Treatment for Periodontal (Gum) Disease in San Jose, California
Treatment for
Gum Disease
By scheduling regular checkups, early-stage gum disease can be treated before it leads to a much more serious condition. If your condition is more advanced, treatment in our dental office will be required. Call today to schedule your consultation.
There are three stages of gum disease:
Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, is an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup at the gum line. Plaque can produce toxins that can irritate the gum tissue, causing gingivitis. At this early stage in gum disease, damage can be reversed since the bone and connective tissue are not yet affected.
At this stage, the supporting bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place are irreversibly damaged. Your gums may begin to form a pocket below the gum line, which traps food and plaque. Proper dental treatment and improved home care can usually help prevent further damage.
During advanced periodontitis, the final stage of gum disease, the fibers and bone supporting your teeth are destroyed. Once the fibers are destroyed, your teeth can shift or loosen. This can affect your bite and, if aggressive treatment can’t save them, the teeth may need to be removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Brushing and Flossing Video demonstrates the correct way to Brush and Floss
What is gum disease?
Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums that can progress to affect the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth. It is caused by the bacteria in plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. Everyone If not removed through daily flossing and brushing, plaque can build up and the bacteria infect not only your gums and teeth but eventually the gum tissue and bone that support the teeth. This can cause teeth to become loose, fall out or have to be removed.
How do I know if I have gum disease?
Gum disease can occur at any age, but it is most common among adults. If detected in its early stages, gum disease can be reversed so see your dentist in San Jose if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Gums that are red, puffy or swollen, or tender
- Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing
- Teeth that look longer because your gums have receded
- Gums that have separated, or pulled away, from your teeth, creating a pocket
- Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- Pus coming from between your teeth and gums
- Constant bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
How is gum disease treated?
The early stages of gum disease can often be reversed with proper brushing and flossing. Good oral health will help keep plaque from building up.
A professional cleaning performed by a Comfort Dental hygienist is the only way to remove plaque that has built up and hardened into tartar. Your dentist or hygienist will clean or “scale” your teeth to remove the tartar above and below the gum line. If your condition is more severe, a root planing procedure may be performed. Root planing helps to smooth irregularities on the roots of the teeth making it more difficult for plaque to deposit there.
By scheduling regular checkups at Comfort Dental Group in San Jose, early stage gum disease can be treated before it leads to a much more serious condition. If your condition is more advanced, treatment in our dental office will be required. We are located in San Jose, but also serve Los Gatos, Santa Clara and Campbell.