Periodontal Disease in Philadelphia

When people think of oral health, they often focus on teeth—but healthy gums are just as important. At 360 Dental PC, Dr. Sitkovetskiy offers expert diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, to help preserve your smile and protect your overall well-being.


If you’ve noticed bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or gum recession, it could be a sign of something more serious. With early intervention and proper care, periodontal disease is treatable and manageable—and we’re here to help every step of the way.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. It begins when plaque and tartar accumulate along the gumline, allowing bacteria to infect the soft tissue.


There are two primary stages of periodontal disease:


  • Gingivitis – The earliest stage, involving red, swollen gums that may bleed during brushing or flossing. At this point, the condition is reversible with proper care.


  • Periodontitis – A more advanced stage where the infection spreads below the gumline, leading to gum recession, bone loss, and tooth mobility. Without treatment, periodontitis can result in tooth loss and systemic health issues.


At 360 Dental PC, we provide thorough evaluations to detect gum disease early and offer non-surgical and surgical treatment options to control and reverse its progression.

Common Signs of Periodontal Disease

Gum disease is often silent in the early stages, which is why regular dental visits are essential. However, there are warning signs to watch for:


  • Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
  • Swollen, tender, or red gums
  • Persistent bad breath (halitosis)
  • Gum recession or teeth appearing “longer”
  • Loose or shifting teeth
  • Pus between the gums and teeth
  • Pain while chewing
  • Changes in bite or the way dentures fit


If you notice one or more of these symptoms, don’t wait. Dr. Sitkovetskiy can perform a gentle, comprehensive exam to determine whether periodontal disease treatment is needed.

What Causes Gum Disease?

The primary cause of periodontal disease is bacterial plaque, a sticky film that builds up on the teeth and gums. When not removed through daily brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings, this plaque hardens into tartar (calculus), which harbors bacteria and leads to inflammation. Several risk factors can increase your chances of developing gum disease:


  • Poor oral hygiene habits
  • Smoking or tobacco use
  • Diabetes or other chronic illnesses
  • Hormonal changes (e.g., pregnancy or menopause)
  • Genetics
  • Stress
  • Certain medications
  • Poor nutrition


Understanding your risk can help you and your dental team take proactive steps toward prevention.

Your dentist or hygienist will use pocket depths, amount of bleeding, inflammation, tooth mobility, etc., to make a diagnosis that will fall into a category below:

  • Gingivitis

    Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease.  Plaque and its toxin by-products irritate the gums, making them tender, inflamed, and likely to bleed.

  • Periodontitis

    Plaque hardens into calculus (tartar).  As calculus and plaque continue to build up, the gums begin to recede from the teeth.  Deeper pockets form between the gums and teeth and become filled with bacteria and pus.  The gums become very irritated, inflamed, and bleed easily.  Slight to moderate bone loss may be present.

  • Advanced Periodontitis

    The teeth lose more support as the gums, bone, and periodontal ligament continue to be destroyed.  Unless treated, the affected teeth will become very loose and may be lost.  Generalized moderate to severe bone loss may be present.

Why Choose 360 Dental PC for Periodontal Care?

At 360 Dental PC, we combine cutting-edge diagnostics, compassionate care, and years of experience to provide the highest level of gum disease treatment. Patients choose us because:


  • We listen and explain every step with care
  • We use modern technology for precise, comfortable treatment
  • We offer both non-surgical and surgical periodontal solutions
  • We customize treatment based on your unique needs
  • We prioritize long-term prevention—not just short-term fixes


Dr. Sitkovetskiy is committed to helping you regain your oral health with solutions that are effective, minimally invasive, and built to last.