At Alhambra Dental Plaza, Dr. Han Do and our team of highly trained dental professionals are dedicated to diagnosing and treating patients affected by gum disease. We understand the importance of maintaining healthy gums, as they greatly influence your overall health. Gum disease can lead to more serious health issues, so our priority is to ensure your gums are as healthy as possible.
Serving East Sac and Midtown areas, our Sacramento, CA dental experts are well-equipped to handle everything from gingivitis to advanced periodontitis. Read below to learn more!
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss among adults. Healthy gums surround teeth tightly, providing stability and protection. When gum disease is present, gums begin to pull away from the base of the teeth, creating pockets into which infection can get. Gum inflammation is also present, meaning gums are red, swollen, and prone to bleeding easily. As the disease progresses, bone loss can occur, which leads to loose teeth, shifting teeth, or even tooth loss.
At Alhambra Dental Plaza, Dr. Do and our team can help reverse gum disease when caught in its early stages, ensuring good gum health and preventing bone and tooth loss. In more advanced stages, treatments like osseous surgery may need to be performed to remove the infection and save your smile.
Symptoms Of Gum Disease
- Swollen, red gums
- Bleeding gums
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Ongoing metallic taste in the mouth
- Receding gum line
- New or increased space between teeth
If you notice any of these symptoms, please call our office to schedule a periodontal appointment with Dr. Do and our periodontal specialists.
Scaling & Root Planing
If we notice signs of gum disease during an appointment, our team may recommend scaling and root planing, otherwise known as a deep cleaning. This procedure removes plaque and bacteria from areas of the teeth that are unreachable with a toothbrush or floss and helps prevent the progression of gum disease. During the deep cleaning, we will clean your teeth both above and below the gum line (scaling) and smooth out the tooth roots to stimulate the gums and help them heal and reattach to your teeth (root planing). This non-surgical procedure is often the first step in treating periodontal disease.
Periodontal Maintenance Visits
For those who suffer from more advanced stages of gum disease, Dr. Do and our team will recommend that you visit us for additional cleanings. These periodontal maintenance cleanings differ from standard cleanings because they focus on removing the buildup of bacteria below the gum line that has led to periodontal disease. These maintenance visits are only prescribed to our patients who have active gum disease and who have had scaling and root planing already performed. Patients who are prescribed periodontal maintenance cleanings typically visit our office every three to four months until the infection is cleared up, and the gums are in good health again.
During your periodontal visit at Alhambra Dental Plaza, your dental hygienist will remove tartar buildup from between your teeth and along your gum line. They will reach down to where the tooth root meets the gum to ensure that any periodontal pockets are cleaned. The depth of each pocket is noted so that Dr. Do and our specialists can monitor the progress of your gum disease. Finally, if we notice any inflammation or infection, we will treat it with an antiseptic.
Call our office today to schedule a consultation if you’ve noticed any symptoms of gum disease. Our Sacramento, CA periodontal specialists will evaluate the health of your mouth, and work with you to develop the gum disease therapy that is right for you.
Pocket Reduction Surgery
Pocket reduction surgery, also known as flap surgery, is a surgical procedure used to treat advanced cases of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease occurs when the gum tissue becomes infected and inflamed, causing the gums to pull away from the teeth and form pockets. These pockets can become filled with bacteria, which can lead to further infection and damage to the surrounding bone.
- During pocket reduction surgery, a small incision in the gum tissue will be made to expose the root of the tooth and the surrounding bone.
- The doctor will then use special instruments to remove the bacteria and tartar that have accumulated in the pockets.
- The bone around the affected teeth may also be reshaped to prevent the pockets from reforming.
Once the cleaning and reshaping are complete, the gum tissue is then sutured back in place, and the healing process begins. It may take several weeks for the gums to fully heal and reattach to the teeth.
