Services

Periodontics

Protecting the Foundation of Your Smile

Your teeth get most of the attention, but the gums and bone surrounding them are what hold everything together. Periodontics is the branch of dentistry focused on preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases that affect the supporting structures of the teeth. At Harmony Dental, Dr. Tamsyn Burkett and Dr. Lauren Ing provide thorough periodontal care here in Summerlin, designed to catch gum disease early and treat it effectively so you can keep your natural teeth healthy for years to come.

If you have noticed bleeding when you brush, persistent bad breath, or red, swollen gums, those are signs your body is asking for help. You are not alone. These concerns are far more common than most people realize, and the good news is that gum disease is highly treatable, especially when caught early.

Call (702) 562-2400 to schedule a consultation, or keep reading to learn more about periodontal disease, how we treat it, and how you can protect your gum health.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth, including the gums, the periodontal ligament (the connective fibers that anchor each tooth to the surrounding bone), and the underlying jawbone itself. It begins when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up along and beneath the gumline.

Without proper removal through brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings, that plaque hardens into calculus (also called tartar), a mineral deposit that cannot be removed with a toothbrush alone. Calculus buildup triggers an inflammatory response in your gum tissue, and left untreated, this inflammation can progress from mild irritation to serious structural damage that threatens the stability of your teeth and even your overall health.

Most important: periodontal disease is often painless in its early stages, which is why routine dental evaluations are essential for catching it before significant damage occurs.

The Three Stages of Gum Disease

Understanding where you are in the progression helps you and your dental team build the most effective personalized treatment plan.

Stage 1: Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the earliest and most reversible stage of gum disease. Common signs include bleeding gums during brushing or flossing, slight redness along the gumline, or mild swelling. At this point, the infection has not yet reached the bone or connective tissue beneath the gums.

Key benefit of early detection: With improved home oral hygiene and professional cleanings, gingivitis can often be completely reversed. If you are noticing any of these symptoms, now is the ideal time to schedule a consultation at (702) 562-2400.

Stage 2: Periodontitis

When gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis. At this stage, the inner layer of gum tissue begins to separate from the teeth, forming periodontal pockets (small gaps between the gums and teeth that trap debris and bacteria). Your body’s immune response, combined with bacterial toxins, begins to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold your teeth in place.

You may notice increased sensitivity, visible gum recession, or teeth that feel slightly loose. While the damage at this stage cannot be fully reversed, it can be effectively managed and slowed with the right treatment approach.

Stage 3: Advanced Periodontitis

In the most severe stage, the bone and fibers supporting your teeth are significantly compromised. Teeth may shift, loosen, or affect how your bite comes together. More intensive treatment is needed to manage the infection and preserve as much of your natural structure as possible.

Even in advanced cases, effective treatment options are available. Dr. Burkett and Dr. Ing will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan based on a thorough evaluation of your condition.

Why Gum Health Matters Beyond Your Mouth

Research continues to demonstrate a strong connection between periodontal disease and other systemic health conditions. The bacteria and chronic inflammation associated with gum disease have been linked to:

• Heart disease and stroke – Oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream and contribute to cardiovascular inflammation
• Diabetes – Gum disease and diabetes have a two-way relationship, with each condition making the other more difficult to manage.
• Respiratory issues – Bacteria from infected gums can be inhaled into the lungs, increasing the risk of pneumonia and other respiratory conditions
• Pregnancy complications – Periodontal disease has been associated with premature birth and low birth weight

This is one of the reasons Dr. Ing brings a whole-body perspective to every patient interaction. Her background as a neonatal ICU nurse gives her a deep understanding of how oral health connects to your overall well-being. At Harmony Dental, periodontal care is not just about your gums. It is about protecting your overall health.

Periodontal Treatments at Harmony Dental

Every patient’s gum health is different. Dr. Burkett and Dr. Ing develop a personalized treatment plan based on the type and severity of your condition, your health history, and your individual goals. Here are the periodontal treatments available here in Summerlin.

Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)

Scaling and root planing is the most common non-surgical treatment for gum disease. Scaling removes plaque and calculus from above and below the gumline, while root planing smooths the surfaces of the tooth roots. This two-step process makes it harder for bacteria to reattach and provides a clean surface for your gum tissue to heal against. For many patients with early to moderate periodontal disease, this is the first and most important step in treatment.

Gum Grafting

When gum recession exposes the roots of your teeth, gum grafting restores protective tissue to those vulnerable areas. This procedure helps reduce sensitivity, guards against further recession, and improves the appearance of your gumline. Dr. Burkett and Dr. Ing will recommend the best grafting approach based on the extent of your recession and your overall oral health.

Pocket Reduction Surgery

When periodontal pockets become too deep to clean effectively with brushing and scaling alone, pocket reduction surgery may be recommended. During this procedure, the gum tissue is folded back so bacteria and calculus can be thoroughly removed. The tissue is then secured more snugly around the tooth. The result: shallower pockets that are easier to keep clean with your daily home routine.

Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening is a procedure that reshapes gum tissue, and sometimes bone, to expose more of the tooth’s natural surface. It may be recommended to prepare a damaged tooth for a restoration, such as a crown, or in cosmetic cases where excess gum tissue creates a “gummy smile.” Dr. Burkett and Dr. Ing will discuss whether crown lengthening is right for your situation during your consultation.

Laser Treatments

Harmony Dental offers laser treatments as part of periodontal care. Laser therapy offers a less invasive approach to treating infected gum tissue, and many patients appreciate the comfort and precision this advanced technology provides during their treatment.

Dental Implant Placement

When periodontal disease has resulted in tooth loss, dental implants offer a long-lasting replacement solution. A dental implant is a small titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone, serving as an artificial tooth root. Over time, the implant fuses with the surrounding bone through a process called osseointegration, creating a stable foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture.

Dr. Burkett has completed more than 150 hours of continuing education specifically focused on dental implants. Combined with Harmony Dental’s advanced diagnostic technology, including 3D CBCT imaging for precise treatment planning, this training enables high accuracy throughout the implant process.

Signs You Should Schedule a Periodontal Evaluation

Many people have gum disease without realizing it, because the early stages often produce no pain at all. Pay attention to these warning signs:

• Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Gums that have pulled away from your teeth
• Persistent bad breath that does not improve with brushing
• Loose teeth or changes in how your bite feels
• Pus between your teeth and gums
• Changes in the fit of partial dentures

If any of these sound familiar, do not wait for the discomfort to get worse. Early intervention gives you the most treatment options and the best possible outcomes. Call (702) 562-2400 to schedule your periodontal evaluation.

Preventing Gum Disease Before It Starts

Prevention is always the most effective form of treatment. Here is what you can do to protect your gums every day:

• Brush thoroughly twice a day, angling your bristles toward the gumline where plaque tends to accumulate.
• Floss daily to remove plaque and debris from areas your toothbrush cannot reach
• Attend routine hygiene appointments at least twice a year so Dr. Burkett, Dr. Ing, and your hygienist can monitor your gum health and catch changes early.
• Do not ignore early symptoms like bleeding gums, which are your body’s way of signaling that something needs attention.

During every professional cleaning at Harmony Dental, your hygienist evaluates your gum tissue, measures periodontal pocket depths, and removes calculus buildup that daily brushing alone cannot address. These visits are your strongest defense against the progression of gum disease and one of the most important things you can do for your long-term oral health.

Why Patients Trust Harmony Dental for Periodontal Care

Since 2005, Harmony Dental has provided comprehensive dental care to families throughout the Summerlin community. That longevity reflects a commitment to building real, lasting relationships with patients rather than simply performing procedures.

Dr. Burkett brings over 27 years of experience across every role in a dental practice, from dental assistant and hygienist to Doctor of Dental Medicine from UNLV. She has completed more than 800 hours of continuing education, reflecting a dedication to staying at the forefront of evidence-based treatment. Dr. Ing’s five years as a neonatal ICU nurse before earning her Doctorate in Medical Dentistry from UNLV gives her a unique depth of clinical perspective and compassion.

Both are Fellows of the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD) and are actively pursuing their Mastership designations, a distinction achieved by fewer than 2% of general dentists in the United States. That level of commitment to ongoing learning means the periodontal care you receive here in Summerlin reflects the most current techniques, research, and technology available.

Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontal Care

Schedule Your Periodontal Evaluation

Whether you are experiencing symptoms or want to make sure your gums are in great shape, we are here to help. Dr. Burkett, Dr. Ing, and the Harmony Dental team provide gentle, precise care in a welcoming environment where your comfort comes first.

Schedule a consultation today by calling (702) 562-2400 or visiting us at 1895 Village Center Circle, Las Vegas, NV 89134, here in Summerlin.