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Gum and Bone Therapy: Your Complete Guide to Advanced Periodontal Treatment

by Sep 22, 2025General Dentistry

gum and bone treatment

Table of Contents

Key Points

  • Gum disease that has progressed beyond gingivitis can pose serious health threats, including tooth loss, bone damage, and systemic threats like cardiovascular disease.1
  • Often, in these situations, regular dental cleanings are insufficient, and more in-depth treatments are warranted.
  • Understanding what “gum and bone therapy” entails and the many advantages it affords can help patients know how to restore oral health and halt the damage associated with the progression of gum disease. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, upwards of 42 percent of American adults 30 years of age or older have periodontitis, more commonly known as gum disease.2 Periodontal disease refers to gum disease that has progressed beyond simple gingivitis, which can most often be removed through regular dental cleanings.

Fortunately, there are treatment options available for even the most severe cases of periodontitis. When your regular dental cleaning is not enough to address serious gum disease or bone loss, dentists turn to gum and bone therapy.

At ProGrin Dental, we understand the potential impact of periodontal disease, and we are committed to providing the most effective treatments to help our patients achieve optimal gum health. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about gum and bone therapy, from understanding the treatment process to exploring your options for care.

What Is Gum and Bone Therapy?

Gum and bone therapy, also known as “periodontal therapy” or “scaling and root planing” treatment, is an advanced dental deep cleaning procedure that goes far beyond your routine dental cleaning.3 While regular cleanings focus on removing plaque and tartar above the gum line, gum and bone therapy targets the bacterial infection and inflammation that occurs below the gum line, where traditional cleaning methods cannot reach. Typically, the treatment involves two main components:

  • Scaling: The removal of plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces and beneath the gum line. Dental hygienists use specialized ultrasonic instruments and hand tools to carefully remove these bacterial deposits from periodontal pockets.
  • Root Planing: The smoothing of rough root surfaces to remove bacterial toxins and create an environment where gums can heal and reattach to the teeth. This process helps prevent bacteria from easily reaccumulating in these areas.

Together, scaling and root planing form the foundation of effective gum disease treatment.

When Is Dental Deep Cleaning Needed?

When gum disease progresses beyond gingivitis to periodontitis, the infection begins to destroy the tissues and bone that support your teeth. Without proper intervention, this can lead to tooth mobility, tooth loss, and serious health complications. This is where dental deep cleaning comes in.

This specialized treatment is designed to:

  • Remove bacterial deposits from deep periodontal pockets.
  • Smooth rough root surfaces to prevent bacterial reattachment.
  • Reduce gum inflammation and bleeding.
  • Promote healing of damaged gum tissue.
  • Prevent further bone loss around teeth.
  • Eliminate bad breath caused by bacterial infection.

While routine cleanings are performed every six months, gum and bone therapy is scheduled on an as-needed basis.

Signs You May Need Gum and Bone Therapy

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is important to consult with an experienced Anderson SC dentist who specializes in periodontal care:

  • Persistent bad breath (that does improve with brushing).
  • Red, swollen, or tender gums.
  • Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing.
  • Receding gums that make teeth appear longer.
  • Loose or shifting teeth.
  • Changes in your bite or the fit of partial dentures.
  • Pus between teeth and gums.
  • Pain when chewing.

These symptoms indicate that gum disease has progressed beyond the early stage of gingivitis and requires professional intervention. Remember, like with most medical procedures, periodontitis detection and treatment are crucial for preventing further damage to your gums and supporting bone structure.

The Gum and Bone Therapy Process

At ProGrin Dental, our experienced team follows a systematic approach to gum and bone therapy:patient in chair viewing screen

  • Initial Assessment: We begin with a comprehensive periodontal examination, including digital X-rays and periodontal probing to measure pocket depths around each tooth. This assessment helps us determine the severity of your condition and develop a personalized treatment plan.
  • Treatment Planning: Based on your examination results, we will discuss your treatment options and create a plan that addresses your specific needs. We will also review your medical history and any medications that might affect your treatment.
  • Deep Cleaning Sessions: Depending on the extent of your condition, treatment may be completed in one visit or divided into multiple sessions. We often decide to treat one quadrant of the mouth at a time, ensuring thorough cleaning while maintaining your comfort.
  • Local Anesthesia: To ensure your comfort during the procedure, we use local anesthesia to numb the treatment area. This allows us to work effectively below the gum line without causing pain.
  • Scaling and Root Planing: Using advanced ultrasonic scalers and hand instruments, we carefully remove bacterial deposits and smooth root surfaces. This process may take one to two hours per quadrant, depending on the severity of your condition.
  • Post-Treatment Care: After your treatment, we will provide detailed instructions for home care and may prescribe antibiotics or antimicrobial rinses to support healing.

Dental Deep Cleaning Alternatives

While traditional scaling and root planing remain the gold standard for treating periodontal disease, several dental deep cleaning alternatives have emerged:

  • Laser Therapy: Some dental practices offer laser-assisted periodontal therapy, which uses laser energy to remove infected tissue and bacteria. This minimally invasive approach can reduce healing time and discomfort.4
  • Antimicrobial Therapy: Local delivery of antibiotics directly into periodontal pockets can enhance the effectiveness of scaling and root planing by targeting specific bacteria.
  • Ultrasonic Debridement: Advanced ultrasonic devices can provide more comfortable and efficient removal of bacterial deposits compared to traditional hand instruments.5
  • Ozone Therapy: Some practitioners use ozone gas or ozonated water to disinfect periodontal pockets and promote healing.

However, it is important to note that while these alternatives can be beneficial adjuncts to treatment, they typically work best when combined with traditional scaling and root planing rather than as complete replacements.

Maintaining Results After Treatment

Following your gum and bone therapy, maintaining your results requires commitment to excellent oral hygiene and regular professional care:

  • Daily Home Care:
    • Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
    • Floss daily or use interdental cleaners.
    • Use an antimicrobial mouthwash as recommended.
    • Consider using a water flosser for additional cleaning.
  • Professional Maintenance:
    • Schedule periodontal maintenance cleanings every three to four months.
    • Attend regular check-ups to monitor your dental health.
    • Follow any additional recommendations from your dental team.

How Much Is a Deep Dental Cleaning?

The cost of dental deep cleaning varies depending on several factors:

  • Severity of periodontal disease.
  • Number of quadrants requiring treatment.
  • Geographic location.
  • Insurance coverage.
  • Need for additional treatments.

Generally, gum and bone therapy can range from $200 to $400 per quadrant. For a full-mouth treatment (four quadrants), costs typically range from $800 to $1,600. Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of periodontal therapy when it’s medically necessary, often covering 50 to 80 percent of the cost.

At ProGrin Dental, we believe that money should never be a barrier to receiving the periodontal care you need. We work with most insurance plans and offer flexible payment options to make treatment affordable, and also offer in-house financing through our InstaGrin plan. This gives you a discount on the procedure and allows you to spread payments out over time.

Choose ProGrin Dental for Your Periodontal Care

Gum and bone therapy represents a crucial intervention for patients with periodontal disease. This advanced treatment can halt the progression of gum disease, preserve your natural teeth, and restore your oral health. If you are experiencing signs of gum disease, do not wait—early intervention is key to successful treatment.

At ProGrin Dental, we are committed to providing exceptional periodontal care to patients in Anderson and throughout the Upstate. Our experienced team uses the latest techniques and technology to ensure effective, comfortable treatment tailored to your individual needs. Contact us today to schedule a comprehensive periodontal evaluation and learn more about how gum and bone therapy can restore your smile and protect your long-term dental health.

References

  1. “Gum disease and the connection to heart disease, Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School, retrieved on September 24, 2025, from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/gum-disease-and-the-connection-to-heart-disease.
  2. “Gum Disease Facts,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, May 2024, https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/data-research/facts-stats/fast-facts-gum-disease.html.
  3. “Tooth Scaling and Root Planing,” Cleveland Clinic, December 2024, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23983-tooth-scaling-and-root-planing.
  4. Liliana Sachelarie, Roxana Cristea, Ecaterina Burlui, and Loredana Liliana Hurjui, “Laser Technology in Dentistry: From Clinical Applications to Future Innovations,” Dentistry Journal, December 2024, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11674728/.
  5. Yukie Kataoka, Mao Kunimitsu, Gojiro Nakagami, et al., “Effectiveness of ultrasonic debridement on reduction of bacteria and biofilm in patients with chronic wounds: A scoping review,” International Wound Journal, November 2020, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8244003/.