Periodontal Therapyin Bakersfield, CA

Understanding & Overcoming Gum Disease

A strong, beautiful smile needs healthy gums, but infected gum tissue can ruin your grin and your oral health. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a serious oral health issue that affects millions of Americans. 

At Gentle Family Dentistry in Bakersfield, CA, we understand the importance of proper gum care and are dedicated to helping our patients overcome this common condition. Under the guidance of experienced Bakersfield, CA dentist Dr. Jonathan Garger, our team offers a range of periodontal therapy options to help patients achieve optimal oral health.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is a progressive oral health condition caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar along the gumline. The bacteria in these substances eat away at the gums and expose the roots that support your teeth. If left untreated, this condition can lead to inflammation, gum recession, and eventually, tooth loss. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control, up to 70 percent of American adults suffer from some form of gum disease, making it a common concern for many patients. Even worse, gum disease in the early stages is often very subtle. This means you may have the infection and not even notice until it’s progressed past the point where damage is easily reversible.  

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Recognizing the signs of periodontal disease is the first step in receiving treatment. Some symptoms that you should keep a look-out for include the following:

  • Red, swollen, or tender gums
  • Pus between gums/teeth
  • Sores that don’t improve after two weeks
  • Bleeding while brushing or flossing
  • Receding gums
  • Loose or shifting teeth
  • Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth

Stages of Periodontal Disease

Gingivitis: This is the early stage of gum disease and is characterized by red, swollen gums that bleed easily. At this stage, the condition is still reversible with professional cleanings and a proper oral hygiene regimen.

Initial Periodontitis: If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which is characterized by deeper pockets between the gums and teeth. At this stage, the gums begin to pull away from the teeth, leaving the roots susceptible to permanent damage.

Moderate Periodontitis: Moderate periodontitis causes more advanced damage to the ligaments and bones attaching your teeth to your gums. Additionally, the bacteria causing the infection can enter your bloodstream, which can cause the infection to spread to other parts of your body. This may explain the connection between gum disease and heart disease.

Advanced Periodontitis: In the most advanced stages of gum disease, the gums, bones, and connective tissue that support the teeth can become severely damaged, leading to tooth loss.

Health Risks of Periodontal Disease

Tooth Loss: As the gums pull away from the teeth, the roots become exposed, increasing the risk of tooth loss.

Cardiovascular Disease: Research conducted by Harvard Health has shown a link between gum disease and heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions.

Respiratory Issues: Research conducted by the American Thoracic Society has linked periodontal disease to respiratory problems, including pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Diabetes: Individuals with uncontrolled diabetes are more susceptible to developing gum disease, which can make it more difficult to control blood sugar levels.

Possible Periodontal Therapy Options

At our Bakersfield dental office, we offer a range of periodontal therapy options to help our patients overcome gum disease and achieve optimal oral health. Some of the possible periodontal therapy options we provide include the following: 

Laser-Assisted Root Planing & Scaling

Laser-assisted root planing and scaling refers to minimally invasive gum therapy procedures that use advanced laser technology. During the scaling phase, the plaque and bacterial build-up are gently removed from the teeth, the gums, and the roots of the teeth. 

The root planning phase involves smoothing the roots of the teeth to eliminate pockets where bacteria lay and flourish. This procedure can improve your smile while promoting healthy gums, with the experience being more comfortable than traditional planing and scaling.

Gum Grafting

Gum grafting is a surgical procedure used to restore lost gum tissue and protect the roots of the teeth. This procedure involves taking tissue from the roof of the mouth and using it to cover exposed roots, preventing further gum recession and tooth loss. 

Antibiotics

In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed as part of a comprehensive gum disease treatment plan. Antibiotics can help to reduce the bacterial infection that contributes to gum disease, helping to prevent further damage to the gums and supporting healthy oral tissue.

Regular Dental Visits & Good Oral Hygiene Practices

Regular dental exams and good oral hygiene practices are important components of effective periodontal therapy. During dental visits, our team can monitor the progress of gum disease and provide the necessary treatments to keep it under control. Good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing regularly, as well as avoiding tobacco products, can also help to prevent gum disease and promote healthy gums.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Contact Our Bakersfield Dental Office & Smile Your Best Again

If you are suffering from gum disease, the team at Gentle Family Dentistry in Bakersfield, CA is here to help. We offer a wide range of periodontal therapy options to help you achieve optimal oral health and overcome any stage of gum disease. 

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Garger, contact our Bakersfield dental office by dialing 661-664-9900. You can also fill out the contact form below and one of our friendly team members will get back to you shortly. Gentle Family Dentistry proudly serves patients from Bakersfield and surrounding areas such as Gosford, Alameda, and Lakeview, CA.  

Gentle Family Dentistry

9900 Stockdale Hwy.
Suite 201
Bakersfield, CA 93311

Office Hours

Mon
8am – 5pm
Tue
7am – 4pm
Wed
8am – 5pm
Thu
7am – 4pm
Fri
8am – 1pm (every other Friday)
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