Q1. What is gum disease and what causes it?

Gum disease (periodontal disease) is a bacterial infection of the tissues that
surround and support your teeth. It begins when plaque a sticky film of
bacteria that forms on teeth daily is not adequately removed through
brushing and flossing. Over time, plaque hardens into tartar (calculus),
which cannot be removed by home care alone and requires professional
cleaning. The bacteria in plaque and tartar produce toxins that irritate the
gums, triggering an inflammatory response. This inflammation, if left
unchecked, progressively destroys the gum tissue, the periodontal ligament,
and ultimately the jawbone that anchors the teeth. Contributing factors
include smoking, diabetes, hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause), certain
medications that cause dry mouth, genetics, and poor nutrition. At Summerlin
Dental Solutions, Dr. Cohan uses AI-assisted diagnostics to detect the earliest signs of gum disease often before you notice any symptoms giving you the best possible chance of reversing the condition before permanent damage occurs.

Q2. What is the difference between gingivitis and
periodontitis?

Gingivitis is the earliest, mildest stage of gum disease. It is characterized by red,
swollen, and bleeding gums, but at this stage the infection has not yet
reached the bone or the deeper periodontal structures. Gingivitis is fully
reversible with professional cleaning and improved home care. Periodontitis
develops when gingivitis goes untreated. The infection spreads below the gum
line, creating deep periodontal pockets between the teeth and gums where
bacteria thrive. The body’s immune response, combined with the bacterial
toxins, begins to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth
in place. Unlike gingivitis, the bone loss caused by periodontitis cannot be
reversed but it can be stopped and managed with proper treatment. Dr. Cohan
uses periodontal probing alongside our 3D CBCT scanner to measure pocket
depths and map bone loss in three dimensions, giving her the most complete
picture of your periodontal health and enabling her to intervene at the
earliest possible stage.

Q3. What are the signs and symptoms of gum disease?

Gum disease often begins with subtle symptoms that patients dismiss or overlook.
Watch for gums that bleed when you brush or floss (healthy gums should never
bleed), gums that appear red, swollen, or puffy rather than firm and pink,
persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth that does not resolve with
brushing, gums that are pulling away from your teeth (recession), teeth that
feel loose or are shifting position, changes in how your teeth fit together
when you bite, pus between your teeth and gums, and pain or tenderness when
chewing. The challenge is that gum disease can progress significantly before
causing pain, which is why regular preventive care visits at Summerlin Dental Solutions are so important. Dr. Cohan screens for gum disease at every check-up using periodontal probing, diagnostic imaging, and AI-assisted analysis, catching the condition before
symptoms become obvious and damage becomes irreversible.

Q4. How is gum disease treated?

Treatment depends on the stage and severity of the disease. For gingivitis, aprofessional cleaning combined with improved home care is usually sufficient to resolve the inflammation entirely. For early to moderate periodontitis, deep teeth cleaning (scaling and root planing) is the primary treatment. This procedure removes tartar and bacterial toxins from below the gum line and smooths the root surfaces so the gum tissue can reattach to the teeth. Dr. Cohan may also place localized antibiotics in the deepest pockets to combat infection. For more advanced cases, our soft tissue laser enables minimally invasive gum treatment with less bleeding, less discomfort, and faster healing than traditional gum surgery. In severe cases where significant bone has been lost, Dr. Cohan may recommend bone grafting or guided tissue regeneration to restore supporting structures. Throughout every stage, Summerlin Dental Solutions provides comprehensive care under one roof from initial diagnosis through long-term periodontal maintenance so younever need to be referred to a separate specialist.

Q5. Can gum disease be cured?

Gingivitis the earliest stage of gum disease is fully reversible. With a
professional cleaning, improved daily brushing and flossing, and consistent
preventive care visits, gingivitis can be completely eliminated and your gums
can return to full health. Periodontitis, the more advanced form of gum
disease, cannot be “cured” in the traditional sense because the bone loss it
causes does not regenerate on its own. However, periodontitis can be
effectively stopped, managed, and maintained so that no further damage
occurs. After deep cleaning
or other appropriate treatment, Dr. Cohan places you on a periodontal
maintenance schedule typically professional cleanings every three to four
months rather than every six to monitor your gum health, remove any new
bacterial buildup below the gum line, and intervene immediately if any signs
of reactivation appear. Patients who follow this maintenance protocol
consistently maintain their teeth and gum health for the rest of their lives.

Q6. Is gum disease connected to heart disease and other
health problems?

Yes,
and the evidence is growing stronger with every passing year. Research
published in leading medical journals has established links between
periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease (including heart attack and
stroke), type 2 diabetes (gum disease makes blood sugar harder to control and
uncontrolled diabetes makes gum disease worse, creating a destructive cycle),
respiratory infections, including pneumonia (oral bacteria can be aspirated
into the lungs), adverse pregnancy outcomes including preterm birth and low
birth weight, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive
decline, and certain cancers. The connection is thought to involve chronic
inflammation: the bacteria and inflammatory molecules produced by gum disease
enter the bloodstream and contribute to inflammation throughout the body.
Treating gum disease is not just about saving your teeth; it is about
protecting your overall health. This is why Dr. Cohan takes periodontal
screening so seriously at every visit and why our advanced diagnostic technology is designed to catch the disease at its earliest, most
treatable stage.

Q7. How much does gum disease treatment cost in Las Vegas?

The
cost of gum disease treatment depends on the severity of the condition and
the type of treatment required. A standard professional cleaning for
gingivitis is typically covered by insurance at 100% as a preventive service.
Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) for periodontitis generally costs $200 to $400 per quadrant, and most dental insurance plans cover a significant portion because
it is classified as medically necessary periodontal treatment. Laser gum
therapy, bone grafting, and other advanced treatments have varying costs
depending on the extent of work needed. At Summerlin Dental Solutions, our
front office team verifies your insurance benefits before treatment and provides a detailed cost estimate so there are never surprises. For any out-of-pocket costs, we offer 0% interest financing through HFD with approval in under a minute and no impact on your
credit score. The cost of treating gum disease now is always a fraction of
the cost of treating the tooth loss, implant placement, and systemic health
complications that result from leaving the disease untreated.

Q8. Is gum disease treatment painful?

Modern gum disease treatment is far more comfortable than most patients expect. For
professional cleanings and deep cleanings, Dr. Cohan uses local anesthesia to
numb the treatment area before beginning, so you should not feel any pain
during the procedure. Our soft tissue laser enables gum treatment with
significantly less discomfort, less bleeding, and faster recovery than
traditional surgical techniques. For patients who experience dental anxiety,
Summerlin Dental Solutions offers three levels of sedation dentistry: nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for gentle relaxation,
oral sedation for deeper calm, and IV sedation for patients who prefer to
feel as though they slept through the procedure. Our spa-like comfort
amenities: warm blankets, noise-canceling headphones, complimentary
beverages, and personal entertainment screens at every chair make even
periodontal treatment feel manageable. Our team is the friendliest you will
ever encounter at a dental office, and they will check on you throughout to
ensure you are completely comfortable.

Q9. Can receding gums grow back?

Unfortunately, gum tissue that has receded does not regenerate on its own. Once the gum line has pulled away from the tooth, that tissue is gone unless surgical
intervention is pursued. However, the critical first step is stopping the
cause of the recession whether that is gum disease, aggressive brushing,
teeth grinding, or misaligned bite forces. At Summerlin Dental Solutions, Dr.
Cohan identifies the underlying cause using periodontal probing, our 3D CBCT
scanner to assess bone levels, and a thorough evaluation of your bite and
brushing habits. For patients whose recession is caused by active gum
disease, treating the infection with deep cleaning
and periodontal maintenance halts further recession. For patients with
significant recession causing sensitivity, root exposure, or aesthetic
concerns, gum grafting surgery where tissue is transplanted to rebuild the
gum line is an option Dr. Cohan can discuss during your consultation. For
patients who grind their teeth, a custom night guard
can prevent further damage.

Q10. How does smoking affect gum disease?

Smoking
is one of the most significant risk factors for developing gum disease and
one of the biggest obstacles to successful treatment. Tobacco use weakens the
immune system’s ability to fight the bacteria that cause periodontal
infection, reduces blood flow to the gum tissue (which impairs healing),
masks early symptoms like bleeding (because nicotine constricts blood
vessels, smokers often do not notice bleeding gums until the disease is
advanced), and accelerates bone loss around the teeth. Smokers are two to
three times more likely to develop periodontitis than non-smokers, and they
typically experience more severe disease progression and poorer response to
treatment. That said, gum disease treatment is still absolutely worthwhile
for smokers and quitting smoking at any stage dramatically improves
outcomes. Dr. Cohan treats many patients who smoke and develops treatment
plans that account for the healing challenges tobacco presents, including
more frequent maintenance visits and closer monitoring of pocket depths.

Q11. Can gum disease cause tooth loss?

Yes.
Gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults, surpassing even
cavities and trauma. As periodontitis progresses, the bacterial infection
destroys the bone that anchors the teeth in the jaw. Teeth become loose,
shift position, and eventually fall out or require extraction. At Summerlin
Dental Solutions, Dr. Cohan uses every available diagnostic and treatment
tool to prevent this outcome. Our AI-assisted imaging catches bone loss at its earliest stage, our CBCT scanner maps the extent of damage in three dimensions, and our treatment capabilities range from non-surgical deep cleaning to laser gum therapy to
bone grafting for advanced cases. When tooth loss does occur as a result of
gum disease, Dr. Cohan offers comprehensive replacement options including dental
implants, All-on-4 restorations, bridges, and dentures all managed under one roof.

Q12. What technology does Summerlin Dental Solutions use to
diagnose and treat gum disease?

Summerlin Dental Solutions uses the most advanced dental technology available for every phase of gum disease management. Our AI-assisted radiological analysis reviews diagnostic images alongside Dr. Cohan, identifying subtle bone loss patterns and early infection thattraditional methods often miss. The 3D CBCT scanner produces comprehensive three-dimensional views of your jawbone, tooth roots, and periodontalstructures, revealing the precise distribution and severity of bone loss critical information for planning the most effective treatment approach.

Digital X-rays deliver instant images at up to 90% less radiation for routine
periodontal monitoring. Our soft tissue laser enables minimally invasive gum
treatment with less bleeding, less swelling, and dramatically faster healing
than traditional gum surgery. The TRIOS digital scanner captures precise
baseline measurements for tracking treatment progress over time. And
dual-screen exam rooms display your diagnostic images in real time, so you
see the bone loss, understand the diagnosis, and make informed decisions
about your care.

Q13. Is Dr. Cohan qualified to treat gum disease?

Dr.
Marianne Cohan is exceptionally qualified to diagnose, treat, and manage all
stages of gum disease. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from
the State University of New York at Buffalo with dual honors, including the
Periodontics Award the highest academic recognition for excellence in the
treatment of gum and supporting tissue disease. This is the exact clinical
discipline that applies to every periodontal case she treats. With more than
31 years of clinical experience and over 25 years serving the Las Vegas
community, she has managed thousands of periodontal cases from early
gingivitis to advanced periodontitis requiring complex multi-stage treatment.
She is an Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
(fewer than 1% of dentists), a Best Dentist in America through peer
nomination, and a 19-time Best of Las Vegas winner across four categories including Best Dentist, Best Cosmetic Dentist, Best Customer Service, and Best Woman-Owned Business. She maintains active memberships in the AAFE, AAID, ADA, Academy of Laser
Dentistry, and Academy of General Dentistry. For the health of your gums, you
genuinely could not be in better hands.

Q14. How often should I visit the dentist if I have gum
disease?

After gum disease treatment, Dr. Cohan places you on a periodontal maintenance
schedule that is more frequent than the standard twice-a-year visit. Most
patients with a history of gum disease benefit from professional cleanings
and periodontal evaluations every three to four months. This accelerated
schedule allows Dr. Cohan and her hygiene team to monitor your pocket depths,
remove any new bacterial buildup below the gum line before it can cause
further damage, assess the health of your bone levels, and adjust your
treatment plan if any signs of reactivation are detected. These maintenance
visits at Summerlin Dental Solutions are shorter and less intensive than the initial deep cleaning they are your frontline defense against relapse. Patients who commit to this maintenance schedule consistently maintain their teeth and gum health for the long term. Regular preventive care is the single most important investment you can make
in protecting the results of your gum disease treatment.

Q15. Can gum disease be prevented?

Yes,
and prevention is far simpler and less costly than treatment. The foundation
of gum disease prevention is removing plaque before it hardens into tartar.
Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste,
using gentle circular motions along the gum line. Floss or use an interdental
cleaner daily to remove plaque from between teeth where brushes cannot reach.
Use an antimicrobial mouth rinse if recommended by Dr. Cohan. Avoid smoking
and tobacco products. Eat a balanced diet and limit sugary snacks that feed
bacterial growth. Manage health conditions like diabetes that increase gum
disease risk. And most importantly, maintain regular preventive care visits at Summerlin Dental Solutions every six months, where professional cleaning removes tartar that home care cannot reach and Dr. Cohan’s AI-assisted diagnostics catch the earliest signs of trouble before they become a problem.

Q16. Where is the closest gum disease dentist to The Summit,
The Ridges, and Queensridge?

Summerlin Dental Solutions is located at 851 S Rampart Blvd, Suite 230, Las Vegas, NV
89145 centrally positioned in the heart of Summerlin between Tivoli Village
and Boca Park. Queensridge residents are just 5–10 minutes away. The Summit
residents reach our office in approximately 10–12 minutes via Town Center
Drive and Rampart Boulevard. The Ridges residents connect via Rampart or the
215 Beltway in a similarly short drive. All three communities benefit from
having a dentist with a Periodontics Award, AI-assisted bone loss detection,
a 3D CBCT scanner for comprehensive periodontal mapping, and soft tissue
laser capabilities within minutes of home. For a condition as serious as gum
disease, having this level of diagnostic and treatment expertise nearby is
invaluable. Call (702) 341-9160 to schedule your periodontal evaluation.

Q17. Can patients from Henderson get gum disease treatment
at Summerlin Dental Solutions?

Yes.
Henderson, Green Valley, and Anthem patients reach our Summerlin office in
approximately 25–30 minutes via the 215 Beltway. Henderson patients choose
Summerlin Dental Solutions for gum disease treatment because Dr. Cohan’s
Periodontics Award specifically recognizes her excellence in this clinical
discipline, our AI-assisted diagnostics catch bone loss earlier than standard
methods, and our ability to provide everything from non-surgical deep
cleaning to laser gum therapy to bone grafting and implant
placement under one roof means the entire treatment journey from diagnosis through restoration is managed by one trusted doctor without referrals to outside specialists.

Q18. Is there a gum disease specialist near Centennial Hills
and Spring Valley?

Yes.
Summerlin Dental Solutions serves patients from throughout the Las Vegas
Valley including Centennial Hills, North Las Vegas, Spring Valley, and all
surrounding areas. Centennial Hills residents travel south on the 215 or
US-95 in approximately 20–25 minutes, while Spring Valley patients are just
10–15 minutes south along the 215 Beltway. While Dr. Cohan is a general
dentist rather than a periodontist by specialty title, her Periodontics
Award, 31 years of periodontal treatment experience, advanced diagnostic
technology, and soft tissue laser capabilities mean she treats the full
spectrum of gum disease cases that many general dentists would refer to a
specialist. Patients from Centennial Hills and Spring Valley benefit from
this comprehensive approach  fewer referrals, fewer offices, fewer delays,
and a single doctor who knows their complete periodontal history.

Q19. Does gum disease treatment affect dental implants or
other restorations?

Active
gum disease must be controlled before any major restorative work is
attempted. Placing a dental implant, crown, bridge, or veneer on
a foundation of infected, inflamed gum tissue and deteriorating bone is like
building a house on unstable ground the restoration will ultimately fail.
This is why Dr. Cohan always establishes periodontal health first, then
proceeds with restorative or cosmetic treatment once the gums are stable. For
patients who already have implants, peri-implantitis gum disease around the
implant is a real risk that requires the same vigilant monitoring and
maintenance as natural teeth. Summerlin Dental Solutions’ periodontal
maintenance program is designed to protect both your natural teeth and your
restorations for the long term.

Q20. How do I schedule a gum disease evaluation at Summerlin
Dental Solutions?

Call (702) 341-9160
and let our team know you are concerned about gum disease or that you have
been told you have periodontal issues. You can also book
online through our website or begin with a virtual consultation from the comfort of your home. New patients can complete patient forms
online before arriving to save time. Your evaluation includes a comprehensive
periodontal examination with Dr. Cohan, full-mouth periodontal probing to
measure pocket depths, advanced diagnostic imaging including digital X-rays
and AI-assisted analysis, a clear explanation of findings with visual
evidence on our dual-screen monitors, and a personalized treatment plan with
cost estimates, insurance verification, and financing options. We are located at 851 S Rampart Blvd, Suite 230, in the heart of Summerlin near Tivoli Village and Boca Park. We proudly serve patients from The Summit, The Ridges, Queensridge, Henderson, Centennial
Hills, Spring Valley, and all surrounding communities throughout the Las Vegas Valley.

The Summit

One of Summerlin’s most prestigious
guard-gated communities, The Summit is approximately 10–12 minutes from our
office. Summit residents trust Dr. Cohan for periodontal care because her
Periodontics Award, AI-assisted bone loss detection, and soft tissue laser
capabilities represent the highest standard of gum disease diagnosis and
treatment available in the Summerlin area.

The Ridges

Nestled against Red Rock Canyon, The Ridges
is a short drive from Summerlin Dental Solutions via Rampart Boulevard or the
215 Beltway. Ridges residents appreciate Dr. Cohan’s comprehensive approach
to gum health — from the initial diagnosis through deep cleaning, laser
treatment if needed, and ongoing periodontal maintenance, every step is
managed by the same trusted doctor who knows their complete history.

Queensridge

Our closest neighboring community at just
5–10 minutes from our office. Many Queensridge families have relied on Dr.
Cohan’s periodontal expertise for over two decades. The convenience of having
an award-winning dentist with specialized gum disease training so close to
home means periodontal maintenance visits are easy to keep on schedule —
which is the single most important factor in long-term gum health.

Henderson

Henderson, Green Valley, and Anthem patients
reach our Summerlin office in approximately 25–30 minutes via the 215
Beltway. Henderson patients seeking gum disease treatment choose Summerlin
Dental Solutions because Dr. Cohan’s Periodontics Award, CBCT 3D imaging, and
laser gum therapy represent a level of periodontal expertise that eliminates
the need for referrals to outside specialists — saving time, money, and the
inconvenience of coordinating care across multiple offices.

Centennial
Hills

North Las Vegas and Centennial Hills
residents travel south on the 215 or US-95 in approximately 20–25 minutes.
Centennial Hills patients with gum disease consistently tell us the drive to
Summerlin is worthwhile because our diagnostic precision catches problems
earlier, our laser technology makes treatment more comfortable, and our
maintenance program keeps their gums healthy long-term.

Spring
Valley

Located just south of Summerlin along the 215
Beltway, Spring Valley patients reach our office in 10–15 minutes. As one of
our largest patient communities, Spring Valley residents represent a
significant portion of our periodontal maintenance patients — families who
first came for gum disease treatment and stayed because of Dr. Cohan’s
thorough monitoring and the team’s genuine warmth.

AI-Assisted
Radiology

Our artificial intelligence diagnostic system
reviews every radiographic image alongside Dr. Cohan, identifying early-stage
bone loss patterns that are subtle enough to escape detection on traditional
visual review. For gum disease patients, this means the disease is caught
when bone loss is minimal and treatment is least invasive  often the
difference between a simple deep cleaning and more extensive surgical
intervention.

3D CBCT
Scanner

The cone beam CT scanner provides a complete
three-dimensional map of your jawbone, tooth roots, and periodontal
structures. Unlike two-dimensional X-rays, CBCT reveals bone loss from every
angle and at every depth, showing Dr. Cohan exactly where the disease is most
active, how much bone has been lost, and which teeth are at greatest risk.
This precision is invaluable for treatment planning and for monitoring bone
levels over time.

Soft
Tissue Laser

Our dental laser is a cornerstone of our gum
disease treatment capabilities. It enables Dr. Cohan to remove diseased gum
tissue, disinfect deep periodontal pockets, promote gum reattachment, and
perform gum recontouring with less bleeding, less post-operative pain, less
swelling, no sutures in most cases, and dramatically faster healing than
traditional gum surgery. For many patients, laser treatment can achieve
results that previously required invasive surgical procedures.

Digital
X-Rays

Delivering instant images at up to 90% less
radiation than conventional film, digital X-rays are the frontline monitoring
tool for periodontal patients. Comparing images over time reveals whether
bone levels are stable (treatment is working) or continuing to decline
(treatment plan needs adjustment) — information that drives every clinical
decision in gum disease management.

TRIOS
Digital Scanner

The TRIOS scanner captures detailed digital
impressions of your teeth and gum tissue, providing precise baseline
measurements that can be compared to post-treatment scans to objectively
measure gum healing, pocket depth reduction, and tissue reattachment. This
data-driven approach to monitoring gives both you and Dr. Cohan concrete
evidence that treatment is working.

Dual-Screen
Exam Rooms

Every treatment room features dual monitors
displaying your diagnostic images in real time. Dr. Cohan shows you the bone
loss, the pocket depths, and the areas of concern so you understand the
diagnosis completely before treatment begins. After treatment, she shows you
the improvement because seeing the evidence of healing is one of the most
powerful motivators for maintaining your periodontal health long-term.

Computerized
Smile Design

For patients whose gum disease has caused
aesthetic concerns  recession, tooth loss, shifting teeth smile design
software helps Dr. Cohan plan the restorative path forward. This technology
connects periodontal treatment to long-term smile makeover goals, showing
patients that there is a beautiful outcome waiting on the other side of gum
disease treatment.

Schedule Your Periodontal Evaluation

Call (702) 341-9160 or book
online today.

Book
Online →     |    
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851 S Rampart Blvd, Suite 230  • 
Las Vegas, NV 89145  •  Near Tivoli Village & Boca Park