Gum disease is an infection of the gums and supporting tissue around your teeth. It’s caused by plaque, a yellow film that contains bacteria that sticks to your teeth and irritates the gum tissues. If the condition goes untreated, gum disease can cause your gums to recede or pull away from the teeth, forming periodontal pockets. These pockets can harbor even more bacteria and lead to further infection and pain.

There are several stages of gum disease. Early stages are treatable and not usually painful, but you must visit our dentist if you suspect you may have gum disease. Our dentist will examine your teeth and gums to determine if you have the disease and then create a customized treatment plan based on your medical history and current oral health status. 

At California Center for Laser Dentistry, treatments can include deep cleaning above and below the gum line to remove plaque buildup from the teeth and roots, antibiotic treatment to fight bacterial infections, using laser therapy to treat deep gum pockets and remove diseased tissue, and more.

Benefits of Non-surgical Gum Treatment

Gum disease affects the gums and the supporting tissues around the teeth. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and severe health problems like heart disease and diabetes. Fortunately, many treatments are available for gum disease, including non-surgical methods. 

Non-surgical treatments can eliminate or reduce the effects of gum disease without causing substantial discomfort. However, they are typically more gradual in their results than surgical procedures. 

Types of Non-surgical Gum Treatment

Scaling and Root Planing

Excess buildup of plaque and bacteria in the mouth causes gum disease. When left untreated, this buildup can cause an infection that can damage the soft tissue and bone surrounding your teeth. Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure that aims to remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line and smooth the root surfaces of your teeth to prevent future accumulation. 

Antibiotics

Periodontal disease is a bacterial illness, and efficiently reducing or eradicating harmful bacteria is the key to controlling or eliminating it. An antibiotic powder may be applied directly to the affected area as an additional step after scaling and root planing. An antibiotic mouth rinse may also be provided to minimize the adverse effects of gum disease and reduce bacterial plaque.

Laser Gum Therapy 

The most advanced non-surgical gum disease treatment is laser treatment. Lasers are precise and require no cutting or stitching. They cut our diseased tissue and help the healthy tissue restore. They also provide quicker results and reduce recovery times. 

For more information on non-surgical gum disease treatment options, visit California Center for Laser Dentistry at 1844 San Miguel Dr #106, Walnut Creek, CA 94596, or call (925) 939-3997.