Gum Disease Treatment

Gum disease in Cupertino CA and San Francisco CA is far more common than most people realize—and often far more damaging when left untreated. What may begin as occasional bleeding or mild irritation can quickly progress into a serious infection affecting the gums, bone, and overall stability of your teeth. As periodontists, our focus is on diagnosing gum disease early, treating it effectively, and preventing the long-term complications that come with chronic inflammation. Whether your symptoms are mild or advanced, we provide personalized care at Lee Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and Periodontics designed to restore your oral health and protect your smile for years to come.

Gum disease doesn’t just affect your mouth. Growing research shows strong connections between periodontal inflammation and conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even certain autoimmune disorders. Treating gum disease isn’t just about preserving your teeth—it’s about supporting your total health. When we reduce infection and inflammation in the gums, we help reduce the overall burden on your body as well.

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Understanding Gum Disease

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, develops when bacteria accumulate beneath the gumline and begin to break down the tissues that support your teeth. The earliest stage, gingivitis, causes redness and bleeding but is still reversible. Once it progresses to periodontitis, deeper infection, bone loss, and gum recession can follow.

Common warning signs include:

• Bleeding during brushing or flossing
• Persistent bad breath
• Swollen or tender gums
• Gum recession
• Loose or shifting teeth
• Sensitivity around the gumline
• Discomfort when chewing

Because gum disease often develops silently, many patients don’t realize they have it until the infection is advanced. Early treatment is key to stopping damage before it becomes irreversible.

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A Customized Approach to Gum Disease Treatment

Every case of gum disease is unique. That’s why we begin with a comprehensive periodontal evaluation, including digital imaging, pocket depth measurements, and a detailed assessment of your gum and bone health. From there, we create a treatment plan tailored specifically to your needs.

Our approach focuses on:

• Eliminating infection
• Reducing inflammation
• Restoring gum health
• Preserving natural teeth
• Preventing future disease

Gum disease cannot be reversed once it becomes advanced, but it can be controlled—and with the right care, you can maintain a healthy, stable smile long-term.

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Non-Surgical Gum Disease Treatments

In many cases, gum disease can be treated effectively without surgery. These procedures target infection and help the gums begin healing naturally.

Non-surgical options include:

• Scaling and Root Planing
  A deep cleaning that removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria from below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces to encourage healthy reattachment.
• Antimicrobial Therapy
  Medicated rinses, gels, or localized antibiotics may be used to target stubborn areas of infection.
• Laser Periodontal Therapy
  Lasers can gently remove diseased tissue, sterilize pockets, and promote healing with minimal discomfort.

These treatments are often the first step in restoring gum health and preventing disease progression.

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Surgical Treatments for Moderate to Severe Gum Disease

When gum disease has advanced, more involved procedures may be needed to repair the damage and restore stability. Surgical treatments allow us to access deeper areas, reshape or regenerate lost structures, and create an environment where healthy gums can thrive.

Surgical options may include:

• Pocket Reduction Surgery
  Removes infected tissue and reduces deep pockets where bacteria accumulate.
• Bone Regeneration
  Encourages the regrowth of bone that has been lost due to periodontal infection.
• Gum Grafting
  Adds or restores gum tissue to protect exposed roots and strengthen the gumline.

These procedures are designed to help preserve natural teeth and prevent further deterioration.

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How We Support Long-Term Gum Health

Treating gum disease isn’t a one-time procedure—it’s an ongoing partnership. Because periodontal disease can return if not monitored closely, maintenance care becomes essential.

Our long-term support includes:

• Periodontal maintenance cleanings every 3–4 months
• Monitoring bone levels and pocket depths
• At-home hygiene guidance
• Evaluation of risk factors such as smoking or diabetes
• Continued education on maintaining healthy gums

Our job is to help you keep your gums healthy not only during treatment but long after.

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The Role of Home Care in Managing Gum Disease

Even with professional treatment, your daily habits play a major role in managing gum disease. Effective brushing, flossing, and routine care help prevent bacteria from accumulating beneath the gums.

We often recommend:

• Brushing twice a day using proper technique
• Flossing or using interdental brushes
• Rinsing with antimicrobial products
• Avoiding tobacco products
• Managing contributing health conditions

Good home care combined with professional treatment offers the best chance of stopping gum disease in its tracks.

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Why Periodontists Are the Experts in Gum Disease Treatment

While general dentists diagnose and treat early gum disease, periodontists are the specialists trained to manage more complex or advanced cases. We complete several years of additional education focused solely on the gums, bone, and supporting structures of the teeth.

Our expertise includes:

• Understanding the full progression of periodontal disease
• Treating advanced infections
• Performing regenerative procedures
• Managing cases with significant bone loss
• Using cutting-edge technology for better outcomes

When gum health becomes a concern, having a specialist on your side makes all the difference.

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A Healthier Smile Starts with Healthier Gums

Gum disease in Cupertino CA and San Francisco CA may be common, but it’s also highly treatable—especially when caught early. With the right combination of professional care, home hygiene, and ongoing maintenance, we can stop the disease from progressing and protect your smile for the long term. Our goal is to restore health, reduce inflammation, and give you the confidence that comes from having strong, stable gums.

If you’re noticing signs of gum disease or haven’t had a periodontal evaluation recently, now is the perfect time to take control of your gum health. We’re here to help you every step of the way.