21
May
Protect Your Smile and Systemic Health with Gum Disease Treatment
Did you know gum disease affects almost half of American adults? Although gum disease is common, it doesn’t mean you lose your smile. Welcome to Brentwood Dental Care for advanced gum disease treatment in Brentwood, California. Our dental team provides laser therapy and deep teeth cleaning to treat gum disease conservatively yet effectively.
Why should I treat periodontal disease?
Gum disease occurs when plaque, a colorless bacterial film, builds up in your mouth. Over time, plaque hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist. Plaque and tartar create the perfect ground for harmful bacteria to multiply, which causes gum disease (gingivitis).
The common symptoms of gingivitis include:
- Gum redness and tenderness
- Swollen or puffy gums
- Gums that easily bleed when brushing
- Increased sensitivity
When periodontal disease goes untreated, it doesn’t just stop at your gums—it digs deeper. The infection begins to break down the ligaments that anchor your teeth, causing the gums to recede and form deep pockets around the teeth. These pockets become breeding grounds for harmful bacteria. As the disease advances, it weakens the structures that support your teeth, leading to eventual tooth loss. Even more concerning, gum disease increases your body’s inflammatory burden, heightening the risk for severe health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s.
What are the available treatment options for gum disease?
Brentwood Dental Care understands the significance of periodontal health. We provide the finest treatments to ensure you achieve a healthy, infection-free smile. Our treatment options for gum disease include.
- Scaling and root planing (SRP): SRP is a two-step process that’s also referred to as deep teeth cleaning. It can be completed in 1-3 visits, depending on the severity of your infection. The dentist also uses anesthetics to ensure a painless experience. SRP is ideal for moderate to advanced gum disease. First, we remove (scale) built-in plaque and tartar from the tooth surface to the deep periodontal pockets. Then, we smooth (plane) the root surfaces of your teeth to allow your gums to reattach.
- Laser periodontal therapy: Instead of scalpels or sutures, the dentist uses a dental laser to blast away harmful bacteria and diseased tissues. A dental laser is so precise that it allows us to treat gum disease without harming healthy tissues. Unlike conventional gum disease treatment, laser therapy is minimally invasive and results in faster recovery.
Healthy gums support your whole smile. Many patients are surprised to realize that gum disease treatment improves more than their smile. Healthy gums freshen your breath, protect your teeth, and reduce the risk of systemic illnesses.
Is gum disease preventable?
Prevention is the best way to protect your smile from gum disease. Observe the following steps to maintain an infection-free smile.
- Practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth
- Visit your dentist regularly for dental check-ups and cleanings
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet
- Avoid tobacco use
- Manage immune-suppressing conditions like stress and diabetes
Need gum disease treatment near Brentwood, CA?
Your gums are the foundation of your smile. So, if you have periodontal disease, take action today before the damage progresses. Seek gum disease treatment in Brentwood, California, at Brentwood Dental Care. Call (310) 444-9900 or email info@brentwooddentalcare.net to reserve an appointment.