Gum disease affects nearly half of adults over 30, but it doesn't have to mean pain, anxiety, or tooth loss. At Dental Sedation Ottawa, we specialize in treating all stages of gum disease using advanced sedation dentistry—from gentle relaxation to complete sleep—so you can receive the care you need without fear.
Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It develops gradually, often without obvious symptoms early on. The disease progresses through distinct stages. Gingivitis is the early, reversible stage where gums become inflamed due to plaque buildup. If left untreated, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis, where the infection spreads below the gum line and begins destroying the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place.
Understanding which stage you're experiencing helps determine the right treatment approach and gives you the best chance for restoring healthy gums.
Many people delay treatment for gum disease because of dental anxiety. At our Ottawa dental clinic, we believe no one should suffer from gum disease because they're afraid of treatment.
Mild relaxation for basic gum treatments and cleanings. You remain awake and alert, with effects wearing off within minutes. Learn more about nitrous oxide
Medication taken before your appointment creates drowsiness and significantly reduces anxiety. Ideal for patients with moderate dental fear. Explore oral sedation
Deeper sedation with continuous monitoring allows you to remain in a twilight state—deeply relaxed with little to no memory of the procedure. Perfect for extensive periodontal work. Discover IV sedation
Complete sleep with zero awareness, administered by board-certified medical anesthesiologists Dr. Hesham Talab, MD MSc PhD FRCPC FASE and Dr. Asad Mirghassemi, MD MSc FRCPC. Best for severe dental phobia or extensive periodontal surgery. Hospital-grade safety in our clinic. Learn about general anesthesia
What It Is: Gingivitis is the earliest form of gum disease, caused by plaque buildup at the gum line. The good news? It's completely reversible with proper treatment and improved oral hygiene.
What You'll Notice: Red, swollen gums, bleeding when brushing or flossing, possibly bad breath. Gums may look puffy or shiny instead of firm and pink.
Treatment: Professional dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, followed by improved home care. Most patients see significant improvement within 2-4 weeks of consistent brushing, flossing, and possibly using an antimicrobial mouthwash.
Why Act Now: Left untreated, gingivitis progresses to periodontitis—where damage becomes permanent. Catching gum disease at the gingivitis stage means you can fully restore gum health with minimal intervention.
What It Is: Periodontitis occurs when gum disease advances beyond gingivitis. The infection spreads below the gum line, and toxins from bacteria trigger a chronic inflammatory response. Your body essentially turns on itself, breaking down the bone and connective tissue that hold your teeth in place. In periodontitis, gums pull away from teeth, creating spaces called "pockets" that become infected. Without treatment, teeth eventually become loose and may fall out or require extraction.
What You'll Notice: All gingivitis symptoms plus gums receding, visible spaces developing between teeth, teeth feeling loose or shifting, changes in how teeth fit when biting, pus between teeth and gums, and persistent bad breath.
Treatment: For early to moderate periodontitis, we begin with scaling and root planing—a deep cleaning procedure that removes bacteria from below the gum line. This often happens under sedation for maximum comfort. We may use antibiotic therapy to help control infection. Advanced cases may require periodontal surgery to reduce pocket depths or regenerate lost bone.
Learn more about scaling and root planing | Explore periodontal surgery | Discover gum grafting
Ready to take the next step? Our team is here for you.
If you have risk factors like smoking, diabetes, or family history, you may need more frequent visits—every 3-4 months instead of twice yearly.
After treatment, you'll need professional periodontal maintenance cleanings every 3-4 months to prevent disease from returning. With proper treatment and consistent maintenance, most patients successfully control gum disease and keep their natural teeth for life.
Most dental insurance covers periodontal treatment at 50-80% when medically necessary. We provide direct billing to major insurers and accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). Sedation fees are additional.
Our patients consistently rate us 5 stars for gentle, anxiety-free care. Read verified patient experiences on Google.
View All Reviews on GoogleDentist Referrals Welcome: We collaborate with referring dentists throughout Ottawa and Eastern Ontario for periodontal sedation cases. Learn about our referral process
Don't wait until gum disease advances. Schedule your periodontal evaluation today—early treatment is simpler, more comfortable, and more effective.
We welcome patients from throughout Ottawa including Kanata, Nepean, Orléans, Stittsville, Manotick, and Greely, as well as Eastern Ontario communities (Rockland, Embrun, Russell, Winchester, Kemptville, Carleton Place, Arnprior, Renfrew, Pembroke, Cornwall, Hawkesbury) and West Quebec (Gatineau, Aylmer, Hull, Chelsea, Wakefield, Buckingham).
