Gum Disease Claremont CA | Gingivitis

Periodontal TherapyAn Overview

Gum disease is a prevalent oral health epidemic. Caused by a bacterial infection of the gums, periodontal disease can often be avoided with improved oral hygiene and routine visits to the dentist office. Left untreated, gum disease can progress and result in additional dental health concerns.

Bacteria forms in the plaque build-up on the surface of the teeth. Bacteria multiply and spread forming deep periodontal pockets in the gum line. Bacteria cause your gums to swell, and eventually, gums may begin to recede.

Poorly fitting dental restorations, missing teeth, broken or ill-fit dental fillings, and crooked teeth all increase a patient’s risk of developing gum disease.

Patients with gum disease are more likely to experience a decline in their oral wellness and their systemic health. Late-stage gum disease has been linked to an increased risk of serious medical conditions and poor health.

Gum disease increases the risk of:

Cardiovascular disease
Heart Attack & Strokes
Loss of Jaw Bone
Facial sagging
Missing teeth
Tooth loss
Halitosis

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“Gingivitis or periodontal disease can become quite a problem for your teeth, and health. Our periodontics practice is expert at helping patients. If you see symptoms of bleeding gums, halitosis (bad breath), loose teeth or gum recession, please let us help get your mouth healthy again.”
—Dr. Vijay Patel

Preventative Dentistry and Gum Disease

It is important to visit the dentist at least twice a year for a routine oral health exam. These regularly scheduled dental exams give your Claremont Dental Institute dentist the opportunity to catch any developing dental health concerns early on to allow for proactive treatment options.

For patients with advanced stages of gum disease, known as periodontitis, you may see our in-house periodontist. Periodontists have 3 years of advanced specialized training in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease.

Periodontists offer advanced treatment options to address the damage caused to the soft tissue, teeth, and jaw as a result of periodontitis.

Claremont, CA periodontist will evaluate your oral health, gums, teeth, and jaw in order to build a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique dental health.

Periodontal Therapy What to Expect

Treatment for periodontal disease is tailored to the unique needs of each patient. Your dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, and jaw bone to determine the extent of treatment necessary to restore your oral health. For some patients, a combination of periodontal therapy and restorative treatment will provide optimal results.

Claremont Dental Institute provides a full range of periodontal therapies for all stages of gum disease. We perform all procedures in-house and manage all phases of the treatment plan.

Utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology and laser therapy we provide the precise, effective, and less invasive options for restoring health to your gums and smile.

For the optimal comfort of our patients, we offer sedation dentistry options. Your dentist will discuss your options for sedation before the treatment based on the required procedures, your medical history, and your overall health.

Treating Gum Disease, Restoring Oral Health

Dental Cleaning: Routine dental cleanings can help prevent the spread of oral bacteria. Six-month teeth cleanings are ideal for controlling gum disease and preventing further damage to your gums, teeth, and jaw.

Scaling and Root Planing: For patients with hard plaque build-up, a scaling and root planing treatment can help. This deep cleaning method removes plaque and helps prevent the spread of disease-causing bacteria and removes tough plaque build-up. The clean gums are able to heal and reattach to the teeth.

Bone surgery: Bone loss is common in patients with advanced gum disease due to tooth loss or bone deterioration caused by periodontal pockets. Bone surgery rebuilds the bone tissue sealing off pockets where bacteria grow.

Soft tissue grafts: For patients with gum recession caused by advanced inflammation and gum disease, soft tissue grafting can rebuild a more natural and beautiful smile.

Pocket reduction: Pocket reduction removes tartar and reduces the size of periodontal pockets formed by the spread of bacteria in the gum tissue.

Guided tissue regeneration: Guided tissue regeneration stimulates the natural regrowth of gum and bone growth.

Periodontal Therapy FAQs

Is periodontal therapy painful?: No. Periodontal therapy during the early stages of periodontal disease should not hurt. With local anesthetics, modern dentistry, and an experienced dentist, your treatment can be as quick and painless as getting a dental filling.
What if I ignore the signs of periodontal disease?: Without treatment, you are leaving yourself open to further tooth and gum damage, and tooth loss. Periodontal disease does not go away without treatment. It can lead to more overall health concerns as well. Strokes, heart disease, and diabetes have been linked to gum disease. It’s better to address it as soon as possible, while it’s still easily treatable.
How long will periodontal therapy results last?: Your gum disease should be completely gone after periodontal therapy, and follow-up visits. With excellent oral hygiene and following recommended instructions from the dentist, you may never get gum disease again.