except Medicaid and are in network with Delta Dental Premier, and we offer financing through Sunbit. Our team will verify your benefits and explain your costs before treatment begins. You can learn more on our Insurance and Financing page.
