Options for Treating Periodontics

As many of our patients may already know, periodontitis is not just a threat to your dental wellbeing but your overall health as well. More commonly known as gum disease, periodontitis is an insidious disease which begins when the bacteria in your mouth build up and release toxins. The toxins attack the surfaces close to your gum line and can usher in a variety of health problems. After compromising your gum tissue enough, the bacteria can enter your body through the bloodstream, creating infection and inflammation throughout the body. Additionally, as the disease progresses, your teeth loosen, your gums are unstable, and you are at risk for tooth and bone loss. This is why proper dental care is necessary during all stages of your life.

Gum disease has several levels of severity and therefore our periodontist in San Francisco offers patients numerous treatment options.

TREATMENT FOR EARLY STAGE GUM DISEASE:
• Gum disease in its earliest form is also known as gingivitis. This initial form of the disease is known for symptoms like inflamed or swollen gums, bleeding gums when eating or brushing your teeth, and chronic bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth.

Fortunately, gingivitis is reversible. Your first course of treatment is called scaling and root planing. This treatment involves a deep cleaning to remove plaque, tarter, and diseased tissue at and below the gumline. To maintain healthy gums, you should practice diligent oral health care at home.

• A more developed form of gum disease is chronic periodontal disease. The hallmarks of this stage of gum disease include prominently bleeding gums, inflammation, and a receding gum line.

Patients with this form of gum disease need more treatment than a deep dental cleaning. You may receive antimicrobial therapies to stop the progression of the disease. Because the gums and jawbones are affected by the infection, our dentist may choose to do pocket reduction surgery or tissue grafts.

• Aggressive periodontal disease is the hardest gum disease to treat because it progresses extremely quickly. Patients experience bone loss and gum detachment.

Surgical intervention is usually necessary to keep any healthy bone and tissue. Laser treatments, bone grafts, and tissue regeneration are options that can save your smile.


If you have signs of gum disease, do not delay in seeking treatment. When caught in the early stages, gum disease is curable. For more information or an appointment, please contact our office.