Gum Disease Stages and Treatment in Hollywood, FL: What You Need to Know in 2026
Dr. Tamara Rojas, DMD | Tooth Fairy Workshop, Hollywood FL | Updated June 2026 | 8 min read
Gum disease (periodontitis) is a progressive bacterial infection that destroys the bone and tissue holding your teeth in place. The American Academy of Periodontology classifies it into four stages — and your treatment options change dramatically depending on how far it has progressed. Understanding which stage you’re in is the first step toward saving your teeth.
At Tooth Fairy Workshop in Hollywood, FL, Dr. Tamara Rojas evaluates and treats all four stages of periodontal disease. If you’ve been told you have gum disease, this guide will help you understand your diagnosis, your treatment options — including LANAP laser surgery — and what to expect during recovery.
📌 Key Takeaways
- Stage 1 (Gingivitis) is fully reversible — a professional cleaning and improved homecare routine eliminates the infection at this stage.
- Stage 2–3 periodontitis causes permanent bone loss — treatment halts progression but lost bone doesn’t grow back without LANAP or surgical intervention.
- LANAP laser surgery is the only FDA-cleared protocol proven to regenerate lost bone — making it the preferred treatment for Stage 3–4 in Hollywood, FL.
- Stage 4 often results in tooth extraction — without early intervention, tooth replacement with dental implants becomes the only option.
- Periodontal disease is linked to heart disease, diabetes, and stroke — treating gum disease has documented systemic health benefits beyond your mouth.
In This Guide
The 4 Stages of Gum Disease Explained
The 2017 World Workshop classification system — now the global standard used by periodontists — defines periodontal disease in four stages based on pocket depth, bone loss, and tooth mobility. Here’s what each stage means for patients in Hollywood, FL:
Stage 1 — Gingivitis (Reversible)
Signs: Bleeding gums when brushing, mild redness or swelling, no bone loss yet.
Pocket depth: 1–3mm (normal range)
Treatment: Professional cleaning (prophylaxis) + improved homecare. No bone loss has occurred — this stage is fully reversible.
Stage 2 — Mild Periodontitis
Signs: Gum recession, pockets 4–5mm, early bone loss visible on X-ray.
Treatment: Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) under local anesthesia. 2–4 appointments. Bone loss is permanent but progression stops with treatment.
Stage 3 — Moderate to Severe Periodontitis
Signs: Pockets 6mm+, bone loss ≥33%, possible tooth mobility, visible gum recession.
Treatment: LANAP laser surgery or osseous surgery. LANAP is preferred — it achieves true periodontal regeneration (new bone growth) without cutting.
Stage 4 — Very Severe Periodontitis
Signs: Tooth mobility, bite changes, teeth drifting, possible tooth loss already occurred.
Treatment: Combination of surgery, extraction of non-salvageable teeth, and dental implants. Early Stage 4 can sometimes be stabilized; advanced Stage 4 requires implant reconstruction.
Gum Disease Treatment by Stage in Hollywood, FL
Tooth Fairy Workshop provides every level of periodontal treatment in-house. Dr. Rojas completes all procedures herself — no hand-offs to outside specialists or oral surgeons for implant placement.
- Stage 1 → Prophylaxis cleaning — same visit as diagnosis in most cases; follow-up in 3 months to confirm resolution
- Stage 2 → Scaling and Root Planing (SRP) — 2–4 visits; numbs one quadrant at a time; 4–6 week healing period before reassessment
- Stage 3 → LANAP Laser Surgery — 2 appointments (upper arch + lower arch); no sutures; most patients back to work next day
- Stage 4 → Combined surgical + implant plan — treatment mapped across 3–6 months depending on extractions needed and healing time
Not Sure What Stage You’re In?
Dr. Rojas offers comprehensive periodontal evaluations for new patients. We’ll measure pocket depths, take X-rays, and explain exactly where you stand — with no pressure.
LANAP Laser Surgery in Hollywood, FL
LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) uses a specialized Nd:YAG laser to destroy the bacteria causing periodontal infection — and to stimulate the body’s own healing response to regenerate lost bone and tissue. It was FDA-cleared in 2004 and has been studied in peer-reviewed research for over 20 years.
For Hollywood, FL patients with Stage 3 or Stage 4 gum disease, LANAP offers an outcome that traditional surgery cannot match: documented bone regrowth in pockets that would otherwise never recover.
“I explain to patients that LANAP isn’t a shortcut — it’s a better tool. The laser can distinguish between healthy and diseased tissue in a way no scalpel can. That precision is why we see healing outcomes with LANAP that weren’t possible before it existed.”
— Dr. Tamara Rojas, DMD | Tooth Fairy Workshop, Hollywood FL
Why Gum Disease Affects Your Whole Body
The mouth is not isolated from the rest of the body — and research over the past 20 years has documented a clear connection between untreated periodontal disease and serious systemic conditions:
- Heart disease: Periodontal bacteria enter the bloodstream and contribute to arterial inflammation and plaque buildup — a mechanism linked to heart attack risk
- Type 2 diabetes: Gum disease worsens blood sugar control; treating periodontitis has been shown to lower HbA1c in diabetic patients
- Stroke: Studies show patients with severe periodontitis have a significantly higher risk of ischemic stroke
- Pregnancy complications: Active periodontal disease is associated with preterm birth and low birth weight
- Respiratory disease: Aspiration of oral bacteria linked to pneumonia and worsening of COPD
Treat Gum Disease in Hollywood, FL
New patient evaluations available this week. Serving Hollywood, Hallandale Beach, Davie, Pembroke Pines, and Fort Lauderdale.
South Florida Dental Partners
Patients needing general dental care alongside periodontal treatment can find trusted partners in our network throughout South Florida. Enjoy Dental in Hialeah provides accessible general and restorative dental services for Miami-Dade patients. All Dental Group in Miami Lakes offers comprehensive family dental care for patients in North Miami-Dade and South Broward. Patients in Lauderhill seeking a premium dental experience can visit Luxe Dental of Lauderhill.
Frequently Asked Questions — Gum Disease Treatment in Hollywood, FL
Is gum disease curable?
Stage 1 gingivitis is fully curable — professional cleaning plus improved homecare eliminates it completely. Stages 2–4 periodontitis are not curable in the sense that bone loss is permanent, but the disease can be stopped and controlled indefinitely through treatment and ongoing periodontal maintenance every three months.
How long does LANAP laser surgery take?
Each LANAP appointment treats one full arch (upper or lower) and takes approximately 2 hours. Most patients complete both appointments within one to two weeks. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and patients drive home immediately after.
What happens if I don’t treat gum disease?
Untreated periodontitis progresses to more advanced stages over months to years. Stage 3 leads to Stage 4 — loose teeth, bone loss exceeding 50%, bite changes, and eventual tooth loss. Once teeth are lost, the only replacement option is dental implants or dentures. Early treatment is dramatically less expensive and less invasive than implant reconstruction.
Does periodontal treatment hurt?
All periodontal procedures at Tooth Fairy Workshop are performed under local anesthesia — patients feel pressure but not pain during treatment. Post-operative sensitivity after scaling and root planing typically resolves in 5–10 days. After LANAP, most patients report mild soreness rather than significant pain, managed comfortably with over-the-counter anti-inflammatories.
Can I prevent gum disease from getting worse?
Yes. Consistent brushing twice daily, flossing once daily, and attending periodontal maintenance appointments every three months (not the standard six-month cleanings) are the most effective prevention strategies. Patients who quit smoking and control their blood sugar if diabetic also see significantly better periodontal outcomes.
Take Control of Your Gum Health in Hollywood, FL
Don’t wait until Stage 3. A periodontal evaluation takes 30 minutes and tells you exactly where you stand.