Gum Disease in Aurora, CO

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It starts when plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—builds up along and under the gumline. If not removed by daily brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar, which can only be cleaned off by a dental professional. The bacteria in plaque and tartar cause inflammation, leading to swollen, bleeding gums. This early stage is called gingivitis, and it is usually reversible with good home care and a professional cleaning.

When left untreated, the inflammation can spread below the gumline and damage the bone and connective tissue that support the teeth. This advanced stage, periodontitis, can cause gums to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that become infected. Over time, the bone and tissue are destroyed, and teeth can loosen or eventually fall out. At Alameda Dental, Dr. Casandra Barnes and our team carefully examine your gums at every checkup, because catching gum disease early gives you the best chance of keeping your natural smile healthy.

Many people have gum disease without knowing it because the early symptoms can be mild. Watch for these warning signs: - Gums that bleed during brushing, flossing, or eating hard foods - Red, tender, or swollen gums - Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth - Gums that appear to be receding, making teeth look longer - Pus between the teeth and gums - Teeth that feel loose or have changed their position - A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

If you notice any of these signs, we encourage you to schedule an evaluation. The earlier gum disease is identified, the simpler and less invasive treatment tends to be.

Treatment at Alameda Dental depends on how far the condition has progressed. For patients with gingivitis, a thorough cleaning and guidance on home care may be all that is needed to return gums to health.

When pocket depth measurements show moderate disease, we may recommend scaling and root planing—often called a deep cleaning. This non-surgical procedure removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the tooth roots so gums can reattach. We typically treat one quadrant of the mouth at a time under local anesthesia, so you stay comfortable. In some cases, we place a small amount of antibiotic directly into deeper pockets to help control bacteria.

For advanced periodontitis, surgical options such as flap surgery or gum grafting may be discussed. These are performed when cleaning below the gumline is not enough or when tissue and bone support have been lost. Our team will explain each step and help you understand the expected outcomes and recovery.

Throughout your care, we focus on clear communication. Dr. Barnes will review your X-rays and pocket measurements with you, so you can see exactly what is happening and make informed decisions.

Your first visit for gum concerns includes a comprehensive periodontal exam. We use a tiny ruler called a probe to measure the depth of the spaces between your teeth and gums. Healthy pockets are 3 millimeters or less; deeper pockets may indicate disease. We also check for bleeding, gum recession, and tooth mobility.

Digital X-rays help us see the bone levels around each tooth—something not visible during a visual exam. Once we have all the information, Dr. Barnes will discuss the stage of gum disease, if present, and outline treatment options that match your needs. You will receive a written plan with the recommended steps, timeline, and cost estimate before any treatment begins.

After a deep cleaning, you may experience some mild tenderness for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers and warm salt water rinses can help. We will provide specific instructions on how to clean the treated areas while they heal. Most patients return to their normal routine right away.

If you have surgical treatment, recovery takes a bit longer. You may need to stick to soft foods for a week or so and follow careful oral hygiene guidelines to protect the surgical site. We schedule follow-up visits to monitor healing and remove any sutures.

Because gum disease is a chronic condition, ongoing maintenance is essential. After active treatment, we typically recommend periodontal maintenance cleanings every three to four months. These visits are more thorough than a standard cleaning and are designed to keep bacteria levels low and catch any problems early. We also coach you on an effective home routine, because your daily habits are the foundation of long-term gum health.

The cost of treating gum disease depends on several factors, including how advanced the disease is, how many teeth are affected, and whether you need non-surgical or surgical procedures. At Alameda Dental, we want you to have a clear picture before committing to treatment. We verify your dental insurance benefits ahead of time and explain what your plan is expected to cover. For any out-of-pocket portion, we provide a written estimate. Call our office to discuss your specific situation—we are happy to review costs and options with you.

If you have noticed bleeding gums, bad breath that won’t go away, or your teeth feel loose, don’t wait. Early treatment can stop gum disease from progressing and help you avoid more complex procedures later on. Call Alameda Dental at (303) 343-7072 to book a periodontal evaluation. We serve Aurora, CO and the surrounding communities from our office at 14591 E Alameda Ave.

New patients are welcome, and we strive to get you in promptly, especially if you have urgent concerns. Our team will answer your initial questions and help you take the first step toward healthier gums.