Periodontal Care in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Periodontal Care at Wauwatosa Dental Arts

Periodontal (gum) disease is a chronic infection that affects the gums and bone supporting your teeth. At Wauwatosa Dental Arts in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, we combine advanced technology with compassionate care to diagnose gum disease early, stop its progression, and restore a stable, healthy foundation for your smile.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Gum disease begins when bacteria and plaque accumulate along and under the gumline, causing inflammation. In its earliest stage, called gingivitis, gums may look red or swollen and bleed easily. As the infection advances into periodontitis, the supporting bone and tissues break down, creating deep pockets around the teeth and increasing the risk of tooth loss and systemic health issues such as heart disease and diabetes.

Signs You May Need Periodontal Care

Regular checkups help detect gum disease early, but certain warning signs should never be ignored. If you notice any of the symptoms below, our team can evaluate your gum health and recommend the right level of care.

• Red, Swollen, or Bleeding Gums Gums that bleed when you brush or floss often signal early infection. Common in early gingivitis
• Persistent Bad Breath Ongoing bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth may indicate bacteria below the gumline.
• Gum Recession or Tooth Sensitivity Teeth that look longer or feel sensitive to hot and cold can be a sign of receding gums. May expose tooth roots
• Loose or Shifting Teeth Mobility, spacing changes, or changes in your bite can occur as bone support is lost.
• Pain or Discomfort When Chewing Soreness when biting down may indicate advanced periodontal involvement.

Comprehensive Periodontal Treatment Options

Every smile is different, so we tailor your periodontal treatment plan to the severity of disease, your medical history, and your goals. Our goal is to control infection, preserve natural teeth whenever possible, and rebuild lost support when needed.

• Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning) Carefully removes plaque and tartar beneath the gumline and smooths root surfaces to help gums heal and reattach. Often first-line therapy
• Periodontal Maintenance Visits After active treatment, cleanings every 3–4 months help control bacteria and prevent recurrence.
• Bone and Soft Tissue Grafts Bone grafting rebuilds areas of bone loss, while gum grafts cover exposed roots, reduce sensitivity, and improve gum contour.
• Crown Lengthening and Gingivectomy Reshapes gum and bone to expose more tooth structure for restorations or to remove overgrown, infected tissue.
• Osseous Surgery, Frenectomy, and Sinus Lift Advanced procedures that reduce deep pockets, release tight tissue attachments, and add bone volume when preparing for dental implants.
• Cosmetic Gum Contouring Refines an uneven gumline to create a balanced, natural-looking smile.

Advanced Technology for Safer, More Comfortable Care

To make periodontal treatment as precise and comfortable as possible, our office uses modern diagnostic and therapeutic tools designed to minimize discomfort and speed healing.

• Laser dentistry to gently remove infected tissue and reduce bacteria, often with less bleeding and faster recovery.
• Cone Beam CT scanner for detailed 3D images of bone and sinus anatomy to guide grafting and implant planning.
• Digital X-rays that deliver crisp images with minimal radiation exposure.
• Ultrasonic scalers that use sound waves to break up tartar below the gumline with less scraping pressure.
• Caries detection dye to highlight hidden areas of infection or decay.
• Intraoral cameras that let you see what we see so you can better understand your diagnosis and options.

Your Partner in Long-Term Gum Health

Managing periodontal disease is a team effort. Along with in-office therapy, we provide personalized home care guidance so you know exactly how to brush, floss, and use recommended tools to protect your gums between visits. Many patients benefit from customized treatment plans that combine deep cleanings, maintenance visits, and restorative or implant dentistry to rebuild a strong, healthy smile.

If you are experiencing bleeding gums, bad breath, or other symptoms of gum disease, we encourage you to schedule a periodontal evaluation. Call our Wauwatosa, Wisconsin office at (414) 462-3160 to speak with our friendly team and arrange a convenient appointment.