Periodontics in Sarasota: Gum Disease Treatment & Cost (2026)

Overview

What is periodontics?

Periodontics treats the gums and bone that support your teeth. Gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss — and it’s largely preventable and treatable when caught early.

This guide explains gum disease, the treatments from deep cleaning to gum grafts and laser therapy (LANAP), real Sarasota costs, recovery, and risks. Pricing reflects researched 2026 Sarasota-market ranges.

Compare options

Periodontal treatments.

Scaling & Root Planing First-line

A non-surgical “deep cleaning” below the gumline that removes tartar and bacteria and smooths roots so gums can reattach.

Per quadrant $150–$400

Pocket Reduction Surgery Advanced

For deeper pockets, gums are lifted to clean root surfaces and reshaped to reduce the spaces where bacteria collect.

Per quadrant $1,000–$3,000

Gum Graft Recession

Tissue is added to cover exposed roots from recession — reducing sensitivity, protecting the root, and improving esthetics.

Per site $600–$1,200

LANAP / Laser Therapy Minimally invasive

A laser-based protocol to treat gum disease with less cutting and suturing and often faster recovery, in select cases.

Per quadrant $1,000–$3,000

Real Sarasota pricing

What periodontics costs.

Technique

Typical range

Notes

Scaling & root planing (per quadrant)

$150–$400

1–2 visits

Gum graft (per site)

$600–$1,200

1–2 weeks

Pocket reduction surgery (per quadrant)

$1,000–$3,000

2–4 weeks

LANAP / laser (per quadrant)

$1,000–$3,000

Faster heal

Crown lengthening

$1,000–$3,000

Per area

Researched 2026 Sarasota-market ranges; actual fees vary by dentist, materials, lab and case complexity. Many practices offer financing (e.g. CareCredit), and dental insurance may apply to functional (non-cosmetic) care. Functional periodontal care is often partially covered by dental insurance.

Healing timeline

Healing after gum treatment.

After SRP

Mild soreness

Tenderness and sensitivity for a few days. Soft diet briefly; warm salt-water rinses and good hygiene speed healing.

After surgery

First week

Some swelling and discomfort; sutures may be placed. Avoid disturbing the site, follow rinse instructions, and eat soft foods.

Weeks 2–6

Tissue heals

Gums firm up and reattach; grafts integrate. Most people return to normal activity quickly between visits.

Ongoing

Maintenance

Gum disease is chronic — periodontal maintenance cleanings (often every 3–4 months) keep it controlled long-term.

The science

The periodontium & how disease progresses.

Teeth are held by the periodontium — gum, periodontal ligament, and bone. Gum disease is a bacterial, inflammatory process that, untreated, destroys that support.

Gingiva (gums)

The soft tissue collar around teeth; healthy gingiva is firm and hugs the tooth without deep pockets.

Periodontal pocket

The space that forms when gums detach from the tooth in disease; depth in millimeters tracks severity and cleanability.

Alveolar bone

The jawbone that anchors teeth; it resorbs in periodontitis and does not regenerate without grafting.

Recession

Gum tissue pulling back to expose root surface — causing sensitivity and root decay risk, often treated with a graft.

The deeper science

Plaque bacteria along the gumline trigger inflammation (gingivitis) — red, swollen gums that bleed easily. This stage is reversible with cleaning and good hygiene.

If it advances to periodontitis, the inflammation deepens, gums detach from the tooth to form “pockets,” and the supporting bone begins to resorb. Pocket depth (measured in millimeters) and bone loss on X-rays gauge severity. Lost bone does not grow back on its own, which is why early intervention matters.

Treatment aims to remove the bacterial cause (scaling & root planing), reduce pocket depth so the area is cleanable (surgery or laser), and rebuild where possible (grafts). Because the bacteria recolonize, lifelong maintenance is the key to keeping disease stable.

Risks & complications

What can go wrong.

Periodontal procedures are safe and routine, but understanding the risks helps you plan.

Gum recession after treatment

As inflammation resolves and pockets shrink, gums can recede, sometimes exposing more root and causing temporary sensitivity.

Sensitivity

Cleaned root surfaces can be temporarily sensitive to cold; usually fades and is helped by desensitizing products.

Incomplete response

Deep pockets or aggressive disease may not fully resolve with non-surgical care and can require surgery or referral to a periodontist.

Graft or surgical-site issues

Uncommon — a graft may partially fail or a site may get infected, managed with follow-up care.

How to choose

Dental credentials, explained.

Periodontists are the gum, soft-tissue and dental-implant specialists. After dental school they complete about three years of accredited residency. The defining credential is board certification — Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology — on top of AAP membership.

Accredited residency

Periodontists complete ~3 years of CODA-accredited training in gum disease, soft-tissue grafting and implant surgery beyond the general dental degree.

ABP Diplomate

Board certification by the American Board of Periodontology (Diplomate status) is the specialty’s highest credential, requiring exams beyond residency.

AAP membership

Membership in the American Academy of Periodontology confirms a focus on periodontics and access to current standards of care.

Questions to ask your dentist

Are you a board-certified periodontist (Diplomate, American Board of Periodontology)?
How often do you perform this specific procedure (graft, LANAP, implant)?
What are my non-surgical options first?
Is your Florida dental license current and in good standing?

Your questions

Periodontics FAQs.

How much does gum disease treatment cost in Sarasota?+

Scaling & root planing generally runs $150–$400 per quadrant, gum grafts $600–$1,200 per site, and pocket-reduction or laser (LANAP) therapy $1,000–$3,000 per quadrant in the Sarasota area.

What are the signs of gum disease?+

Bleeding when brushing or flossing, red or swollen gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, sensitivity, and loose teeth. Early gingivitis is reversible; advanced periodontitis is manageable but not fully reversible.

Is scaling & root planing painful?+

It’s done with local anesthesia so you’re comfortable during treatment. Mild soreness and cold sensitivity for a few days afterward is normal.

Can gum disease be cured?+

Early gingivitis can be reversed. Established periodontitis is a chronic condition that is controlled — not cured — with treatment plus ongoing maintenance cleanings and good home care.

Does insurance cover periodontal treatment?+

Because it’s functional (not cosmetic), dental insurance often covers a portion of scaling & root planing and periodontal maintenance. Surgical procedures vary by plan.

What happens if I ignore it?+

Untreated gum disease destroys the bone that holds teeth, leading to loosening and tooth loss, and is linked to other health concerns. Early treatment is far simpler and cheaper.

Periodontics in Sarasota

Everything about periodontics, in one place.

What is periodontics?

Periodontal treatments.

What periodontics costs.

Healing after gum treatment.

Top periodontics dentists.

The periodontium & how disease progresses.

What can go wrong.

Dental credentials, explained.

Periodontics FAQs.

Ready to find your dentist?