Periodontal Disease Treatment
Periodontal disease in Cupertino CA and San Francisco CA is a progressive condition that affects the gums, bone, and connective tissues that support your teeth. What may start as mild inflammation can quickly advance into a serious infection capable of damaging the foundation of your smile. As periodontists at Lee Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and Periodontics, we specialize in diagnosing and treating periodontal disease at every stage, restoring health to the tissues that hold your teeth in place and helping prevent long-term complications. Our goal is not just to treat the symptoms but to address the underlying infection and rebuild stability where it has been lost.
Periodontal disease is more than a localized gum problem—it’s an inflammatory condition that can affect your overall health. Studies continue to show strong links between periodontal infection and systemic issues such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and respiratory illnesses. Treating it promptly improves not only your oral health but your whole-body wellness. This underscores the importance of early diagnosis and effective, personalized treatment.
Understanding Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease develops when bacteria accumulate below the gumline and trigger an inflammatory response. Over time, this inflammation can damage the fibers and bone that anchor teeth, leading to gum recession, tooth mobility, and eventual tooth loss if left untreated.
Common signs include:
- Persistent bad breath
- Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Gum recession or exposed roots
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Pain while chewing
- Deepening periodontal pockets
Because periodontal disease often progresses quietly, routine exams are essential for catching it before the damage becomes severe.
Our Approach to Periodontal Disease Treatment
Periodontal treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Each patient has different risk factors, levels of bone loss, and patterns of inflammation. As periodontists, we customize every treatment plan based on a detailed evaluation, including digital imaging, periodontal charting, and an assessment of your medical and dental history.
Our goals are to:
- Remove bacterial infection
- Reduce periodontal pocket depths
- Restore gum and bone health
- Preserve natural teeth
- Prevent future disease progression
Whether your condition is mild, moderate, or severe, we provide targeted therapies designed to address the cause—not just the symptoms.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Many cases of early to moderate periodontal disease can be treated successfully without surgery. These conservative therapies focus on removing the source of infection and allowing the gums to heal naturally.
Non-surgical treatments include:
- Scaling and Root Planing
A deep cleaning that removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the root surfaces. Smoothing the roots helps the gums reattach and reduces pocket depths. - Antibacterial Therapy
Localized antibiotics, rinses, and gels may be used to eliminate bacteria in areas difficult to reach with instruments alone. - Laser Therapy
Advanced lasers can remove diseased tissue, sterilize periodontal pockets, and reduce inflammation with minimal discomfort.
These treatments often serve as the foundation for controlling periodontal disease before more advanced methods are considered.
Surgical Treatment for Advanced Periodontal Disease
When periodontal disease has progressed to a point where non-surgical therapy cannot resolve the infection, surgical treatment may be necessary. These procedures allow us to reach deeper areas, reshape damaged bone, and encourage tissue regeneration.
Surgical options include:
- Pocket Reduction Surgery
Reduces the depth of periodontal pockets, making it easier to keep the area clean and preventing bacteria from returning. - Regenerative Procedures
Includes bone grafting and guided tissue regeneration to rebuild lost bone and restore support around the teeth. - Gum Repositioning or Grafting
Used when gum recession has left roots exposed or weakened the gumline, improving both health and appearance.
Surgical treatments are performed with precision and modern techniques to ensure comfort and effective healing.
Regeneration: Restoring What Disease Has Damaged
One of the most important parts of periodontal treatment is restoring lost support when possible. Regenerative procedures help rebuild the bone and connective tissues damaged by periodontal disease.
Regeneration may involve:
- Bone grafts
- Biological membranes
- Growth factors
- Tissue-stimulating proteins
These advanced techniques give the body the blueprint it needs to repair itself, improving long-term tooth stability.
Ongoing Periodontal Maintenance
Periodontal disease is a chronic condition, which means ongoing care is essential even after treatment. Without consistent maintenance, harmful bacteria can repopulate quickly, leading to reinfection.
Maintenance visits typically include:
- Periodontal cleanings every 3–4 months
- Monitoring pocket depths and bone levels
- Review of home care techniques
- Evaluation of contributing risk factors
This continued care is one of the most important steps in protecting your investment in treatment and preserving your smile.
Your Role in Successful Treatment
Professional care is crucial, but long-term success also depends on your daily habits. Good oral hygiene helps control bacterial levels and supports the healing process.
At-home care recommendations include:
- Brushing twice per day
- Flossing or using interdental brushes
- Using antimicrobial rinses if prescribed
- Avoiding tobacco products
- Managing conditions like diabetes that affect gum health
Together, professional treatment and strong home care habits work hand-in-hand to control the disease.
Why Choose a Periodontist for Periodontal Disease Treatment?
Periodontists complete years of advanced training focused specifically on diagnosing and treating diseases of the gums and supporting structures. This specialized expertise allows us to treat even the most complex cases of periodontal disease with accuracy and precision.
We provide:
- Advanced diagnostic techniques
- Specialized surgical and regenerative treatments
- Personalized care for complex or recurring disease
- A deep understanding of systemic health connections
When it comes to preserving the foundation of your smile, specialized care makes all the difference.
A Strong Foundation for a Healthier Future
Periodontal disease may be common, but it’s also manageable—and in many cases, preventable. With the right treatment plan, ongoing maintenance, and a dedicated partnership between patient and Lee Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and Periodontics, we can stop the progression of the disease and restore a healthier, more stable smile.
If you’ve noticed signs of gum disease or have been referred for periodontal evaluation in Cupertino CA and San Francisco CA , now is the perfect time to take control of your gum health. We’re here to guide you, support you, and help you protect the foundation of your smile for years to come.
Cupertino
10055 Miller Ave # 105
Cupertino, CA 95014
San Francisco
348 Taraval St
San Francisco, CA 94116