Gum disease is a common yet serious dental issue that affects half of the adults in the United States, according to the CDC. At Oaks Dental, we understand the importance of maintaining your oral health and preventing gum disease before it leads to pain, damage, or tooth loss. Whether you’re dealing with mild gingivitis or advanced periodontitis, our team offers personalized periodontal care, advanced treatments, and a smooth experience to restore your smile.
Why Choose Oaks Dental for Gum Disease Treatment
At Oaks Dental, we combine state-of-the-art technology with concierge-level care to deliver exceptional gum disease treatment in a welcoming, modern environment. Our team is dedicated to providing minimally invasive solutions such as laser gum therapy and pocket reduction, alongside traditional methods like scaling and root planing. With a focus on comfort, precision, and results, we ensure every patient feels confident and cared for throughout their process. From advanced diagnostic imaging to same-day treatments, we offer a full spectrum dental care tailored to your needs.
What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?
Common symptoms of gum disease, including gingivitis and periodontitis, can range from mild to severe. Some of the key warning signs include:
- Red, swollen, or inflamed gums
- Bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing
- Receding gums that make teeth appear longer
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Formation of pockets between the gums and teeth
- Pain or tenderness when chewing
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule a dental evaluation as soon as possible. Early intervention can prevent gum disease from progressing into more serious issues like tooth loss or damage to the alveolar bone and jawbone.
How Serious Is Gum Disease, and What Happens If It’s Left Untreated?
Without professional dental care, gum disease can progress from early-stage inflammation, also known as gingivitis, to an advanced infection (periodontitis). As the disease advances, the pockets between the gums and teeth deepen, trapping acid and bacteria that break down the supporting structures of the teeth. This leads to receding gums, bone loss, and eventually tooth loss.
Left untreated, gum disease can affect more than just your oral health. Studies have linked periodontitis to an increased risk of systemic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. That’s why Oaks Dental takes a proactive approach to gum disease treatment, helping patients protect both their smiles and overall well-being.
What Causes Gum Disease?
At Oaks Dental, we offer gum disease evaluations to pinpoint the root cause of your condition. Gum disease typically begins when plaque and tartar build up along the gumline. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms after eating, while tartar is hardened plaque that cannot be removed with brushing alone.
Other factors that contribute to gum disease include:
- Poor oral hygiene habits
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Certain medications
- Hormonal changes (such as during pregnancy)
- Medical conditions like diabetes
- Genetic predisposition
What Treatments Are Available for Gum Disease?
Depending on the stage of the condition, there are several treatment options available.
Our team at Oaks Dental will determine which course of treatment is best suited for you and your oral health. Among the various options for treating gum disease, we offer:
- Scaling and Root Planing: A deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria from below the gumline and smooths root surfaces to encourage healing.
- Laser Gum Therapy: A minimally invasive option that uses precise laser technology to remove inflamed gum tissue and kill bacteria, promoting faster recovery and reducing discomfort.
- Pocket Reduction: A surgical technique that reduces the depth of periodontal pockets, helping eliminate bacteria and preventing future damage. However, it is often used in severe periodontitis.
- Prophy-Jet Air Polisher: A modern cleaning tool that uses a gentle air polishing technique to remove biofilm, plaque, and stains from the teeth, supporting long-term gum health.
- Ongoing Maintenance: Regular professional dental cleanings and monitoring to maintain results and prevent recurrence of gum disease.
Can I Prevent Periodontal Disease?
The good news is that, in most cases, gum disease can be prevented with consistent and proper oral hygiene. Some patients may have a higher risk due to genetics, medical conditions, or other factors. In these cases, more frequent professional dental cleanings and exams with our hygienist may be necessary to keep your gums healthy. At Oaks Dental, you can receive all the preventive care you need.
How Can I Lower My Risk for Periodontal Disease?
At Oaks Dental, we believe prevention is the key to long-term oral health. Here are some simple steps you can take to lower your risk for gum disease:
- Brush your teeth thoroughly two to three times each day using a fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss between your teeth daily to remove plaque and bacteria that brushing can’t reach.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash to help reduce bacteria in the mouth.
- Avoid smoking and tobacco products, which are major risk factors for periodontal disease.
- Have regular dental cleanings and exams to monitor your gum health and catch any early signs of trouble.
Can Gum Disease Be Reversed?
Oaks Dental provides effective treatment options that can reverse early-stage gum disease and manage advanced cases. Gingivitis, the earliest form of gum disease, is reversible with professional dental care and improved oral hygiene. If caught early, treatment such as scaling and root planing, combined with proper at-home care, can eliminate bacteria and inflammation, restoring your gum health.
However, once gum disease progresses to periodontitis, it cannot be fully reversed—but it can be effectively managed. Our periodontal care focuses on halting the progression of the disease, preventing further damage to the alveolar bone and jawbone, and maintaining your oral health. Early detection and regular visits to Oaks Dental are key to keeping gum disease under control.
What Is the Typical Process for Treating Gum Disease?
Oaks Dental provides a seamless gum disease treatment process that is tailored to your specific condition and lifestyle. Here’s what you can expect when you visit us for periodontal care:
- Comprehensive Evaluation: We use digital imaging and advanced diagnostics to assess the extent of gum disease, measure pocket depths, and evaluate bone health.
- Personalized Treatment Plan: Based on your needs, we create a plan that may include scaling and root planing, laser gum therapy, or pocket reduction.
- Treatment Appointments: We perform your treatment in a comfortable, modern setting, using techniques like the Prophy-Jet air polisher for gentle cleaning and laser technology for minimally invasive therapy.
- Post-Treatment Care: After treatment, we guide you through a customized home care routine and schedule follow-up visits to monitor healing and prevent recurrence.
Ongoing Maintenance: We recommend regular periodontal maintenance cleanings to keep your gums healthy and protect against future issues.
How Long Does Treatment for Gum Disease Take?
Oaks Dental provides efficient and effective gum disease treatments designed to fit your lifestyle. The duration of gum disease treatment varies depending on the severity of the condition. Mild cases of gingivitis may resolve after a single session of professional dental cleaning, while more advanced cases of periodontitis may require multiple visits for scaling and root planing, laser therapy, and pocket reduction.
Some patients may need ongoing periodontal maintenance every three to four months to manage chronic conditions. During your consultation, we’ll provide a clear treatment timeline and discuss what to expect throughout your periodontal care journey.
Call Us Today for Your Gum Health Consultation
Don’t let gum disease compromise your oral health. Call Oaks Dental today at (818) 431-2000 to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a healthier, brighter smile. Our team is here to guide you through every stage of your periodontal care, ensuring a stress-free, effective, and personalized experience.