Can a loose tooth be saved?

Often, yes. A loose tooth has lost bone support; if the prognosis is reasonable, we treat it with therapy, regeneration, and splinting before considering an extraction.

What's the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?

Gingivitis is inflamed gums and it's reversible with a cleaning. Periodontitis has already destroyed bone: it can be stopped, but the lost bone only recovers partially with regeneration.

What does a periodontist do?

A periodontist specializes in gums, the bone that holds your teeth, and dental implants. We treat periodontitis and receding gums, place gum grafts, and place implants when a tooth can't be saved.

Gum Disease and Periodontitis Treatment, Costa Rica

Treatment for periodontitis and loose teeth with microsurgery and bone regeneration.

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Editorial illustration: anatomical comparison between a healthy gum and periodontitis with bone loss

Key facts

Duration: 60–90 minutes per quadrant
Sessions: 2 to 4 sessions + maintenance
Anesthesia: Local
Recovery: 24–48 hours
Estimated cost: Quoted at your consultation, based on diagnosis
How long it lasts: Decades, with maintenance every 3–6 months
Technology: Microsurgery under magnification
Maintenance: Every 3–6 months, for life

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Why you are here

Periodontitis is a major cause of tooth loss in adults and can progress with few symptoms. Dr. Ortiz evaluates it with periodontal probing and X-rays, then recommends deep cleaning, microsurgery, or bone regeneration when appropriate.

The goal is to preserve the natural tooth whenever it has a reasonable prognosis.

Inflamed gums, bleeding, or persistent bad breath
Loose teeth or teeth that have shifted apart
Previous diagnosis of periodontitis or bone loss
A second opinion before an extraction

Editorial illustration: periodontitis with a deep periodontal pocket and bone loss

Dr. Sergio Ortiz treating a patient and explaining the treatment during a consultation

We explain every step before we start: what we will do, how long it takes, and what you will feel.

How the process works

Step 01 of 03

Complete diagnosis

We probe every surface of every tooth, take X-rays, and give you a written prognosis.

Illustration of six point periodontal charting around a tooth.

Your treatment includes

Treatment for periodontitis and advanced gingivitis
Scaling and root planing (curettage)
Periodontal microsurgery under magnification
Guided bone regeneration
Periodontal maintenance every 3–6 months

Still not sure? Write to us and we will tell you if this is the right treatment for you.

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Frequently asked questions

Periodontitis is managed rather than permanently cured. Deep cleaning, microsurgery when needed, and regular maintenance can help control inflammation and slow further bone loss. Some defects may be suitable for regenerative treatment.