Gum disease may start quietly. At first, you may notice your gums feel tender or bleed when you brush and floss. When plaque and calculus are allowed to accumulate on your teeth, your gums become inflamed and tender before pulling away from your teeth. If left unchecked, this infection can cause more than a little pink in the sink, though. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss, bone loss, and even cause systemic health conditions like cardiovascular disease, stroke, or diabetes complications.
Gum disease can lead to tooth loss, bone loss, and even cause systemic health conditions like cardiovascular disease, stroke, or diabetes complications.
Our skilled, caring dental team at John M. Chaves, DDS offers the highly effective, minimally invasive treatments you need to keep infection under control and maintain proper oral health for years to come. We partner with multiple insurance companies to ensure your entire treatment process is easy and painless.
Contact our Woodland Hills dentist at 818-491-7294 at the first appearance of symptoms!
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It’s typically caused by poor brushing and flossing habits that allow plaque — a sticky film of bacteria — to build up on the teeth and harden. In advanced stages, gum disease can lead to sore, bleeding gums, painful chewing problems, and even tooth loss.
The great news is that gum disease is preventable—and curable at an early stage! Just be sure to brush and floss your teeth and have regular professional teeth cleanings and checkups. If you do require care for gum disease, we’re the team to trust. We provide multiple treatments for gum disease in Woodland Hills, CA, depending on the severity of your case and the stage of gum disease you’re in. We’ll begin with a consultation that includes an oral examination.
Our dentist will assess your current oral health and provide you with a customized treatment plan that reflects your unique needs. Depending in your treatment and your anxiety level we may offer calming sedation dentistry to guarantee you’re comfortable throughout your visit. With proper treatment, maintenance, and good oral health habits, gum disease doesn’t have to damage your smile again. Most importantly, a smile free from bacteria and infection helps you live an overall healthy lifestyle!
A non-surgical treatment, scaling and root planing is often the first procedure in the fight against gum disease. Scaling removes the bacterial plaque from above and below the gumline. Root planing smooths the tooth surfaces to encourage healthy tissue reattachment and protection against future infection.
Osseous surgery is the most aggressive treatment for advanced gum disease in Woodland Hills, CA. It involves removing the diseased gum tissue and repairing the damaged bone to restore support to the teeth. This surgery also removes the bacteria and calculus trapped in the deep pockets between the teeth.
Once gum disease has been comprehensively treated, periodontal maintenance is recommended to ensure it does not return. This procedure is completed every 3-4 months and involves a deep cleaning of the teeth at and below the gumline to remove bacteria and plaque accumulation. These deep cleanings will replace your regularly scheduled hygiene appointments.
Early gum disease (gingivitis) can often be reversed with proper oral care and professional treatments. However, advanced gum disease (periodontitis) can’t be reversed, only managed. That’s why early detection and treatment are crucial.
The duration of gum disease treatment varies depending on the severity of the condition. Mild cases might improve in a few weeks with better oral hygiene. More severe cases can take several months of treatment and ongoing maintenance to manage effectively.
Most gum disease treatments are not painful. Local anesthesia will help ensure your comfort for deep cleanings or surgical procedures. You might experience some sensitivity or discomfort for a few days after treatment, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Yes, gum disease can recur if you don’t maintain good oral hygiene after treatment. It’s crucial to follow your dentist’s instructions for home care and attend regular check-ups to prevent the disease from returning.
Red, swollen, bleeding gums aren’t just a nuisance — they’re a warning sign of gum disease that shouldn’t be ignored. At John M. Chaves, DDS in Woodland Hills, CA, our comprehensive gum disease treatments go beyond just addressing symptoms — we target the root cause to restore your oral health and boost your confidence.
Schedule your consultation by calling Dr. Chaves at 818-491-7294.
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