Have you ever thought about the purpose of your gums and why they are such an important part of your smile? The truth is, your gums do more than just hold your teeth in place—they’re a major part of your overall oral health. When they’re red, swollen, or bleed easily, they could be sending a warning. If left untreated, gum problems can turn into something more serious, like periodontitis. At that stage, regular cleanings may not be enough. Some patients need more focused treatment, like laser gum surgery, to get their gums back on track.

Signs You Might Have Advanced Gum Disease 

When you see or hear the term—periodontitis—it probably doesn’t bring a good image to your mind. And it shouldn’t. Periodontitis, more simply referred to as advanced gum disease, is a serious illness that can have some pretty serious implications for your smile, and even your overall health. 

Roughly two in five adults are affected by some form of gum disease. As people get older, the chances of having mild-to-moderate gum issues goes up. While severe periodontitis doesn’t increase as quickly with age, it still causes big problems when it hits.

So what are the signs you need to be on the lookout for?

• Persistent gum bleeding: more than just occasional bleeding from brushing or flossing
• Swollen, tender, or discolored gums: a sign of deep infection
• Receding gums: the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, exposing the roots
• Loose or shifting teeth: bone and tissue damage both weaken tooth support
• Deep pockets around teeth: spaces where bacteria thrive, making it hard to clean
• Chronic bad breath or a foul taste: bacteria buildup due to gum infection

How Laser Gum Surgery Helps Treat Advanced Gum Disease

When your gum disease gets to this stage, what are your options for treatment? We have good news for you. Though periodontitis is not reversible, your family dentist near Virginia Beach provides treatments that can stop the disease from progressing and help your mouth feel a lot better. 

One of those treatments is laser gum therapy. This approach uses advanced dental tools to gently remove infected tissue without the need for cutting or stitches. It’s often paired with deep cleaning—called scaling and root planing—to clean out bacteria beneath the gumline.

The laser targets only the damaged areas, leaving healthy tissue untouched. This focused approach helps support healing and encourages the gums to reattach to the teeth. It’s a more comfortable option for many patients and can help prevent further damage.

Let’s summarize some of the benefits you can anticipate with laser therapy for periodontitis:

• Targets infected gum tissue without harming healthy areas
• No cutting or stitches needed
• Less discomfort during and after treatment
• Helps reduce bleeding and swelling
• Supports faster healing and recovery
• Encourages gums to reattach to teeth
• Can be combined with deep cleaning for better results
• Helps protect your oral health from further damage

When to Seek Treatment for Advanced Gum Disease

If you notice more than one of the warning signs—like bleeding gums, bad breath, or loose teeth—it’s time to take action. Catching periodontitis early can make a big difference. In many cases, a deep cleaning combined with laser therapy may be needed to stop the infection and help your gums recover.

Advanced gum disease doesn’t just affect your teeth. It can impact your entire body. Studies have shown a connection between gum disease and conditions like heart disease and diabetes. That’s why caring for your gums plays an important role in protecting your oral health and overall wellness.

If periodontitis is left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss, bone damage, and long-term complications. Addressing the signs early allows for more comfortable treatment options—like laser therapy—and can help stop the disease before it causes further harm. Paying attention to your gum health is an important part of staying healthy.

Ready to take care of your gums?

Laser therapy offers a gentle, effective way to treat severe gum disease without the need for cutting or stitches. If you’re dealing with signs of periodontitis, don’t wait—early treatment can protect your smile and improve your oral health.

King Dental offers advanced gum care and comfort dentistry in Virginia Beach to help you feel at ease during every visit. Our team uses state-of-the-art technology and personalized care to support long-term gum health. Whether you’re noticing early signs or need treatment for advanced disease, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule your evaluation and take the first step toward healthier gums.