-  Burba  Dental  Partners  -

Periodontics

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Blank white horizontal bar with a thin purple line along the top and bottom edges.

-  Burba  Dental  Partners  -

Periodontics

Request Appointment
Blank white horizontal bar with a thin purple line along the top and bottom edges.

Periodontics

A beautiful smile relies entirely on a healthy foundation, which is exactly why periodontal care is so essential. Periodontics is the specialized branch of dentistry dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the supporting tissues that surround your teeth: primarily your gums and the underlying bone. When harmful bacteria are allowed to accumulate, they can threaten this foundation, leading to discomfort, tissue damage, and eventually tooth loss.


At Burba Dental Partners, we are proud to offer advanced, compassionate periodontal solutions to our patients in Salem and the surrounding communities. Whether you need a protective deep cleaning or are seeking treatment for ongoing gum discomfort, our expert team is here to help you restore and maintain a vibrant, healthy smile.

- Gum Disease -

According to the American Dental Association, gum disease, clinically known as periodontal disease, is a chronic infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. Alarmingly, it is one of the most common health conditions in the nation; statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveal that nearly half of all adults in the United States have some form of periodontal disease, a figure that jumps to 70% for adults aged 65 and older.


The primary cause of gum disease is a lack of a thorough daily oral hygiene routine, which allows plaque, a sticky, invisible film of bacteria, to build up on your teeth. When this plaque is left undisturbed, it hardens beneath the gumline into a rough substance called tartar. Once tartar forms, it cannot be removed with a standard toothbrush and requires professional intervention. Because gum disease is often completely painless in its early stages, many people are entirely unaware that their smile is in danger.

- Gum Disease -

According to the American Dental Association, gum disease, clinically known as periodontal disease, is a chronic infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. Alarmingly, it is one of the most common health conditions in the nation; statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveal that nearly half of all adults in the United States have some form of periodontal disease, a figure that jumps to 70% for adults aged 65 and older.


The primary cause of gum disease is a lack of a thorough daily oral hygiene routine, which allows plaque, a sticky, invisible film of bacteria, to build up on your teeth. When this plaque is left undisturbed, it hardens beneath the gumline into a rough substance called tartar. Once tartar forms, it cannot be removed with a standard toothbrush and requires professional intervention. Because gum disease is often completely painless in its early stages, many people are entirely unaware that their smile is in danger.

Signs of Gum Disease

If you notice any of the following subtle or advanced symptoms, it is vital to have your gums evaluated:

  • Red, swollen, or tender gums
  • Gums that bleed easily during or after brushing and flossing
  • Persistent bad breath or a lingering bad taste in your mouth
  • Receding gums that make your teeth look longer
  • The formation of deep pockets between your teeth and gums
  • Loose, shifting teeth or sudden changes in your bite alignment

Signs of Gum Disease

If you notice any of the following subtle or advanced symptoms, it is vital to have your gums evaluated:


  • Red, swollen, or tender gums
  • Gums that bleed easily during or after brushing and flossing
  • Persistent bad breath or a lingering bad taste in your mouth
  • Receding gums that make your teeth look longer
  • The formation of deep pockets between your teeth and gums
  • Loose, shifting teeth or sudden changes in your bite alignment

Root Scaling & Planing

The Gold Standard Deep Cleaning

When gum disease progresses past the early stage of gingivitis, a routine dental cleaning is no longer enough to clear away the deep-seated infection. In these cases, we utilize root scaling and planing, a specialized, non-surgical deep cleaning technique designed to heal deep periodontal pockets and stop gum disease in its tracks.  This highly effective procedure is broken down into two essential steps:


1. Root Scaling: Using advanced dental scalers or ultrasonic instruments, your clinician meticulously removes all built-up plaque, tartar, and bacterial toxins from the surfaces of your teeth, both above and right below the gumline.


2. Root Planing: Going a step deeper, the clinician gently smooths out the rough root surfaces of your teeth beneath the gums. Smoothing these roots eliminates hidden bacterial reservoirs and creates a pristine surface that allows your gum tissue to naturally reattach and heal.


By clearing away this deep inflammation, root scaling and planing shrinks periodontal pockets, stops gum recession, and protects you from the severe risks of bone and tooth loss.

- Periodontic Surgeries -

  • Laser Gum Surgery

    A gentle, advanced procedure that uses a focused beam of light to target and vaporize diseased gum tissue and bacteria without the need for traditional scalpels or stitches.

  • Crown Lengthening

    A treatment that recontours excess gum tissue and bone to expose more of a tooth's natural structure, usually performed to prepare restorations like a crown or to correct a "gummy" smile.

  • Osseous Surgery

    Also known as pocket reduction surgery, this procedure reshapes the bone holding the tooth in place to eliminate deep, hard-to-clean pockets caused by advanced gum disease.

  • Gingivectomy

    The surgical removal of a portion of the gum tissue to treat severe gum disease, reduce deep periodontal pockets, or reshape healthy gums for cosmetic enhancement.

- Periodontic Surgeries -

  • Laser Gum Surgery

    A gentle, advanced procedure that uses a focused beam of light to target and vaporize diseased gum tissue and bacteria without the need for traditional scalpels or stitches.

  • Crown Lengthening

    A treatment that recontours excess gum tissue and bone to expose more of a tooth's natural structure, usually performed to prepare restorations like a crown or to correct a "gummy" smile.

  • Osseous Surgery

    Also known as pocket reduction surgery, this procedure reshapes the bone holding the tooth in place to eliminate deep, hard-to-clean pockets caused by advanced gum disease.

  • Gingivectomy

    The surgical removal of a portion of the gum tissue to treat severe gum disease, reduce deep periodontal pockets, or reshape healthy gums for cosmetic enhancement.

- Periodontics FAQs -

  • What Is The Difference Between Gingivitis & Periodontitis?

    Think of them as different stages of your gums asking for a little extra love! Gingivitis is the earliest, mildest form of gum irritation, usually showing up as slight redness or minor bleeding when you brush. The great news is that gingivitis is completely reversible with a good professional cleaning and great home care. If left untreated, it can transition into periodontitis, which is a more advanced stage of gum disease. Even then, there is no need to worry: modern periodontal treatments are wonderful at managing it and protecting your smile.

  • What Does a "Deep Cleaning" (Scaling & Root Planing) Actually Feel Like?

    It sounds a bit technical, but it is actually a very routine and comfortable process! A deep cleaning is simply a specialized way to gently remove buildup from just beneath the gumline where a regular toothbrush can't reach, and then smooth out the tooth roots so your gums can heal and reattach beautifully. We always make sure you are completely numbed and cozy before we begin, so the experience feels very similar to a standard, thorough cleaning visit.

  • Can Children & Teenagers Develop Gum Disease?

    Yes, gum health is important at every single stage of life! While advanced gum disease is rare in kids, children can certainly develop mild gingivitis. Some teenagers may also experience sensitive gums around puberty due to naturally fluctuating hormone levels. The best approach is simply making sure your kids enjoy regular, positive dental visits so we can keep their growing smiles bright, fresh, and healthy.

  • What Factors Can Influence My Risk of Developing Gum Disease?

    Our oral health is closely tied to the rest of our bodies, and several everyday factors can play a role. Beyond standard brushing and flossing habits, things like genetics, hormonal shifts, nutritional gaps (like a lack of Vitamin C), and certain medications can make your gums a bit more sensitive. Lifestyle choices, like using tobacco, can also impact your gum health. Understanding your unique health profile allows us to customize a gentle, proactive care plan that keeps your smile fully protected!

  • How Can I Best Support My Gum Health At Home Between Visits?

    Taking care of your gums at home is wonderfully simple! Brushing gently twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and making time to floss daily are the absolute best things you can do to keep your gums happy. Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and staying hydrated also works wonders. Combined with your routine visits to our office, you will have all the tools you need for a lifetime of healthy smiles!

  • What Are Some Positive Signs That My Gums Are Healthy?

    Healthy gums are a beautiful foundation for a great smile! You can tell your gums are in fantastic shape when they look a nice, soft pink color and fit snugly and firmly around your teeth. When your gums are healthy, they won't bleed or feel tender when you brush or floss, and your breath will naturally stay much fresher.

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- Burba  Dental  Partners  -

Changing Lives One Smile At A Time.

Gum disease is a progressive condition, and waiting to seek treatment only allows the symptoms to worsen, potentially leading to severe oral health problems and tooth loss down the road. By visiting Burba Dental Partners as soon as possible, our team can intervene early with highly effective treatment options tailored to your needs. Specialized procedures like scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) can actively halt and help reverse the damage of gum disease, restoring health to your gums and safeguarding your overall smile. Don't let periodontal issues compromise your health. Call us today at (978) 744-7575 or schedule your appointment online!