Periodontal Care in Somerville, MA
A Science-Based Approach to Gum Health
At Anthony P. Parrella, DMD, we understand that gum disease is more than just bleeding gums—it’s a bacterial infection that requires precision diagnosis and customized care. For over 30 years, our practice has specialized in a non-surgical approach that begins with a simple chairside bacterial analysis and leads to personalized, effective therapy.
Understanding Gum Disease
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, develops when harmful bacteria infiltrate the gum pockets that form around teeth. In its early stages, it may cause bleeding or swelling—but over time, it can lead to irreversible bone loss and even tooth loss if left untreated.
How We Diagnose Your Risk
Our periodontal evaluation includes comprehensive periodontal probing, charting of pocket depths, and radiographs to assess bone levels and disease progression. This allows us to tailor your care based on your specific condition.
Treatment You Can Trust
Phase I: Non-Surgical Therapy
- For most patients, initial treatment involves scaling and root planing (also called deep cleaning) to remove plaque and calculus below the gum line and smooth root surfaces. This helps infected tissues reattach and begin healing.
- To complement this, we provide personalized oral hygiene routines—often including oral irrigation—for effective home care and bacterial reduction in hard-to-reach areas.
Surgical Options (If Needed)
- When deeper pockets persist, surgical intervention such as open flap debridement or regenerative procedures may be recommended. These techniques grant access for thorough cleaning and can enable tissue regeneration and long-term stability.
Ongoing Periodontal Maintenance
Once active treatment is complete, ongoing maintenance is key. Our periodontal maintenance appointments occur every three to four months and involve detailed cleanings above and below the gumline, plus pocket reassessment, to prevent disease recurrence.
Studies show that without consistent professional care and excellent home hygiene, periodontal bacteria can re-establish within months—making ongoing monitoring essential.
Why Choose Our Approach?
Our family‑owned practice brings years of experience, personalized attention, and the latest diagnostic tools to ensure your gum health. We work with commitment, not pressure, and focus on treatments that create lasting results.
The Benefits for Your Smile
With trusted periodontal care, you can expect reduced inflammation, minimized bleeding or irritation, and improved oral comfort. Healthy gums also support essential functions like chewing and speaking. And importantly, they lower your risk of systemic health issues linked to long-term gum inflammation.
Get Started: What to Expect Next
Your first step begins with a consultation that includes risk assessment and periodontal charting. From there, we’ll recommend care tailored to your needs—whether it's scaling and irrigation, or more advanced therapy. And once your gum health is stable, we’ll guide you into a maintenance schedule suited to your individual needs.
Gum Health & Periodontal Care FAQ
All the answers to your questions can be found here, and if a new question pops up, don't worry feel free to call us
Unlike a standard dental cleaning that focuses on plaque and tartar above the gum line, periodontal maintenance targets the deeper areas below the gum line—where bacteria hide and gum disease thrives. It’s designed specifically for patients who have been diagnosed with periodontal disease and have completed active treatment like scaling and root planing. These visits are more detailed, more frequent, and essential for long-term gum health.
Daily oral irrigation is an excellent complement to brushing and flossing. It helps flush harmful bacteria from deep gum pockets and hard-to-reach areas that traditional methods may miss. When used consistently, it can dramatically reduce inflammation and support healing between in-office visits.
Most patients with a history of gum disease benefit from maintenance appointments every three to four months. This interval helps prevent bacteria from repopulating below the gums, keeps inflammation in check, and allows our team to monitor your progress closely. We’ll personalize your schedule based on your individual needs and response to treatment.
Missing periodontal maintenance visits can allow harmful bacteria to return—and with it, the risk of bone loss, gum recession, and even tooth loss. Consistency is key. Think of maintenance as essential health care, not just a cleaning.
While periodontal disease can’t always be “cured” in the traditional sense, it can absolutely be controlled and managed. With proper care—including non-surgical therapy, excellent home habits, and regular maintenance—you can keep your gums healthy and prevent future damage.
Ready to Protect Your Gums?
Join patients across Somerville who rely on our thoughtful, evidence-based approach to gum health.
We’ll confirm your visit and answer any questions.
Let’s Connect — We’d Love to Hear from You
Whether you have a question, need to reschedule, or are ready to book your first visit, our friendly team is here to help. Reach out anytime — we're happy to assist you.
Phone: (617) 625‑3022
Email: office@drparrella.com