Periodontal Treatments in Los Alamitos, CA

Periodontitis is a disease that effects the gums and their surrounding tissues and bones. Periodontitis is an advanced form of gingivitis that is caused when plaque and bacteria get stuck in between the teeth and gums and turn into tartar. Eventually pockets of bacteria are created that cause severe swelling, bleeding, pain, and tooth loss if left untreated. Gum disease is the number one cause for adult tooth loss. However, Beachwood Dental offers several different options to treat periodontitis and rehabilitate the gums. We offer both nonsurgical and surgical options to our Los Alamitos, CA patients such as scaling, which involves scraping the tartar below the gumline. This is followed by planing, which evens out rough patches that may lead to further irritation. If the infection is deeply set in, as is common with advanced stages of periodontitis, then surgical procedures, such as gum and bone grafting, may need to be performed to add strength to the bone lost by the infection. If patients are experiencing red, swollen, or tender gums, gums that bleed very easily, gums that are painful to the touch, or teeth that have become loose or shifting, then they may be suffering from a serious gum disease. We invite you to schedule a consult with our Beachwood dentists to help restore your gums and teeth. 

Periodontal disease can range from mild to severe and our dentist will choose an appropriate treatment based on the patient's condition. Besides a SRP treatment, our dentist may include a round of antibiotic treatment to reduce inflammation if the case is more advanced. For the third stage of periodontal disease, our dentist will usually choose a surgical procedure such as bone or gum grafting in order to strengthen the lost the bone and gum tissue that has been lost due to the infection.

Nonsurgical options may involve some local anesthesia to minimize discomfort and are typically performed in one setting with minimal downtime. Bone grafting is more extensive procedure and will require anesthesia to ensure the patient is not in pain during the process. Depending on the severity of the condition, it may take a few weeks to recover and more than one session to fully restore the gumline. 

After the gums are restored to health after a periodontal treatment, it is important to maintain a good oral care routine to prevent recurrences of periodontal disease. Patients should talk to our dentist about a home routine, including proper brushing, flossing, and anything else the dentist recommends. Patients should also come into the office at least twice a year for a professional cleaning and at least once a year for a dental exam. If patients have undergone surgical treatment options, then follow-up appointments will be scheduled. Diet restrictions may also apply and patients should avoid pressure and stress on the affected areas. 

Periodontal disease can lead to serious health problems, so if you have symptoms (i.e. bleeding, red, or inflamed gums) please contact our Los Alamitos, CA office today to schedule a consultation. We will use our experience and knowledge to diagnose and treat your oral health condition.