Bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or gums that look swollen or feel tender are not things to brush off. These are early warning signs that something is happening beneath the surface, and the sooner you address them, the better your outcome will be. Gum disease is one of the most common chronic oral health conditions in the United States, yet many people live with it for years before seeking treatment — often because the early stages are painless. At Sonoran Dental Studio in Buckeye, Arizona, Dr. Francisco Mascarenas provides comprehensive periodontal care within a supportive, judgment-free environment. Our goal is to meet you where you are, explain exactly what we are seeing, and work with you toward a plan that restores your gum health and keeps it that way.
If you have noticed symptoms like swollen or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or teeth that feel sensitive or loose, do not wait to get evaluated. Gum disease progresses silently in its early stages, and by the time discomfort becomes noticeable, meaningful damage may already be underway. The CDC reports that about 4 in 10 U.S. adults aged 30 and older have some level of periodontitis, with the condition becoming significantly more common with age. Acting early gives us far more options — and far better outcomes — than waiting until the disease has advanced.
Scaling and root planing is the primary non-surgical treatment for gum disease. This deep cleaning procedure goes well below the gumline to remove the buildup of plaque and tartar that routine cleanings cannot reach. During scaling, specialized instruments clear away this buildup from the tooth and root surfaces. During root planing, the roots are smoothed to remove bacterial toxins and eliminate the rough areas where bacteria tend to re-accumulate — encouraging the gum tissue to heal and reattach to the tooth. The procedure is performed with local anesthesia for your comfort, and many patients see meaningful improvement after a single course of treatment.
When caught early, gingivitis can be treatable and reversible.
When caught early, periodontal treatment can undo the effects of gingivitis and restore your smile to its natural, healthy state.
By getting regular periodontal maintenance, you can keep your smile healthy and prevent the damaging buildup of plaque and bacteria.
Investing in periodontal care now can help you avoid more expensive and invasive procedures down the line, such as gum grafts, tooth extractions, and dental implants.
For many patients, scaling and root planing is paired with targeted antibiotic therapy to address the bacterial infection more completely. This may involve a topical antibiotic applied directly to the gum tissue during the procedure, a prescription rinse to use at home, or in some cases an oral antibiotic. Dr. Mascarenas will recommend the most appropriate approach based on the severity of your condition and your overall health, with the shared goal of giving your gums everything they need to heal and stay healthy long term.
To start, your dentist will numb the area with a local anesthetic. This ensures that you stay comfortable throughout the treatment. Deep cleanings can sometimes cause more sensitivity than regular dental cleanings, but our gentle numbing techniques will keep you at ease.
Once you're comfortably numb, your dentist will use specialized tools to "scale" away the tartar and plaque that has built up between your teeth and below your gum line. This removes the harmful bacteria that cause gum disease. After your teeth and gums are cleaned, your dentist will "plane," or smooth out, the roots of your teeth. This step eliminates the pockets and pits that form below the roots, where harmful bacteria like to hide.
To complete your deep cleaning, your dentist will provide an antibiotic treatment to promote healing. Depending on your specific needs, this may involve topical antibiotics applied directly to your gums during the procedure, an antibiotic rinse for you to use at home, or an oral antibiotic prescription.
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Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.
Gum disease typically progresses through three stages. The first is gingivitis, the mildest form, where the gums become red, swollen, and may bleed easily. At this stage, there is usually no permanent damage to the teeth or bone, and with proper professional care and improved home hygiene, gingivitis is often reversible.
If gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance to periodontitis. At this stage, the infection spreads below the gumline and begins to damage the bone and connective tissue that support the teeth. Periodontitis cannot be reversed, but it can be effectively managed with professional treatment. Symptoms often include receding gums, increased sensitivity, excessive bleeding, and noticeably swollen or puffy gum tissue.
The final stage is advanced periodontitis, where significant permanent damage has occurred to the teeth, gums, and jawbone. Symptoms may include pus between the teeth and gums, shifting teeth, changes in the bite, or loose teeth. Surgical intervention is often required at this stage, and in severe cases, tooth extraction may be necessary.
Gum disease is not contagious. It develops when bacteria naturally present in your mouth are allowed to multiply unchecked, typically due to inadequate oral hygiene or genetic predisposition. While the bacteria that contribute to gum disease can technically be transferred between people, exposure alone does not cause the condition — it is the environment in your own mouth, and how well it is maintained, that determines whether gum disease develops.
Gum disease develops when bacteria in the mouth are allowed to multiply and accumulate along and below the gumline. When plaque is not removed through regular brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar, which can no longer be removed at home and must be cleared by a dental professional. Over time, the bacteria in this buildup begin to attack the surrounding gum tissue, triggering inflammation and, eventually, infection. Some people are also genetically predisposed to developing gum disease, which is why it is important to discuss any family history with your dentist so a targeted prevention plan can be put in place.
Periodontal disease is driven by an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the gum tissue. Antibiotics help control and reduce that bacterial population, creating a better environment for healing after a deep cleaning. Depending on your specific situation, this may involve antibiotics applied directly to the treated gum pockets, a rinse prescribed for home use, or an oral antibiotic. If antibiotics are prescribed, it is essential to complete the full course exactly as directed — stopping early can allow bacteria to rebound and may reduce the effectiveness of the same medication in future treatment.
