Protecting the foundation of your smile
Deep cleanings and gum disease treatment, including scaling and root planing, to protect the foundation your teeth and implants rely on.
Healthy gums, healthy teeth
Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults, and it often develops without obvious pain in its early stages. Left untreated, it can also compromise the long-term success of dental implants. Regular periodontal care catches problems early, before they threaten the teeth around them.
Scaling and root planing
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning that removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline, then smooths the tooth root to help gums reattach and heal. It's the standard first-line treatment for gum disease that's progressed beyond what a routine cleaning can address.
1. Numbing
Local anesthetic numbs the area, usually one half or one quadrant of your mouth at a time.
2. Scaling & Planing
Tartar and bacteria are removed from below the gumline, then the root surface is smoothed so gum tissue can reattach. A full session typically runs one to two hours, often split into two visits.
3. Two Visits
Often split by half of the mouth, so a full case is usually two appointments.
See our scaling & root planing guide → for the recovery timeline.
Or browse our full treatment guide → for every procedure we offer.
Arestin
Arestin is a localized antibiotic. Tiny particles placed directly into a gum pocket after scaling and root planing, releasing medication gradually over about two weeks right where the infection is. It's a more targeted approach than a pill that spreads through your whole system to treat a small area. See our Arestin guide → for aftercare.
Full mouth debridement
If tartar buildup is heavy enough (usually after several years without a cleaning), we sometimes can't even see what's happening underneath it to plan real treatment. Debridement is a rougher, faster first pass that clears the bulk buildup so a proper exam becomes possible. It's a first step, not a finished treatment. See our debridement guide → for what comes next.
Crown lengthening
Sometimes there isn't enough visible tooth above the gumline for a crown to grip securely, or a patient wants to correct a "gummy smile" where the gums cover too much of the teeth. Crown lengthening reshapes the gum tissue (and sometimes a small amount of bone), to expose more of the tooth. See our crown lengthening guide → for healing time.
Laser periodontal treatment
For some patients, laser therapy offers a more precise, less invasive way to treat gum disease, targeting infected tissue with less bleeding, less discomfort, and often a faster recovery than traditional scaling alone. It's not the right fit for every case, but it's a genuinely gentler option worth discussing during your exam.
The earlier we catch it, the better
Catching gum disease early makes treatment far simpler.
Ask About Gum Care →Periodontal (Gum) Care in Norwalk, CT FAQ
No, it does not hurt. The area is numbed beforehand, and most patients report only mild sensitivity for a day or two afterward.
Bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, and gum recession are common early signs. We'll also check for it at every routine visit.
This varies by individual, but many patients with gum disease benefit from more frequent cleanings than the standard six-month schedule.
Yes. This includes prescribed medications, but also any recreational or non-prescribed drug use. Certain substances can seriously affect how your body responds to local anesthesia. We will never judge you for disclosing this. This practice was built around patient safety first, and what you tell us stays confidential.
Noticed bleeding or sensitive gums?
Join our patient list, catching gum disease early makes treatment much simpler.