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Gum Disease Treatment in Hillsboro — Stages, Symptoms, and Diagnosis
If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, look red and swollen, or have started to pull away from your teeth, you likely have some stage of gum disease. The good news: caught at the gingivitis stage, it is fully reversible. Caught later, it can still be controlled and the teeth saved. This page explains the stages, the warning signs, and how Dr. Merat Ostovar, DMD, FAGD diagnoses gum disease at our Hillsboro office. For the actual hands-on therapy — scaling and root planing, periodontal maintenance, laser-assisted treatment — see our periodontal therapy page. Call (503) 614-0198 to schedule a periodontal evaluation.
Worried About Your Gums?
A 30-minute periodontal evaluation gives you an honest diagnosis and a clear plan. Most insurance plans cover the visit.
Gum disease in Hillsboro — key facts
- Condition: Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease) — stages, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
- Stages: Gingivitis (reversible) → Early Periodontitis → Moderate Periodontitis → Severe Periodontitis (manageable, not curable)
- Prevalence: Affects 47% of adults over age 30 in the United States
- Gingivitis: Bleeding, red/swollen gums, no bone loss — fully reversible with cleaning and improved home care
- Periodontitis: 4mm+ pockets, bone loss visible on X-rays — controllable but not reversible; requires scaling and root planing
- Diagnosis: Pocket-depth probing chart + digital X-rays for bone level measurement (no guessing)
- Treatment by stage: Gingivitis (professional cleaning), Early/Moderate (scaling and root planing, antibiotics, laser therapy), Severe (periodontal surgery if needed)
- Systemic health links: Linked to heart disease, diabetes complications, and adverse pregnancy outcomes
- Deep cleaning cost: $150–$350 per quadrant ($600–$1,400 full mouth before insurance)
- Insurance coverage: Most plans cover scaling and root planing at 50–80% (medically necessary procedure)
- Monitoring: Periodontal maintenance every 3–4 months after treatment (not standard 6-month interval)
- Provider: Dr. Merat Ostovar, DMD, FAGD — top 7% of dentists nationwide, 15+ years experience
- Location: 7546 NE Shaleen St, Hillsboro, OR 97124 (serving Beaverton, Aloha, Orenco Station, Tanasbourne)
- Contact: (503) 614-0198 | Book periodontal evaluation online
What Are the Stages of Gum Disease?
Gum disease (periodontal disease) progresses through distinct stages. Knowing which stage you are in determines the treatment and the prognosis.
Stage 1: Gingivitis
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gum tissue caused by bacterial plaque sitting at the gumline. Signs: red gums (instead of pink), swelling, bleeding when brushing or flossing, and sometimes bad breath. Crucially, there is no bone loss yet, and there are no deep pockets. Gingivitis is fully reversible — a professional cleaning combined with improved home care (proper brushing technique and consistent flossing) typically returns the gums to health within 2-4 weeks.
If you only ever read one paragraph on this page, read this one: bleeding gums are not normal, and they are not just a sign you brushed too hard. They are an early warning that bacteria are inflaming the tissue. Acting at this stage is the difference between a $250 cleaning and a $1,400 deep cleaning years later.
Stage 2: Mild Periodontitis
If gingivitis is not addressed, the inflammation spreads below the gumline. The body’s immune response begins to break down the ligament that attaches the tooth to the bone, and small amounts of bone start to dissolve. Pockets between the gum and tooth deepen to 4-5mm. The American Academy of Periodontology confirms that this transition from gingivitis to periodontitis is the critical inflection point — bone that is lost does not regrow on its own.
Mild periodontitis is treated with scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) and ongoing periodontal maintenance every 3-4 months.
Stage 3: Moderate Periodontitis
Pockets deepen to 5-6mm. Bone loss is more extensive — typically 30-50% of the root length. You may notice gum recession (teeth look longer), persistent bad breath, and bad taste. Some patients begin to feel slight tooth mobility. Treatment is still primarily non-surgical — scaling and root planing followed by tighter maintenance intervals — but locally delivered antibiotics or laser-assisted therapy may be added for stubborn sites.
Stage 4: Severe (Advanced) Periodontitis
Pockets exceed 6mm. Bone loss is 50%+ of root length. Teeth are visibly mobile, and abscesses can develop in the pockets. At this stage, non-surgical therapy may control the disease enough to save the teeth, but periodontal surgery (osseous surgery, regenerative procedures, gum grafts) is often needed — and that is when Dr. Ostovar coordinates a referral to a board-certified periodontist. Even at this stage, many teeth can be saved if treatment begins promptly.
What Are the Symptoms I Should Watch For?
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing — the single most common early sign
- Red or swollen gums instead of firm, pink tissue
- Persistent bad breath that does not clear with brushing
- Receding gums — teeth look longer than they used to
- Sensitivity to cold along the gumline
- Pus between the gums and teeth
- Loose teeth or teeth that have started to shift
- Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- Periodontal evaluation: $100-$200 (usually included in a comprehensive exam)
- Standard cleaning for gingivitis: $100-$200
- Scaling and root planing: $150-$350 per quadrant ($600-$1,400 full mouth, usually 2 visits)
- Periodontal maintenance: $100-$200 per visit, every 3-4 months
- Locally delivered antibiotic: $50-$100 per site
- Laser-assisted therapy add-on: $100-$300
- People with diabetes — especially uncontrolled blood sugar
- Smokers and tobacco users — significantly higher risk and worse healing
- People taking certain medications (some blood pressure drugs, seizure medications, immunosuppressants) that cause gum overgrowth or dry mouth
- Pregnant patients — hormonal changes amplify gum response to plaque
- People with family history of periodontal disease
- People with inconsistent home care — irregular flossing is the most common contributor we see
- Hillsboro and the NE Cornell Road corridor
- Orenco Station and the MAX Blue Line area
- Tanasbourne and the Streets of Tanasbourne
- Aloha and the TV Highway corridor
- Beaverton and Cedar Hills
- South Hillsboro and Reed’s Crossing
- Rock Creek and AmberGlen
- Cornelius and Forest Grove
- Intel employees at Ronler Acres and Jones Farm campuses
- Periodontal Therapy — Detailed periodontal treatment options
- Teeth Cleaning — Routine hygiene cleanings
- Laser Dentistry — Laser-assisted gum treatment
- Dental Implants — Implant planning after gum disease control
- Preventive Care — Periodontal maintenance program
- Oral Cancer Screening — Annual oral cancer screening
- Can You Reverse Gum Disease? — Evidence-based guide by stage: what’s reversible and what requires deep treatment
- Deep Cleaning vs. Regular Cleaning: What's the Difference? — When scaling and root planing is needed instead of a routine prophylaxis
- Bleeding Gums: When Is It Serious? — Warning signs and what to do
- Gum Disease Stages — Visual guide to each stage of progression
- LANAP Laser Gum Treatment: How It Works and What to Expect — FDA-cleared laser alternative to traditional gum surgery with less pain and faster recovery
- Why Gums Recede: Causes, Stages, and Treatment Options in Hillsboro — Gum recession causes, treatment options, and prevention
If you have one or more of these signs, schedule a periodontal evaluation. Many patients are surprised when their first sign of gum disease is not pain — periodontitis is often painless until it is advanced.
How Do You Diagnose Gum Disease?
Diagnosis is not a guess — it is a measurement. At your evaluation appointment, Dr. Ostovar performs:
Periodontal Probing Chart
A small, calibrated probe (with millimeter markings) is gently inserted into the space between each tooth and the surrounding gum at 6 sites per tooth. The depth is recorded. Healthy pockets measure 1-3mm. Pockets of 4mm and above indicate periodontal disease, with deeper readings corresponding to more advanced stages. Bleeding on probing is also recorded — bleeding sites indicate active inflammation.
Digital X-Rays
Standard bitewing and periapical X-rays show the bone level around each tooth. In healthy teeth, bone reaches close to where the crown meets the root. In periodontitis, you can see the bone level dropping down the root. The amount of drop tells us how much bone has been lost. We compare new X-rays to your prior films when available to track whether disease is stable or progressing.
Visual and Clinical Examination
Dr. Ostovar inspects gum color, swelling, recession, plaque deposits, restoration margins, and mobility. Photos are taken when documentation is helpful for your understanding or for insurance.
Medical and Lifestyle History
Diabetes (especially uncontrolled), smoking, certain medications (some blood pressure drugs, some seizure medications), pregnancy, and family history of periodontal disease all influence both the risk and the treatment plan. We ask about these so the plan fits your full picture.
After the evaluation, you receive a clear diagnosis with a stage, the specific affected sites, and a written treatment plan with cost estimates.
How Is Gum Disease Treated by Stage?
| Stage | Typical Treatment |
|—|—|
| Gingivitis | Standard cleaning + home-care coaching |
| Mild periodontitis (4-5mm) | Scaling and root planing + 3-4 month maintenance |
| Moderate periodontitis (5-6mm) | SRP + maintenance + locally delivered antibiotics or laser-assisted therapy at stubborn sites |
| Severe periodontitis (6mm+) | SRP first, then evaluate for surgical referral to a periodontist |
For the full details on the actual hands-on therapy — what scaling and root planing feels like, recovery, periodontal maintenance schedules, laser adjuncts — see our dedicated periodontal therapy page.
How Much Does Gum Disease Treatment Cost in Hillsboro?
Insurance: Most dental PPO plans cover 50-80% of scaling and root planing and periodontal maintenance after deductible — these are classified as necessary medical procedures, not cosmetic. We verify your benefits and give you a written estimate before treatment.
No insurance? The VIP Membership Plan is $299/year for adults and $199/year for children. It includes 15% off all treatment with no annual maximum and no waiting periods, and 100% of what you pay accumulates as credit toward future treatment if you do not use it. CareCredit, Sunbit, and Cherry Health financing are available. Oregon Health Plan (OHP) members are accepted for covered services.
Who Is at Higher Risk for Gum Disease?
If any of these apply to you, a periodontal evaluation is worth scheduling even if you are not currently noticing symptoms.
Where Do You See Gum Disease Patients From?
East Wind Dental Care provides gum disease evaluation and treatment for patients across western Washington County, including:
Get a Real Periodontal Diagnosis
Pocket-depth chart, X-rays, and a written plan — no guessing, no upselling.
Related Services at East Wind Dental Care
Areas We Serve
East Wind Dental Care welcomes patients from across Washington County and the west Portland metro area: Hillsboro, Orenco Station, Tanasbourne, Aloha, Beaverton, South Hillsboro, Rock Creek, AmberGlen, Cornelius, Forest Grove, North Plains, and Banks.
Frequently Asked Questions — Gum Disease in Hillsboro
How do I know if I have gum disease or just gingivitis?
Gingivitis causes red, swollen gums that bleed when you brush, but there is no bone loss yet and it is completely reversible with a professional cleaning and improved home care. Periodontitis (gum disease) involves bone loss, pocket depths above 4mm, and sometimes tooth mobility — at this stage the disease can be controlled but not cured. Dr. Ostovar uses a periodontal probe and digital X-rays to measure pocket depths and bone levels precisely, giving you a definitive diagnosis at your first appointment.
Can gum disease be reversed?
Gingivitis (the earliest stage) is fully reversible with a professional cleaning and consistent home care. Once the disease has advanced to periodontitis with bone loss, the disease can be controlled but the lost bone does not regrow on its own. Catching it early is the difference between a reversible problem and a lifelong management plan.
Will my gums grow back?
Gum tissue lost to periodontitis does not spontaneously regenerate. However, scaling and root planing removes the bacterial deposits causing the destruction, allowing the remaining tissue to firm up and reattach in some areas. For significant recession, gum grafting (typically referred to a periodontist) can restore tissue and protect exposed roots. The goal of non-surgical therapy is to stop further loss and stabilize what you have.
Does dental insurance cover gum disease treatment?
Most dental insurance plans cover scaling and root planing at 50-80% after your deductible because it is classified as a necessary periodontal procedure to prevent tooth loss — not a cosmetic service. Periodontal maintenance is typically covered at the same rate. Pre-authorization is sometimes required by certain plans. We verify your benefits before treatment starts and file all claims on your behalf.
How much does it cost to treat gum disease in Hillsboro?
At East Wind Dental Care, scaling and root planing runs $150-$350 per quadrant — a full mouth typically totals $600-$1,400 before insurance, split across 2 visits. Periodontal maintenance visits run $100-$200 each. The initial periodontal evaluation is $100-$200 and is often included in a comprehensive exam. Call (503) 614-0198 for a written estimate.
What happens if I don’t treat my gum disease?
Untreated periodontitis progresses. Pockets deepen, bone supporting the teeth dissolves, and eventually teeth become mobile and are lost. This is rarely sudden — it happens over years — but the bone that is lost does not grow back. Treating early gives the best chance of stopping progression and preserving what you have.
Is gum disease linked to other health problems?
Yes. Active periodontitis has documented associations with cardiovascular disease, complications in diabetes management, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The CDC Oral Health division notes that nearly half of adults over 30 have some form of periodontal disease, and the systemic inflammation it produces does not stay in your mouth. Treating periodontal disease is a meaningful piece of overall health management, especially for patients with diabetes, heart conditions, or who are pregnant or planning pregnancy.
How often should I see the dentist if I have gum disease?
After active treatment (scaling and root planing), most patients shift to periodontal maintenance every 3-4 months instead of the standard 6-month schedule. Periodontitis is controlled rather than cured, and bacteria recolonize within weeks. The 3-4 month interval catches new tartar and inflammation before pockets deepen again. After 12-24 months of stable readings, some patients can stretch the interval back toward 6 months.
East Wind Dental Care — Hillsboro Gum Disease Care
Office Location: 7546 NE Shaleen St, Hillsboro, OR 97124
Phone: (503) 614-0198
From Our Dental Library
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Reviewed by Dr. Merat Ostovar, DMD, FAGD | East Wind Dental Care, Hillsboro, OR | Last medically reviewed: 2026-05-05 | Book a consultation
> Dr. Ostovar leads East Wind Dental Care in Hillsboro, which has served the community since 2006. He holds Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD), a credential held by fewer than 7% of general dentists in the U.S.
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