Gum Disease Treatment
Diagnosis-Driven Care for Every Stage of Periodontal Disease
Gum disease progresses through distinct stages, and treatment depends on where a patient falls in that progression. Early-stage gingivitis responds well to non-surgical intervention. Left untreated, it advances to periodontitis — causing irreversible damage to the gums, connective tissue, and supporting bone. Recognizing and treating the disease at the right stage is the difference between conservative management and complex surgical correction.
Dr. John Darby and Dr. Timothy Johnson specialize in the full range of periodontal treatment at offices in Ocala and Crystal River, FL. With over 60 years of combined experience, they provide individualized treatment plans based on each patient’s current periodontal status, disease history, and systemic health factors.
When to See a Periodontist
We believe the best outcomes occur when specialty care is delivered collaboratively and intentionally.
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding during brushing or flossing
- Gum recession or exposed root surfaces
- Persistent bad breath not resolved by hygiene
- Loose or shifting teeth
Periodontal Treatment Options
01 — Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is the standard first-line treatment for active periodontal disease. This non-surgical procedure removes bacterial plaque and calculus deposits from above and below the gumline, then smooths the root surfaces to reduce the conditions that allow bacteria to re-colonize. Smoothing the root also helps the surrounding gum tissue reattach. Most early-to-moderate cases are managed effectively with scaling and root planing before surgical intervention becomes necessary.
02 — Antibiotic Treatment
Antibiotic therapy is often used in conjunction with scaling and root planing or osseous surgery to manage bacterial activity in the periodontal pockets. It may be delivered as a topical gel applied directly into the pocket, or as oral medication depending on the case. Antibiotic treatment supports the mechanical work of debridement by targeting the bacterial load that instrumentation alone may not fully address.
03 — Pocket Irrigation
Pocket irrigation delivers an antimicrobial agent directly into the periodontal pockets to reduce bacterial contamination. It is typically completed alongside other active treatment rather than as a standalone procedure, serving as an adjunct to scaling and root planing or surgical therapy.
04 — Gingivectomy
When diseased gum tissue has pulled away from the teeth and created deep periodontal pockets, a gingivectomy removes that tissue and repositions the remaining healthy gingiva closer to the tooth roots. Reducing pocket depth limits the space where plaque, calculus, and bacteria accumulate, making ongoing maintenance more effective and lowering the risk of further disease progression.
05 — Osseous Surgery
Osseous surgery is indicated for advanced periodontal disease where non-surgical treatment has not been sufficient to control the condition. The gum tissue is reflected to allow direct access to the root surfaces and underlying bone. Diseased tissue is removed, the bone is reshaped to eliminate irregular contours that trap bacteria, and the gingiva is sutured back in place at a reduced pocket depth. The goal is a more maintainable environment for long-term periodontal stability.
06 — Periodontal Maintenance
Following active treatment, periodontal maintenance appointments every three to four months are essential to keeping the disease under control. These visits monitor pocket depths, remove deposits that accumulate despite good home care, and allow for early detection of any recurrence. Periodontal maintenance is a long-term commitment — not a one-time course of treatment — and it is the primary factor in sustaining the results of whatever therapy was performed.
Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation
If you have been referred by your dentist or are exploring dental implant options, our team is here to help guide you through the process.
Schedule a dental implant consultation to receive a comprehensive evaluation, clear treatment recommendations, and coordinated care designed to support long-term success.