Gum Disease in San Diego, CA
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Understanding Gum Disease
Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, can have far-reaching consequences beyond just the aesthetics of your smile. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and even more serious health issues.
Upon diagnosing periodontal disease, we highly recommend a deep cleaning, also known as "scaling & root planing" or "periodontal therapy." This procedure goes beyond regular teeth cleaning and is the preferred treatment for patients with gum disease.
During this procedure, the dentist or hygienist removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the surfaces of the teeth and tooth roots. Additionally, the tooth root surface is smoothed to make it harder for bacteria to adhere in the future and to promote reattachment of the gums.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, or gingivitis in its early stage, is caused by harmful bacteria found in plaque attacking the soft tissues of your mouth. Warning signs include red, swollen, or bleeding gums. Early detection allows us to reverse the damage, while later stages may require effective restorative dentistry procedures to restore your mouth to a healthy and beautiful state. We offer regular examinations, cleanings, and specialized interventions to ensure strong and disease-free teeth and gums.
Benefits of Deep Cleanings
Though deep cleanings cannot cure periodontal disease entirely, they can significantly slow down or halt its progression. This procedure can reduce the need for surgical interventions and often leads to healthier, pink gums in place of swollen and bleeding ones.
Overview of Periodontal Treatments
In managing periodontal disease, deep cleanings are just one aspect. Periodontal therapy involves enhancing the gum tissue that supports your teeth. Replacing diseased tissue with healthy tissue is crucial, and in cases of severe gum recession, gum grafting may be necessary. Additionally, we address bacterial infections using topical antibacterial or antibiotic solutions, either alone or in combination with other treatments.
For patients with advanced or complicated periodontal disease, we may recommend consulting a periodontist—a dentist specializing in gum disease and soft tissue afflictions. Periodontists undergo specialized training beyond a general dental degree, making them experts in gum disease, its risk factors, symptoms, and related conditions. If you have advanced gum disease, a periodontist may become an essential part of your dental care team, working collaboratively to create a treatment plan to prevent further deterioration.
At our practice, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive periodontal care and ensuring your oral health remains in optimal condition.
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At Wellness Dental Group, we take pride in setting ourselves apart from other dental practices in La Jolla and Poway.
Our commitment to the community extends beyond dental care, as we consider ourselves part of a network of caretakers who prioritize the health and well-being of our friends and neighbors in La Jolla, Poway, and the surrounding areas. As a locally-owned practice, we are part of a legacy of providing top-quality general dentistry.