Dr. Tamara Rojas, DMD  |  Tooth Fairy Workshop  |  Updated June 2026  |  6 min read

Nearly 47% of American adults over 30 have some form of gum disease — yet most don’t realize it until permanent damage has begun. Periodontal therapy is the frontline treatment that stops gum disease and protects the foundation of your smile.

As a periodontist in Hollywood, FL, Dr. Tamara Rojas has helped hundreds of patients reverse early-stage gum disease and manage advanced periodontitis before it leads to tooth loss.

What Is Periodontal Therapy?

Periodontal therapy is a category of dental treatments designed to treat gum disease and restore the health of your gum tissue, jawbone, and the ligaments that hold your teeth in place.

Unlike a routine cleaning, periodontal therapy targets bacteria and plaque that have accumulated below the gumline — in the pockets that form between teeth and infected gums. Once bacteria colonize these pockets, no amount of brushing at home can reach them.

Treatment ranges from non-surgical deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) to advanced laser therapy (LANAP®) and surgical procedures for severe cases.

Why Gum Health Matters for Your Whole Body

Your gum tissue is the barrier between your bloodstream and billions of oral bacteria. When that barrier breaks down, the consequences extend far beyond your mouth.

The Heart-Gum Connection

A landmark Harvard Medical School study found that people with periodontal disease are 2–3x more likely to experience heart attack or stroke. Bacteria from infected gums enter the bloodstream, trigger systemic inflammation, and damage blood vessel walls.

Diabetes and Gum Disease

Gum disease and diabetes are bidirectionally linked. High blood sugar creates conditions where oral bacteria thrive — and active gum disease makes blood sugar harder to control. Treating periodontitis has been shown to improve HbA1c levels in diabetic patients.

Pregnancy Complications

Research in the Journal of Periodontology shows pregnant women with untreated gum disease face higher risk of preterm birth and low-birth-weight infants. Early periodontal treatment during pregnancy is safe and recommended.

Stages of Gum Disease: Gingivitis to Periodontitis

Gum disease progresses through stages. Catching it early determines how aggressive treatment needs to be.

Stage 1: Gingivitis

The earliest stage — inflammation caused by plaque buildup at the gumline. The bone and connective tissue have not yet been affected. Gingivitis is fully reversible with professional cleaning and improved home care.

Stage 2: Mild Periodontitis

Bacteria invade deeper and the body’s inflammatory response begins destroying bone and ligaments. Pockets of 4–5mm form. Bone loss has begun but is still limited.

Stage 3: Moderate Periodontitis

Bone loss becomes significant. Pockets deepen to 6–7mm. Patients may notice shifting teeth, bite changes, or increased sensitivity. LANAP® laser therapy is often indicated at this stage.

Stage 4: Severe Periodontitis

Extensive bone loss leads to loose teeth and eventual tooth loss. Surgical intervention and bone grafting may be needed. Implants replace teeth lost to advanced disease.

Types of Periodontal Therapy We Offer

Dr. Rojas offers the full spectrum of periodontal care at our Hollywood, FL office:

Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)

The foundation of non-surgical periodontal care. Using ultrasonic and hand instruments, Dr. Rojas removes calculus and bacteria from below the gumline, then smooths the root surface to prevent future bacterial adhesion. Most cases are treated over 2 appointments under local anesthesia.

LANAP® Laser Periodontal Therapy

The only FDA-cleared laser protocol for treating periodontitis. A thin fiber is inserted into each pocket and the laser selectively destroys infected tissue while leaving healthy tissue untouched. Benefits include minimal post-operative discomfort, faster healing, and no sutures.

Periodontal Maintenance

After active treatment, patients transition to a 3–4 month maintenance schedule. This is critical — gum disease-causing bacteria recolonize pockets within 90 days if not disrupted.

What to Expect During Treatment

Periodontal therapy at Tooth Fairy Workshop is performed under local anesthesia. You’ll feel pressure and movement, but not pain.

Day of treatment: Treatment takes 45–90 minutes per quadrant. You’ll leave numb with mild soreness that fades within 24–48 hours.

First 24 hours: Avoid hot foods and alcohol. Soft foods recommended. Mild bleeding and sensitivity are normal.

4–6 week re-evaluation: Dr. Rojas re-measures all pocket depths to assess healing. Most patients show significant pocket depth reduction after their first round of treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is periodontal therapy painful?

Treatment is performed under local anesthesia, so the procedure itself is comfortable. Post-treatment soreness typically resolves within 24–48 hours and is managed well with ibuprofen.

How many sessions does periodontal therapy take?

Most patients complete scaling and root planing in 2–4 appointments. LANAP® laser therapy can often be completed in 2 sessions. Advanced surgical cases require additional visits.

Does insurance cover periodontal therapy?

Most dental insurance plans cover scaling and root planing. Our team verifies your benefits before your appointment and explains your estimated out-of-pocket cost upfront.

Can gum disease come back after treatment?

Periodontal disease is a chronic condition — it can be controlled but not cured. Patients who maintain 3–4 month periodontal maintenance visits have the best long-term outcomes.

I have no pain — could I still have gum disease?

Yes. Periodontal disease is frequently painless until it reaches an advanced stage. Bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or deep pockets on X-rays are signs even without pain.