Gum Disease Treatment in Tacoma, WA
Protecting the Foundation of Your Health.
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, affects nearly half of American adults over age 30. Left untreated, it’s the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. The good news: with the right treatment, it can be stopped. And in many cases, the damage can be partially reversed.
OSYNTRA offers the full range of periodontal treatments, from non-surgical deep cleaning to advanced surgical intervention, all delivered by a board-certified periodontist in Tacoma, WA.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease starts with bacteria. When plaque builds up along and below the gumline and isn’t removed by brushing and flossing, it triggers an inflammatory response. Over time, that inflammation breaks down the gum tissue and bone that hold teeth in place.
There are two main stages:
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the early, reversible stage. Gums may bleed when you brush, look red or swollen, or feel tender. Gingivitis doesn’t involve bone loss and can be fully reversed with proper treatment and hygiene.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is the more serious stage, where infection has moved below the gumline and begun to damage the bone and connective tissue. This stage is not reversible, but it can be stopped and managed with periodontal treatment.
The Four Stages of Periodontitis
Periodontitis is an infection of the gums and bone that support your teeth. It gets worse over time without treatment.
Stage I
The earliest stage of periodontitis. A small amount of bone and supporting tissue has been lost, but the disease is still relatively limited.
Treatment is generally focused on removing bacteria and buildup from around and below the gumline.
Probing depth 4 mm or less
Stage II
More bone and supporting tissue have been lost. Gum pockets become deeper and are more difficult to keep clean at home.
Professional periodontal treatment is needed to control the disease and prevent further damage.
Probing depth 5 mm or less
Stage III
Significant damage to the bone and tissues supporting the teeth has occurred.
Pockets may be 6 mm or deeper, and some teeth may become more difficult to maintain.
Treatment may include deep cleaning, periodontal surgery, or regenerative procedures depending on the areas affected.
Probing depth 6 mm or deeper
Stage IV
This is the most advanced stage. Extensive bone and tissue loss can affect tooth stability, chewing, and the way the teeth fit together.
Some teeth may already have been lost or may no longer be predictable to save.
Treatment is customized and may involve periodontal therapy, regenerative procedures, tooth replacement, and coordination with other dental specialists.
Probing depth 6 mm or deeper
Your periodontist considers many factors, not just pocket depth, to determine the stage and the right treatment for you.
What to Expect at Your Evaluation
At your first appointment, Dr. Ghadri will:
You’ll leave with a clear diagnosis: which stage of gum disease you have, what treatment is recommended, and what happens if it goes untreated.
The Connection Between Gum Disease and Overall Health
Periodontal disease isn’t just a dental problem. Research consistently links untreated gum disease to increased risk of heart disease, diabetes complications, respiratory conditions, and pregnancy complications. The inflammation that drives gum disease is systemic. It doesn’t stay in your mouth.
Treating periodontal disease is an investment in more than your smile.
Heart Disease
Diabetes Complications
Respiratory Conditions
Pregnancy Complications
Overall Well-Being
Periodontal Therapy
The treatments below range from minimally invasive deep cleaning to advanced regenerative and surgical care. Dr. Ghadri recommends the least invasive option that will predictably control your disease.
Perioscope-guided Scaling & Root Planing
Perioscope-guided scaling and root planing is an advanced, minimally invasive treatment for periodontal disease that combines traditional deep cleaning with a specialized dental endoscope called a Perioscope. This technology allows the clinician to see beneath the gumline in real time, enabling more precise removal of plaque, tartar, and bacteria while preserving healthy tissue. At OSYNTRA, Perioscope-guided therapy often reduces the need for more invasive surgery, promotes faster healing, and helps restore periodontal health with greater precision and long-term success.
Regenerative Therapy
When periodontal disease has already destroyed bone or supporting tissue, these procedures work to rebuild what was lost rather than simply halting further damage.
LANAP® Laser Periodontal Therapy
LANAP® (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) is a minimally invasive treatment for periodontal disease that uses advanced laser technology to target harmful bacteria and create an environment that supports the body’s natural healing response. Compared with traditional periodontal surgery, LANAP® may result in less discomfort, reduced bleeding and swelling, and faster recovery while helping preserve healthy tissue and support periodontal regeneration in appropriate patients.
Guided Tissue Regeneration
Guided tissue regeneration is an advanced surgical procedure used to regenerate the bone and supporting structures around teeth affected by periodontal disease. A specialized membrane is placed beneath the gums to protect the area while encouraging new bone and ligament growth, helping stabilize teeth that might otherwise be at risk of loss.
Guided Bone Regeneration (Bone Grafting)
Guided bone regeneration rebuilds areas of the jaw that have lost bone because of periodontal disease, tooth loss, or infection. Using bone grafting materials and protective membranes, this procedure stimulates natural bone formation and creates a healthier, more stable foundation for your teeth and, when needed, future dental implants.
Biologic Growth Factors
Biologic growth factors are naturally occurring proteins that stimulate your body’s healing response and promote the regeneration of bone and soft tissue. At OSYNTRA, these advanced regenerative materials may be used in conjunction with periodontal surgery and bone grafting to enhance healing and improve long-term treatment outcomes.
Pocket Reduction Surgery
Pocket reduction surgery, also known as osseous surgery, is performed to eliminate deep periodontal pockets that cannot be effectively treated with non-surgical therapy alone. During the procedure, diseased tissue and bacteria are removed, and the surrounding bone is carefully reshaped when necessary to create an environment that is easier to keep clean and healthier for long-term tooth support.
Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening reshapes excess gum and, when necessary, bone tissue to expose more of the natural tooth structure. This procedure may be recommended to improve the appearance of a “gummy smile” or to provide sufficient tooth structure for a crown, filling, or other restorative treatment, ensuring both functional and esthetic results.
Periodontally Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics (PAOO)
Periodontally Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics (PAOO) combines specialized periodontal surgery with bone grafting to accelerate orthodontic tooth movement while improving the thickness and quality of the supporting bone. This advanced procedure can shorten orthodontic treatment time, enhance periodontal health, and provide a more stable foundation for long-term orthodontic results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gum Disease Gets Worse Without Treatment
The sooner periodontal disease is addressed, the more we can protect. If your dentist has referred you, or if you’ve noticed symptoms on your own, a consultation with Dr. Ghadri is the right next step.
Address: 2424 Mildred St W, Suite A, Tacoma, WA 98466
2424 Mildred St W, Suite A, Tacoma, WA 98466