Top-Rated Periodontist In Chandler, AZ
Protecting Your Smile and Your Overall Health
Most people worry about cavities, but the truth is that gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Not decay. Not accidents. Gum disease.
The challenging part? Gum disease often develops silently, with few symptoms in its early stages. By the time many people realize they have a problem, significant damage has already occurred. But here’s the good news: gum disease is preventable, treatable, and in many cases, reversible when caught early.
At Smiles Chandler, we provide comprehensive periodontal care for patients throughout Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Mesa, and the East Valley. Whether you’re experiencing bleeding gums, have been told you need gum surgery, or simply want to maintain healthy gums, our experienced team can help.
Located at 912 W. Chandler Boulevard near Arizona Avenue, we’ve been helping Chandler families maintain healthy smiles for over 40 years. We offer both non-surgical and surgical treatment options for gum disease, always starting with the most conservative approach.
Concerned about your gum health? Call (480) 814-1333 to schedule a comprehensive periodontal evaluation.
Understanding Gum Disease
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease or periodontitis, is a bacterial infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It begins with gingivitis, a mild inflammation of the gums, and can progress to more serious conditions that damage the soft tissue and bone supporting your teeth.
The Stages of Gum Disease
Gingivitis (Early Stage) is completely reversible with treatment. Gums appear red and swollen, bleeding when brushing or flossing. At this stage, the infection affects only the gums, not the bone.
Periodontitis (Moderate Stage) occurs when gums begin pulling away from teeth, forming pockets where bacteria accumulate. Inflammation extends below the gum line, bone loss begins, and teeth may become slightly loose.
Advanced Periodontitis (Severe Stage) involves significant bone loss, deep pockets between teeth and gums, loose or shifting teeth, and changes in bite alignment that may lead to tooth loss without treatment.
The progression from gingivitis to advanced periodontitis can take years, giving us opportunities to intervene and stop the disease before serious damage occurs.
Warning Signs of Gum Disease
Many people have gum disease without realizing it. Pay attention to these warning signs:
Common symptoms include:
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Gums that have pulled away from teeth
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Changes in how your teeth fit together when you bite
- Pus between teeth and gums
- Receding gums, making teeth appear longer
Important note: You can have gum disease even without obvious symptoms, especially in the early stages. Regular dental checkups at our Chandler dental office allow us to detect and treat gum disease before you notice any problems.
Warning Signs of Gum Disease
Many people have gum disease without realizing it. Pay attention to these warning signs:
Common symptoms include:
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Gums that have pulled away from teeth
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Changes in how your teeth fit together when you bite
- Pus between teeth and gums
- Receding gums, making teeth appear longer
Important note: You can have gum disease even without obvious symptoms, especially in the early stages. Regular dental checkups at our Chandler dental office allow us to detect and treat gum disease before you notice any problems.
The Serious Health Risks of Untreated Gum Disease
For years, dentists treated gum disease as a condition that only affected the mouth. Research has changed that understanding dramatically. Gum disease is now linked to serious health conditions throughout your body.
Gum Disease and Heart Disease
The connection between gum disease and heart disease is one of the most well-documented links in medical research. The American Academy of Periodontology reports that periodontal infection may contribute to the development of heart disease.
Here’s what happens: bacteria from infected gums can enter your bloodstream and travel directly to your heart. These bacteria can attach to fatty plaques in blood vessels, contributing to clot formation and increasing your risk of heart attack and stroke.
Studies show that people with gum disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease compared to those with healthy gums.
Other Health Connections
Research has found links between gum disease and:
Diabetes
- People with diabetes are more susceptible to gum disease
- Gum disease makes it harder to control blood sugar
- Creates a dangerous cycle that affects both conditions
Respiratory Disease
- Bacteria from the mouth can be breathed into lungs
- May worsen conditions like pneumonia and COPD
- Particularly dangerous for elderly patients
Pregnancy Complications
- Increased risk of premature birth
- Higher likelihood of low birth weight babies
- Pregnancy hormones can worsen existing gum disease
Alzheimer’s Disease
- Recent studies suggest possible links
- Chronic inflammation may play a role
- Research is ongoing
The American Dental Association estimates that 8 out of 10 Americans have some form of periodontal disease. If gum disease were any other condition affecting this many people with these serious health implications, it would be considered an epidemic.
This is why treating gum disease isn’t just about saving your teeth. It’s about protecting your overall health.
Non-Surgical Gum Disease Treatment in Chandler
Not everyone with gum disease needs surgery. In fact, we always start with the most conservative treatment options. For mild to moderate gum disease, non-surgical treatments are often highly effective.
Antibiotic Therapy
Sometimes we use antibiotics in conjunction with scaling and root planing to help eliminate infection. These may be:
- Topical antibiotics placed directly in periodontal pockets
- Oral antibiotics taken systemically to fight infection throughout your mouth
- Antimicrobial mouth rinses to reduce bacteria
Non-Surgical Gum Disease Treatment in Chandler
Not everyone with gum disease needs surgery. In fact, we always start with the most conservative treatment options. For mild to moderate gum disease, non-surgical treatments are often highly effective.
Antibiotic Therapy
Sometimes we use antibiotics in conjunction with scaling and root planing to help eliminate infection. These may be:
- Topical antibiotics placed directly in periodontal pockets
- Oral antibiotics taken systemically to fight infection throughout your mouth
- Antimicrobial mouth rinses to reduce bacteria
Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
This is the most common non-surgical treatment for gum disease. Think of it as a very thorough cleaning that goes deeper than a regular cleaning.
Scaling removes plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces and beneath the gum line, where regular brushing and flossing can’t reach.
Root planing smooths the tooth roots, making it harder for bacteria to attach and helping gums reattach to teeth.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia for your comfort. We typically treat one or two quadrants of your mouth at a time. Most patients experience minimal discomfort and notice improvement in gum health within a few weeks.
Improved Home Care
We’ll work with you to improve your daily oral hygiene routine. This might include:
- Better brushing techniques with a soft-bristled brush
- Proper flossing methods to clean below the gum line
- Use of interdental brushes for hard-to-reach areas
- Antimicrobial mouthwash recommendations
- More frequent professional cleanings (every 3-4 months)
With early-stage gum disease, improved hygiene combined with professional deep cleaning can actually reverse the condition. Your gums can return to health, and you can keep your natural teeth.
Surgical Treatment for Advanced Gum Disease
When gum disease has progressed to the point where non-surgical methods aren’t enough, surgical treatment may be necessary. While no one wants surgery, periodontal surgery is almost always successful in controlling the disease and preventing further damage.
Pocket Reduction Surgery
Also called flap surgery, this procedure reduces the depth of periodontal pockets. Dr. Dulgarian folds back the gum tissue, removes disease-causing bacteria and tartar from deep pockets, and may reshape damaged bone. The gums are then secured back in place, fitting more snugly around teeth.
Bone Grafts
When gum disease has destroyed bone around your teeth, grafting procedures can help regenerate lost bone and tissue. This provides better support for your teeth and can prevent further bone loss.
Gum Grafts
If gums have receded significantly, exposing tooth roots, gum grafting covers the exposed areas. This protects roots from decay, reduces sensitivity, and improves appearance.
The good news: Most dental insurance plans cover periodontal surgery when it’s medically necessary. We’ll verify your benefits and help you understand your coverage.
Preventing Gum Disease in Chandler
Prevention is always better than treatment. You can significantly reduce your risk of gum disease with proper oral hygiene and regular dental care.
Daily home care essentials:
- Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Angle bristles toward the gum line
- Floss every day, cleaning between all teeth
- Consider electric toothbrushes or water flossers
- Use antimicrobial mouthwash as recommended
Preventing Gum Disease in Chandler
Prevention is always better than treatment. You can significantly reduce your risk of gum disease with proper oral hygiene and regular dental care.
Daily home care essentials:
- Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Angle bristles toward the gum line
- Floss every day, cleaning between all teeth
- Consider electric toothbrushes or water flossers
- Use antimicrobial mouthwash as recommended
Professional care matters: Visit us every six months for comprehensive exams and professional cleanings. If you have a history of gum disease, we may recommend more frequent visits, typically every 3 to 4 months.
Lifestyle factors: Don’t smoke or use tobacco products. Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors for gum disease. It weakens your immune system, reduces blood flow to gums, and makes treatment less effective. Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins, manage stress, and control conditions like diabetes that increase gum disease risk.
Why Choose Smiles Chandler for Gum Disease Treatment?
Comprehensive Periodontal Care
We offer the full spectrum of gum disease treatment, from preventive care and early intervention to advanced surgical procedures. You won’t be referred to multiple specialists. We coordinate all your care right here in our Chandler office.
Conservative Approach
We always start with the most conservative treatment option. If non-surgical methods can effectively treat your gum disease, we’ll pursue that approach first. Surgery is only recommended when truly necessary.
Advanced Technology
Our digital X-rays and diagnostic tools help us detect gum disease in its earliest stages, when treatment is simplest and most effective.
Patient Education
We believe informed patients make better decisions about their oral health. We’ll take time to explain:
- What’s happening with your gums
- Why treatment is necessary
- What your options are
- What results you can expect
Experienced Team
Dr. Dulgarian has been treating gum disease for over 40 years. He’s seen and successfully treated everything from early gingivitis to advanced periodontitis. Experience matters when it comes to achieving the best outcomes.
Insurance Coverage for Gum Disease Treatment
Most dental insurance plans cover periodontal treatment, recognizing its importance for overall health. Coverage typically includes:
- Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning)
- Periodontal maintenance (more frequent cleanings)
- Periodontal surgery when medically necessary
We accept most PPO dental insurance plans and will file claims on your behalf. Our team will verify your benefits before treatment and help you understand your coverage.
For patients without insurance, we offer:
- Cherry Payment Plans with flexible payment plans
- Our in-house dental savings plan
- Multiple payment options
Don’t let cost concerns prevent you from getting the gum disease treatment you need. Untreated gum disease only gets worse and more expensive over time.
Caring for Your Dental Implants
One of the best things about dental implants is how easy they are to maintain. You care for them just like you care for your natural teeth.
Implant care basics:
- Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled brush
- Floss daily around implants and natural teeth
- Use an antibacterial mouthrinse if recommended
- Attend regular dental cleanings and checkups
- Avoid smoking, which can compromise implant success
- Report any concerns promptly
With proper care and regular visits to our Chandler dental office, your dental implants should last for decades or even a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gum Disease
Take Action Against Gum Disease Today
Gum disease is serious, but it’s also treatable. The sooner you address it, the better your outcomes will be. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or simply want to maintain healthy gums, we’re here to help.
Schedule your comprehensive periodontal evaluation today:
Call (480) 814-1333 or contact us online.
Smiles Chandler
912 W. Chandler Boulevard, Suite B-3
Chandler, AZ 85225
Serving patients throughout the East Valley:
- Chandler (Downtown, Ocotillo, Sun Lakes, Fulton Ranch)
- Gilbert
- Tempe
- Mesa
- Queen Creek
- Ahwatukee
Your gums support your teeth, and healthy gums support your overall health. Let us help you protect both. Call (480) 814-1333 today!