What is periodontal treatment?

Periodontal treatment is targeted dental care for gum disease, also known as periodontitis. Gum disease starts quietly, often without much pain, but if left untreated it can cause receding gums, deep pockets between the gums and teeth, bone loss, and eventually tooth loss. Periodontal treatment stops the progression of gum disease and helps restore your gums to a healthy state.

At our Santa Clara dental clinic, we offer comprehensive periodontal care, including non-surgical therapy and advanced laser-assisted treatment. The right approach depends on how far gum disease has progressed and what your specific situation calls for.

Signs you may need periodontal treatment

Gum disease has a habit of advancing slowly, which means many patients don't realize they have it until it's reached a more serious stage. Common signs include:

• Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Receding gums or teeth that look longer than usual
• Persistent bad breath that doesn't improve with brushing
• Pus or discharge between teeth and gums
• Loose teeth or shifting in your bite
• Pain when chewing
• Deep gum pockets identified at your dental exam

If any of these sound familiar, it's worth having a periodontal evaluation. The earlier we address gum disease, the easier it is to treat.

Laser periodontal therapy: a less invasive option

For patients with moderate to advanced gum disease, traditional treatment used to mean gum surgery: scalpels, sutures, and a longer recovery. Today, we offer laser periodontal therapy as a less invasive alternative. Laser treatment uses focused light energy to gently target and remove diseased tissue and harmful bacteria from the gum pockets, while leaving healthy tissue undisturbed.

The result is treatment that's:

• Less invasive. No scalpels, no sutures, no surgical incisions.
• More comfortable. Most patients experience less pain during and after treatment.
• Faster healing. Recovery is typically much shorter than traditional gum surgery.
• Precise. The laser targets only the diseased tissue, preserving healthy structure.
• Less bleeding. The laser seals tissue as it works, leading to a cleaner, calmer experience.

Laser periodontal therapy isn't right for every case, but for many patients it's a real alternative to traditional gum surgery. Our team will let you know honestly whether it fits your situation during your evaluation.

Our approach to periodontal care

Periodontal treatment isn't a single procedure. It's a comprehensive plan tailored to where you are with gum disease. Depending on your situation, your treatment may include:

• A thorough deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) to clear bacteria from below the gumline
• Laser periodontal therapy for moderate to advanced cases
• Antibiotic adjuncts to help control bacterial infection
• Ongoing periodontal maintenance cleanings to keep gum disease from coming back
• Coordination with a specialist if more advanced surgical treatment is needed

We focus on the least invasive treatment that can effectively address your situation, and we'll always explain the options clearly so you can make a confident decision.

A pain-free, comfortable experience

We know periodontal care can feel intimidating, especially if you've been told your gum disease is advanced. The procedure itself is pain-free thanks to local anesthesia, which fully numbs the treatment area before we begin. For patients who feel anxious or want extra peace of mind, we also offer oral conscious sedation to help you feel calm and relaxed throughout the visit. Our team works at your pace, checks in on your comfort, and walks you through every step.

The benefits of periodontal treatment

1. Stops gum disease. Active periodontal treatment halts the progression of disease and prevents further damage.
2. Saves your teeth. Untreated gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Treatment protects your natural teeth.
3. Restores healthy gums. Gum pockets reduce, bleeding stops, and your gums return to a healthier state.
4. Less invasive options. Modern laser therapy means many patients can avoid traditional gum surgery entirely.
5. Protects overall health. Gum disease has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions. Treating it supports your whole-body health.
6. Restores your confidence. Healthy gums look better, feel better, and let you smile without self-consciousness.

What to expect during your periodontal visit

• A comprehensive periodontal exam to measure gum pocket depth and assess disease severity
• Digital x-rays to evaluate bone health and identify any underlying issues
• A clear discussion of your treatment options, including non-surgical and laser-assisted approaches
• A treatment plan tailored to where you are with gum disease and your overall health
• Local anesthesia to keep the procedure pain-free
• Discussion of insurance benefits and what's covered
• Payment plan recommendations, including our Perfect Smile Dental Savings Plan if you don't have insurance

After your active treatment is complete, our team will set you up with a periodontal maintenance plan, typically a more frequent cleaning schedule than standard six-month dental cleanings, to keep gum disease from returning.

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