Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is far more common than most people realize. According to national data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), about 42% of U.S. adults aged 30 and older have some form of periodontitis — a mild, moderate, or severe form of gum disease. That means nearly 1 in 2 adults you know likely has gum issues that need more than a regular cleaning.
At Austin Dental Works, we provide gentle and effective periodontal care in Austin, Texas for patients living with gum disease. Dr. Lindsey Jaros diagnoses and treats periodontal disease with a personalized approach, helping you understand why regular cleanings are no longer enough once infection is present. Since gum disease affects close to half of all adults, we focus on early intervention and ethical, education-based care to protect your smile.
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When a Preventive Cleaning Isn’t Enough
- Gum disease often involves pockets beneath the gumline where bacteria accumulate — beyond the reach of a routine cleaning.
- These pockets and infected tissue need a deeper level of cleaning and maintenance to stop the disease from progressing.
- Regular cleanings are great for healthy gums, but they can’t treat active gum disease.
At Austin Dental Works, we follow a patient-first, ethical standard: if Dr. Jaros diagnoses periodontal disease, we recommend the proper treatment accordingly. Our goal is not upselling — it’s protecting your long-term oral health.
What Our Periodontal Care Services Include
- Gingivitis Therapy (Early Gum Inflammation Treatment): For patients with bleeding or inflamed gums without bone loss, this targeted treatment focuses on removing plaque just below the gumline, applying antimicrobial rinses if needed, and providing personalized home-care guidance to stop early inflammation before it progresses.
- Full-Mouth Debridement: If significant plaque or tartar prevents us from fully evaluating your gums, we may begin with a debridement. This removes heavy buildup so we can measure the gums, accurately diagnose, and plan the proper treatment.
- Gum Therapy (Scaling & Root Planing): A therapeutic cleaning, commonly referred to as a “deep cleaning”, that removes plaque and tartar above and below the gumline, targeting the periodontal pockets where gum disease develops.
- Periodontal Maintenance Visits: After initial gum therapy treatment, these specialized cleanings (often every 3–4 months) help control bacteria, reduce inflammation, and keep gum disease from progressing.
- Gum-Tissue & Bone Health Evaluation: Regular monitoring of pocket depths, gum attachment levels, and bone support to track improvements and prevent relapse.
- Personalized Home Care Training: Customized guidance on brushing, flossing, water flossers, rinses, and daily habits to support healthier gums between visits.
- Referral to a Local Periodontist When Needed: For patients with severe or advanced periodontal disease, Dr. Jaros may recommend working with a trusted Austin periodontist who specializes in complex gum and bone conditions. This ensures you receive the highest level of care for more advanced cases while we continue to support your overall treatment plan.
Using a water flosser device at least once a day is even more effective at removing leftover food particles that can lead to a buildup of bacteria and, eventually, tooth decay and/or gum disease. Dr. Jaros can recommend the best at-home oral hygiene routine for you.
Why Choose Austin Dental Works
& Dr. Lindsey Jaros
- We treat not just teeth, but gum health as a critical part of your overall oral well-being.
- We believe in honest, ethical care. If you don’t need deep cleaning — we won’t recommend it. If you do, we’ll explain why, how it helps, and what to expect.
- Our focus is on long-term health — helping you maintain strong gums and healthy teeth for years to come.
- Many adults don’t even know they have gum disease — but our careful evaluations and periodontal care services help you stay ahead, before small problems become major ones.
What This Means for You
If you’ve been told you have periodontal disease, or if during a check-up we discover pockets, gum inflammation, or other warning signs, choosing periodontal care over a standard cleaning could save you from pain, tooth loss, or costly procedures down the road.
And even if you currently feel no discomfort, remember: nearly half of adults over 30 have gum disease. That’s nearly half of us. Proactive care isn’t about fear; it’s about smart, ethical protection of your smile.
Let’s Talk Gum Health — Contact Us Today
If you think you might benefit from periodontal care, or if you’re due for a cleaning and want a full gum evaluation — call or book online. At Austin Dental Works, we’re here to help you maintain a healthy smile for life. Every dentist has different approaches, technology, and experience with gum disease, so it’s perfectly normal if recommendations vary. If you’d like a second opinion about your periodontal care, we welcome you to visit us. Our goal is to help you feel confident and informed about the best treatment for your long-term oral health.