.webp){kind=logo}
Letting your oral health slip is nothing to be ashamed of. Unfortunately, developing gingivitis or gum disease happens to the best of us. We’re here to help get you back on track.
.png)
.webp)
.webp)
Do I really need periodontal care?
If you suspect that you may need periodontal care, there’s no time like the present to protect your smile and preserve your natural tooth structure. Periodontitis can have damaging effects. In fact, in some severe cases, patients can even end up losing teeth. If you notice any symptoms such as inflamed or bleeding gums, it’s important to seek intervention as soon as possible.
Did you know…
Periodontal health can directly impact your cardiac health.
Ready to schedule
your appointment?
Gentle Treatment With Laser Therapy
With laser technology, we are able to offer gum disease treatment that is more comfortable than ever before. Laser therapy is a non-surgical treatment that effectively removes harmful bacteria from under the gums and promotes healthy tissue regeneration.
Periodontal Deep Cleaning (Non Surgical Root Planing and Scaling)
Periodontal Deep Cleaning, or Non-Surgical Root Planing and Scaling, is your path to healthier gums and teeth. With a minimally-invasive approach, our expert team removes plaque and tartar below the gumline, where harmful bacteria hide. This treatment resets your smile, reduces gum disease risk, and promotes oral health - without the need for surgery.
Join Our In-House Dental Membership Plan!
We believe everyone deserves affordable dental care, even patients who require a little extra TLC. By signing up for our membership plan, you’ll be giving your smile the high-quality care it deserves and saving money along the way.
The Benefits of Periodontal Care
Restore Your Health
With early intervention, periodontal treatment can reverse the effects of gingivitis and restore your smile to its natural health.
Prevent Further Damage
Regular periodontal maintenance helps keep your smile healthy and free from the harmful buildup of plaque and bacteria.
Save Money
Periodontal care helps you avoid more costly, invasive procedures such as gum grafts, tooth extractions, and dental implants.
The Deep Cleaning Process
Local Anesthetic
First, your Mission Viejo dentist will apply a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable during your treatment. Deep cleanings may cause more sensitivity for patients than regular dental cleanings, but you’ll be comfortable throughout the procedure thanks to our gentle numbing techniques.
Scaling & Root Planing
Next, your doctor will use special tools to “scale” tartar and plaque from between your teeth and below your gum line. The goal is to remove the harmful bacteria that causes gum disease. Then, once your teeth and gums have been cleaned, your dentist will “plane,” or smooth, the roots of your teeth. This process eliminates the pockets and pits that form below the roots of your teeth which harbor harmful bacteria.
Laser Therapy
Once scaling and root planing have been completed, laser therapy is used to help promote healing and reduce discomfort. During laser therapy, a focused beam of light energy is directed at the affected area, which can help with post-op comfort, reduce inflammation, and speed up the healing process. Laser therapy can also be effective in eradicating harmful bacteria, which can help to reduce the risk of infection and promote optimal oral health.
Before & Afters
A smile is worth 1,000 words.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know I have Periodontal Disease?
%402x%20(2).svg){kind=icon}
In the early stages of gum disease, known as gingivitis, it may be difficult to realize that you have a problem with the soft tissues of your mouth. However, there are often warning signs that periodontal disease might be affecting your dental health:
Your gums bleed after brushing, flossing, and eating.
Your gums are puffy, red, and sore.
You have bad breath that never seems to go away.
Your gums are starting to recede from the teeth.
Your teeth are becoming loose.
If you have noticed these or other signs, please call (949) 379-8095 to talk about periodontics in Mission Viejo, CA.
What causes gum disease?
Gum disease is caused by large quantities of bacteria flourishing in the mouth. This can be caused by poor oral hygiene. Failing to brush and floss properly allows the bacteria that are present in your mouth to reproduce and form plaque and tartar between your teeth and your gums. Over time, these bacteria begin to attack and infect your gum tissue. Over time, this infection can result in permanent, irreversible damage to your oral health unless you seek out proper treatment.
Some patients are also genetically predisposed to developing gum disease. This is why it is important to discuss with your doctor if there is a history of gum disease in your family. You and your doctor will work together to employ the best at-home care and in-office treatments to protect against it.
Why do I need Laser Therapy?
Laser therapy can offer a more gentle approach to periodontal treatment, as it can promote the healing process and reduce discomfort. By delivering precise beams of light energy to the affected area, laser therapy can help decrease post-op discomfort, reduce inflammation, and speed up the healing process, allowing you to feel more comfortable and get back to your daily activities more quickly. Additionally, laser therapy has been shown to be effective in eradicating harmful bacteria, which can help to reduce the risk of infection and promote optimal oral health.
Is gum disease contagious?
No, gum disease is not contagious. This is because it is caused by bacteria that are already present in all of our mouths. In a healthy mouth, these bacteria are not found in a high enough quantity to cause gum disease. These bacteria become an issue when they are left to reproduce and grow uncontrollably. Gum disease occurs when poor oral hygiene allows bacteria to reproduce, or if a patient is genetically predisposed to gum disease.
What are the stages of gum disease?
Gum disease is commonly split into three different stages. The first stage is called gingivitis. In this stage, there is usually no permanent damage to your teeth or gums yet. This means your dentist will likely be able to reverse and eliminate gum disease with proper care. Common symptoms of gingivitis include bleeding when brushing, inflamed and discolored gums, and chronic bad breath.
If left to worsen, gingivitis will advance to the second stage of gum disease, known as periodontitis. This stage of gum disease is unfortunately not reversible, but can be controlled with proper intervention. Symptoms of periodontitis usually include gum recession, increased sensitivity or sore teeth and gums, excessive gum bleeding, and very swollen or puffy gums.
The final stage is advanced periodontitis. In this stage, permanent damage to your teeth, gums, and jaw bone occurs. Common symptoms include pus forming between the teeth and gums, shifting of the teeth, changes in your bite, or the loosening of one or more teeth. Surgical intervention is usually necessary to treat advanced periodontitis. In very severe cases, your teeth may even need to be extracted and replaced with a dental prosthetic like dentures or dental implants.
