
Periodontal Treatment in NW Calgary
A customized gum care plan for every stage of gum disease, from early gingivitis to advanced periodontitis.
About Periodontal Treatment at Bow River Dental
From early gingivitis to advanced periodontitis, we customize a treatment plan that protects your teeth long-term. If you need periodontal treatment in Calgary, Bow River Dental offers gentle, judgement-free gum care, from a comprehensive periodontal exam to targeted therapy and an ongoing maintenance program.
This page is part of our Gum Disease & Bad Breath Treatment services, and we welcome new patients of all ages.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, commonly called gum disease, is an infection of the gums and the bone that supports your teeth. It starts when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up along the gumline and hardens into tartar. The bacteria irritate your gums, and over time the infection can destroy the tissue and bone that hold your teeth in place.
Gum disease often develops quietly and painlessly, so many people do not know they have it. Untreated, it is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

The Stages of Gum Disease
- Gingivitis. The earliest stage, with red, swollen gums that may bleed when you brush or floss. It can often be reversed with professional cleaning and good home care.
- Early periodontitis. The infection spreads below the gumline, and pockets form between the teeth and gums. Treatment can stop it from progressing.
- Moderate to advanced periodontitis. Bone loss, receding gums and loose teeth can develop, and treatment focuses on controlling the infection and protecting the teeth that remain.
Signs You May Need Periodontal Treatment
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste
- Gums that pull away from your teeth
- Loose teeth or a change in your bite
- Pus between your teeth and gums
What Is Included in Your Periodontal Care
- A comprehensive periodontal exam
- A treatment plan customized to your stage of gum disease
- Targeted antibacterial therapy
- Deep cleaning below the gumline with Scaling & Root Planing when needed
- A maintenance program to keep gum disease under control
- Education on home care
- Direct insurance billing
What to Expect at Your Visit
- 1Comprehensive exam. We check your gums, measure how deep the spaces around your teeth are and take X-rays to see your bone levels.
- 2Diagnosis. We tell you which stage of gum disease you have and what is causing it.
- 3Your treatment plan. We explain your options, the number of visits and the cost before you decide.
- 4Treatment. We remove bacteria and tartar and may use targeted antibacterial therapy, with local anesthetic for comfort.
- 5Maintenance. We schedule follow-up visits and teach you the daily habits that keep your gums healthy.
Aftercare and Ongoing Maintenance
After deeper treatment, your gums may feel tender for a few days. Eat soft foods, rinse gently with warm salt water and keep brushing and flossing carefully as we show you. Gum disease is a long-term condition that can return, so follow-up visits, often every three to four months, are an important part of care.
Why Choose Bow River Dental for Periodontal Treatment
- Care for every stage, from gingivitis to periodontitis
- A custom plan built around your health and goals
- Gentle, judgement-free care with local anesthetic for comfort
- Fees that follow the Alberta Dental Association Fee Guide
- Direct insurance billing, and the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is accepted
- 20+ years of care and trusted by 10,000+ families
- Evening and Saturday appointments, free parking and a convenient NW Calgary location, with a 4.5 rating from 277 Google reviews
Related Treatments
- Scaling & Root Planing: a deep cleaning below the gumline
- Bad Breath Treatment: to find and treat the cause of bad breath
- Check-Ups & Cleanings: to keep your gums healthy
- Dental Implants: to replace a tooth lost to gum disease
Cost of Periodontal Treatment
The cost of periodontal treatment depends on how advanced your gum disease is, the number of visits and the therapy you need, so there is no single price. Bow River Dental follows the Alberta Dental Association Fee Guide, and we explain your options and costs before treatment begins. We bill most insurance plans directly and welcome eligible patients using the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Call 403-247-0999 for a personalized quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the stages of gum disease?
Gum disease has three main stages. Gingivitis is the mild, early stage with red and bleeding gums, periodontitis is when the infection spreads below the gumline and pockets form, and advanced periodontitis involves bone loss and loose teeth. Gingivitis can often be reversed, while later stages can be controlled but not fully reversed.
Is periodontal treatment painful?
Treatment is usually comfortable. We use local anesthetic when deeper cleaning is needed, and sedation options are available if you feel anxious. Your gums may feel tender for a few days afterward.
How long does periodontal treatment take?
It depends on how advanced your gum disease is. Mild cases may be treated in one or two visits, while more advanced cases need several visits over a few weeks, followed by ongoing maintenance. We give you a clear timeline once we have examined your gums.
Can gum disease come back after treatment?
Yes, gum disease can return if plaque builds up again. That is why we recommend a maintenance program with regular cleanings and careful daily brushing and flossing. Smoking and certain health conditions such as diabetes can also raise the risk, so tell us about your health.
Is periodontal treatment covered by insurance or the CDCP?
Many insurance plans cover part of periodontal treatment. The Canadian Dental Care Plan lists periodontal services, including deep scaling, among the services it may cover when your dentist recommends them. We bill most insurance plans directly and can help you understand what to expect.
Book Your Periodontal Appointment
Bleeding gums or gum concerns? Call Bow River Dental or book online, and we will find a time that works for you.
- Monday: 9 AM to 4 PM
- Tuesday: 10 AM to 8 PM
- Wednesday: 10 AM to 8 PM
- Thursday: 10 AM to 6 PM
- Friday: 9 AM to 4 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM to 7 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Bow River Dental, 4411 16 Ave NW Suite 110, Calgary, AB T3B 0M3
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We're welcoming patients of all ages to our family dental clinic in NW Calgary. Book your first visit online — most appointments available the same week.
