Current offers: $0 Exam, Cleaning and X-Rays with Insurance. 0% Financing Available. In-House Membership for $395 per year (lump-sum). Same-Day Appointments Available.
Protect Your Teeth. Protect Your Health.
Gum disease takes more adult teeth than cavities do. It's also one of the most preventable conditions in dentistry — caught early, it's reversible. We screen for it at every visit, not just when someone asks.
Quick 2-min form · No credit card needed · Or call for same-day care
I had no idea how bad my gum disease was until Innova Smiles caught it. The deep cleaning was nothing like I expected, totally comfortable. My gums are healthy now for the first time in years.
Patricia W.
Periodontal patient
Comprehensive Screening
We measure periodontal pocket depths at every exam, catching disease before it becomes severe.
Gentle Deep Cleaning
Ultrasonic scaling and hand instruments remove tartar above and below the gum line with minimal discomfort.
Gum-Heart Health Connection
We explain the systemic link between gum health and heart, diabetes, and pregnancy outcomes.
Personalized Maintenance
Your post-treatment plan is tailored to your risk level and history, not a one-size-fits-all protocol.
Professional Memberships & Clinical Fellowships
Your care is led by Dr. Ambereen Fatima, D.D.S. — Fellow, ICOI (FICOI) · Fellow, AAIP (FAAIP)
Among a small percentage of U.S. dentists with dual implant fellowships
Gum disease treatment addresses gingivitis and periodontitis through scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), antimicrobial therapy, and ongoing periodontal maintenance. Untreated periodontal disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss and is linked to systemic conditions including heart disease and diabetes.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Ambereen Fatima, D.D.S. — FICOI · FAAIP · Last reviewed · Meet Our Team
Gum disease treatment addresses gingivitis and periodontitis through scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), antimicrobial therapy, and ongoing periodontal maintenance. Untreated periodontal disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss and is linked to systemic conditions including heart disease and diabetes.
Early detection is everything. The earlier gum disease is caught, the more conservative, and affordable, the treatment.
The bacteria responsible for periodontal disease do not stay in your mouth. According to the American Dental Association, research consistently links untreated gum disease to serious systemic health conditions.
From initial assessment to long-term health maintenance, here is exactly what our periodontal care process looks like.
Pocket depth measurements and X-rays paint a complete picture of your gum and bone health at every level.
Anesthetized scaling removes hardened calculus from below the gum line, the foundation of effective gum therapy.
Root surfaces are smoothed to remove toxins and create a healthy surface for gum tissue reattachment.
Follow-up appointments every 3-4 months monitor healing, reinforce home care, and prevent recurrence.
Scaling and root planing is a medically necessary procedure and is typically covered at 50-80% by PPO plans. We verify your benefits before treatment. HSA/FSA eligible, periodontal treatment qualifies for pre-tax savings. Flexible financing available for remaining costs.
Periodontal disease is one of the most common chronic infections in the body, and most people who have it don’t know it. At Innova Smiles, we screen for it at every hygiene visit with digital X-rays, periodontal probing, and a clinical exam. Catching it early is some of the cheapest, simplest dental work you’ll ever do, and it protects more than your teeth.
The link between chronic gum infection and the rest of the body is well documented at this point. Studies consistently find that untreated moderate-to-severe periodontal disease is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, raising the odds of heart attack and stroke. The bacteria seed blood-vessel tissue directly, the chronic inflammation adds to the body’s overall load, and shared risk factors get worse when the gum disease goes untreated. If you’re managing high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease, treating your gums is part of that picture, not a cosmetic add-on.
Scaling and root planing (SRP) is the clinical standard for treating moderate periodontal disease. Under local anesthetic, we use ultrasonic and hand scalers to remove calculus deposits from root surfaces below the gumline, eliminating the bacterial environment that drives ongoing bone loss. For cases with deep pockets or areas of persistent infection, we supplement SRP with laser-assisted periodontal therapy that reaches areas traditional instruments cannot and promotes accelerated tissue reattachment. After active treatment, we transition patients to a structured periodontal maintenance program, typically four-month recall intervals, to prevent disease recurrence and monitor bone levels with annual digital radiographs.
Treating gum disease isn’t just about your mouth, it’s about protecting your heart, your energy, and your long-term health.
Treating periodontal disease reduces systemic inflammation linked to heart disease, diabetes, and more.
Healthy gums mean a healthy smile for your entire family, prevention starts with regular periodontal care.
Resolve bleeding gums, sensitivity, and bad breath, feel confident in every conversation.
Gum disease progresses silently. Here is what happens when you get treatment early versus waiting until symptoms become severe.
Early detection through routine dental exams is the most effective way to prevent gum disease progression.
Caught at the gingivitis stage, it’s reversible with a cleaning and better home care. Wait, and you’re looking at deep cleanings, possible surgery, and bone loss. Your first cleaning appointment includes a full periodontal evaluation at no extra charge.
Most insurance covers periodontal treatment · Same-week appointments available
“My gums stopped bleeding after just two visits. Should have come sooner.”
— Patricia H.
The good news: gum disease is highly manageable with treatment and consistent maintenance. Here’s how to maximize your results and protect your long-term gum health.
Call us at (508) 481-0110 or go to the nearest emergency room if you experience severe symptoms.
Our treatment recommendations are informed by peer-reviewed research and clinical evidence.
After gum disease treatment, regular professional cleanings are essential to prevent recurrence. We recommend more frequent visits, typically every 3-4 months instead of 6, to keep your gums healthy and catch any early signs of relapse before they become serious.
Check Your Symptoms
Typical ranges for time, visits, and recovery from our routine cases.
Times vary by case complexity. Ranges shown reflect typical cases handled at Innova Smiles in Marlborough, MA — based on internal practice data and standard published timelines.
In-depth guides from Dr. Fatima to help you make confident, informed decisions.
Periodontal (gum) disease is the most common cause of adult tooth loss in the United States, and it is largely preventable with early detection and treatment. At Innova Smiles, we screen every patient at every visit for signs of gum disease, catching problems before they become serious.
Scaling and root planing (SRP), commonly called a “deep cleaning,” is the gold-standard treatment for gum disease beyond early gingivitis. Unlike a routine cleaning that focuses above the gum line, SRP removes calculus from below the gum line and smooths root surfaces to remove bacterial toxins, creating a clean foundation for gum tissue to reattach and heal.
Most SRP procedures are completed in two appointments (one per side of the mouth), performed under local anesthesia for complete comfort. Mild soreness for 1–2 days afterward is normal; over-the-counter pain relief is typically all that is needed.
The connection between periodontal health and systemic health is one of the most significant discoveries in modern medicine. The bacteria responsible for gum disease enter the bloodstream, triggering inflammatory responses throughout the body linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes complications, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and emerging research suggests a connection to cognitive decline.
Treating gum disease protects more than your teeth. It protects your overall health.
Innova Smiles is located at 340 Maple St, Suite 100, Marlborough, MA 01752, serving patients from Hudson, Framingham, Northborough, Southborough, Shrewsbury, Westborough, and all of MetroWest. Call us at (508) 481-0110 to schedule your periodontal evaluation.
In-depth guides to help you make confident, informed decisions.
Four things we hold ourselves to at every appointment. No exceptions.
Espressos, weighted blankets, noise-canceling headphones, and anesthesia techniques that most patients say they barely felt. Your comfort comes first.
We eliminate guesswork. Using sub-millimeter 3D scanning, we plan every restoration with surgical accuracy for a precise, lasting fit.
You see a line-by-line cost breakdown before any treatment starts. The number we quote is the number you pay.
We follow rigorous protocols. Our studio meets and exceeds American Dental Association and CDC sterilization standards to ensure patient safety.
In-depth guides from Dr. Fatima to help you make confident, informed decisions.
Our dental office is at 340 Maple St, Suite 100, Marlborough, MA 01752, serving patients throughout the MetroWest region.
Transparent Pricing
Quality dental care is an investment that pays dividends in confidence, comfort, and long-term oral health. Here is what to expect for gum disease treatment.
Gum Disease Treatment (per quadrant)
Personalized to Your Treatment Plan
Often covered in full by dental insurance
Treating gum disease early protects your teeth and has been linked to better overall health outcomes. Our thorough scaling and root planing removes bacteria below the gumline, and the follow-up evaluation ensures healing is on track.
Deep cleanings are usually partially covered by dental insurance. Financing is available for any remaining balance.
Available through CareCredit and Cherry. Subject to credit approval.
Deep cleanings (scaling and root planing) are commonly covered under periodontal benefits. We verify coverage before your appointment.
We handle verification for you
Our team contacts your insurance provider, determines your benefits, and gives you a clear cost breakdown before treatment begins.
No obligation. Your estimate is always free.
Prices are estimates. Your actual cost depends on treatment complexity and insurance coverage. We always provide a written estimate before treatment begins.
Gum disease (periodontal disease) is primarily caused by the buildup of bacterial plaque along and below the gumline. If plaque is not removed with daily brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar (calculus), which can only be removed professionally. The bacteria release toxins that trigger an immune response, causing inflammation, bone loss, and tissue destruction. Risk factors that worsen gum disease include smoking, diabetes, certain medications, genetic predisposition, hormonal changes (pregnancy), and infrequent dental care.
Gum disease progresses through distinct stages. Gingivitis is the earliest and fully reversible stage, gums are red, swollen, and bleed easily, but no bone loss has occurred. Mild periodontitis involves the beginning of bone and connective tissue loss. Moderate periodontitis causes deeper pockets between teeth and gums, accelerating bone loss. Severe periodontitis (advanced) leads to significant bone loss, loose teeth, and risk of tooth loss. Early intervention at the gingivitis stage prevents all subsequent damage.
Treatment depends on the stage of the disease. Gingivitis is treated with a professional cleaning and improved home hygiene. Periodontitis is treated with scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning that removes tartar and bacteria from below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces so the gum tissue can reattach. More advanced cases may require antimicrobial therapy or surgical intervention. After active treatment, most periodontal patients are placed on a 3–4 month maintenance schedule to prevent recurrence.
Yes, most dental insurance plans provide meaningful coverage for periodontal treatment, including scaling and root planing, because it is medically necessary rather than cosmetic. Coverage levels vary, but plans typically cover 50–80% of deep cleaning costs after your deductible. Periodontal maintenance visits (typically every 3–4 months) are also usually covered at a higher rate than standard cleanings. We verify your benefits before treatment and provide a clear cost estimate.
Periodontal disease is a chronic condition that must be actively managed. Warning signs of recurrence include gums that bleed when you brush or floss, gums that appear red or swollen, teeth that feel loose or have shifted, increased sensitivity at the gumline, persistent bad breath, and gum tissue that is visibly receding. Attending your periodontal maintenance visits every 3–4 months is the most effective way to monitor healing and catch recurrence early before bone loss progresses.
Yes. Untreated periodontal disease creates a pathway for oral bacteria to enter the bloodstream. Research has linked severe gum disease to increased risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes complications, respiratory infections, and adverse pregnancy outcomes including preterm birth. Treating gum disease improves not just your oral health but supports your overall systemic well-being.