Gum Disease Treatment Walnut Creek

Bounce Back from Dangerous Gum Infections

Did you know that around half of U.S. adults have some form of gum disease? Without timely care, this oral health condition can progress to the point where it causes devastating consequences for both your oral and overall health. Fortunately, it is not difficult to treat in most cases. Our Walnut Creek dental team offers gentle and minimally invasive gum disease treatment to help your smile bounce back from dangerous infections.

Why Choose Blue Wave Dental of Walnut Creek for Gum Disease Treatment?

  • Soft Tissue Laser for Thorough & Gentle Treatment
  • Highly Skilled & Caring Dental Team
  • Multiple Payment Options for Your Convenience

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is an infection of the soft tissue that surrounds the base of the teeth. It occurs when harmful bacteria sneak beneath the gumline and multiply, leading to inflammation and a range of other signs and symptoms.

Gum disease has two main stages:

  • Gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, is relatively mild and does not cause permanent harm.
  • If gingivitis goes untreated, it may progress to periodontitis, which can permanently damage the gums. It is also a leading cause of tooth loss.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

If you have gingivitis, you might notice:

  • Red, swollen, and tender gums
  • Gums that bleed easily when you brush and floss
  • Chronic bad breath that does not respond to things like breath mints and chewing gum

Periodontitis can cause the same symptoms as gingivitis. Some additional issues that are associated with it include:

  • Gum recession
  • Loose teeth
  • Tooth loss
  • Sensitive teeth (due to exposed tooth roots)
  • Changes in your bite
  • Changes in the fit of restorations, such as partial dentures

How Do We Treat Gum Disease?

When you visit us for your consultation, we will examine your mouth and learn about the details of your case. After we gather adequate information, we can advise you on your next steps. There are a few different ways to treat gum disease. Some patients can reverse their condition via thorough at-home oral hygiene. Others might need one of the following professional therapies:

Scaling & Root Planing

Scaling and root planing is basically a deep cleaning of the mouth. We remove plaque and bacteria from above and below the gumline, and then we smooth out the roots of the teeth so bacteria cannot easily cling to them. After scaling and root planing, your gums should be able to firmly reattach to your teeth.

Laser Periodontal Treatment

Laser periodontal treatment is a powerful complement for scaling and root planing. It uses a highly focused beam of light to kill harmful bacteria. It can also remove diseased tissue. Because a soft tissue laser is so precise and gentle, it contributes toward a comfortable, minimally invasive treatment experience.

Gum Disease Treatment FAQs

How common is gum disease?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that nearly 4 out of 10 adults 30 years or older are living with some form of gum disease. As one of the most common oral health problems in the United States, periodontitis becomes more frequent with age. Reports indicate that 60% of adults 5 years of age and older have a more advanced form of gum disease.

While men are more likely to have this condition, the CDC estimates that 1 in 3 women develop gum disease, and one out of every two men has it.

Many of the most common risk factors for gum disease are also considered health concerns, including diabetes, poor oral hygiene, smoking, and poor nutrition.

Does gum disease ever go away?

If Dr. David catches gingivitis (the initial stage of gum disease) early enough, it is possible to reverse it. This is one reason regular dental checkups and cleanings are important. If gum disease is left to advance, it can turn into periodontitis, which is considered “untreatable.” This causes bone and gum loss as well as loose teeth. The oral structure cannot regenerate, so gum disease treatment in Walnut Creek must focus on eliminating and managing harmful bacteria in the mouth.

If you are prone to developing gum disease, you may require more frequent visits to our dentist’s office.

How can I manage gum disease while pregnant?

You will need to work with your dentist during your pregnancy. This allows our team to personalize management tips to help you maintain better oral health. We will schedule deep cleanings or additional checkups as needed to minimize your risk of developing gum disease.

You will also need to practice good oral hygiene at home, including brushing twice daily, flossing at least once per day, and rinsing with an alcohol-free mouthwash.

If your symptoms worsen during pregnancy, contact our office so that our dentist can prescribe a special mouthwash or antibiotics to ensure optimal protection.

Is mouthwash good for gum disease?

Mouthwash can help control the bacteria and inflammation that cause gum disease in Walnut Creek. It should not, however, be used as a replacement for regular brushing and flossing. If the mouthwash contains alcohol, it can dry out your mouth and worsen gum disease. It is always best to talk to your dentist about incorporating mouthwash into your gum disease-prevention routine.