Gum Disease Treatment in Rocklin, CA

In the United States, approximately half of all adults aged 30 or older have periodontitis, a common gum disease that affects and inflames the tissues surrounding the teeth. Because of its prevalence, we have a lot of patients who come to us for gum disease treatment. The good news is that gum disease is both preventable and, in some cases, reversible. By maintaining regular dental cleanings and seeking timely treatment, you can effectively manage and even reverse the effects of gum disease.

We often find that our patients are unaware they have gum disease until they come to us. The infection won’t always show up in obvious ways, so it’s important you know the causes, signs, symptoms, and treatment options available.

The Basics of Gum Disease

Gum disease is also known as periodontal disease and refers to inflammation and infection of the tissues (gum and bone) supporting your teeth. The primary cause of gum disease is plaque buildup on your teeth and along your gum line. The plaque contains bacteria that can infect your gums.

Some of the main causes of gum disease include poor oral hygiene, genetics, smoking or tobacco use, autoimmune diseases, stress, hormonal changes, and other health issues like heart disease.

Gum disease has four stages:

Gingivitis

The earliest stage of gum disease, gingivitis, is characterized by red and inflamed gums that bleed when you brush or floss. The good news is there is no bone loss at this stage, so it reverses with proper oral hygiene and professional dental cleaning.

If you see blood in the sink after brushing your teeth, this is your sign to call Agape Dental for a thorough cleaning. We will also suggest an adequate at-home oral hygiene routine.

Mild Periodontitis

At this stage, bacteria has spread below the gum line, and your gums have begun to pull away from your teeth. Pockets trapping bacteria are now present and difficult to clean. There may be early signs of bone loss, too. You may have noticed persistent bad breath and some tooth sensitivity. Mild periodontitis can be managed, and its progression can be halted if you seek intervention.

Moderate Periodontitis

Deeper pockets have formed between your teeth and gums, and the bacteria is eating away at the tissue. You may notice your teeth have become loose, and gum recession is more noticeable. More significant bone loss has occurred, and bad breath is more persistent and harder to manage at this stage. Now, it is crucial to seek treatment to avoid long-lasting damage.

Advanced Periodontitis

This stage is severe—you have experienced significant damage at this point. Your teeth have become very loose, and some have even fallen out; chewing is painful, pus is draining from your gums, and you’ve experienced significant bone loss and gum recession. Although serious and irreversible, you still need to seek treatment to prevent further bone and tissue loss.

Gum Disease Treatment Options

Dr. Mignon Mapanao offers robust periodontitis maintenance. At Agape Dental, you can visit us for a regular dental cleaning, where we will remove plaque and tartar to remedy inflammation and reverse gingivitis. If you’re in the mild, moderate, or advanced stages, you have a couple of options:

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing remove plaque and tartar above and below the gum line. We consider this procedure a deep cleaning, reaching the parts of your gum line you cannot access with a toothbrush or floss. It is slightly invasive and requires a local anesthetic. During the scaling process, Dr. Mapanao will use specialized tools and hand instruments to remove the buildup of plaque and tartar. Root planing involves smoothing the root surfaces to eliminate bacteria and promote gum reattachment.

The frequency of this procedure depends on the severity of your gum disease. Oftentimes, you may only have to visit us once or twice a year as part of routine dental care. In other cases, it may be more frequent—every three to four months as part of ongoing periodontal care. If you have advanced periodontitis, you may have to come to our office for treatment every two to three months.

Laser Treatment

Laser Periodontal Therapy, known as LANAP® (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure), is an advanced way to treat periodontitis. It is considered a minimally invasive surgical intervention. Dr. Mapanao uses a thin, handheld laser to target and remove the infected gum tissue and bacteria. The process allows for the removal of bacteria while preserving healthy tissue. Laser treatment is less painful than traditional surgery. You can expect less bleeding and swelling and a faster recovery time.

Take Control of Your Gum Disease Treatment

Gum disease treatment is crucial for maintaining overall dental health. Regardless of the stage, seeking treatment and ongoing care is essential to prevent further damage. In the early stages, gingivitis can often be managed or even reversed. Even if gum disease has progressed to a more advanced stage, prompt treatment remains critical. If you’re concerned about your gum health and want to take a proactive approach, schedule an appointment with Dr. Mapanao today.

Frequently Asked Questions