Periodontal Care
San Francisco, CA
At Seven Hills Dental Group, we are dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and management of periodontal disease to prevent its impacts on your oral health. We provide comprehensive services to keep your gums as healthy as possible and help you achieve and maintain a bright, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.
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Treatments
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal or gum disease is a serious progressive condition affecting the gums, bone, and tissue supporting your teeth. It usually results from plaque buildup along and under the gum line, which can cause irritation and inflammation. Risk factors for periodontal disease include poor oral hygiene, misaligned teeth, a family history of periodontal disease, smoking, diabetes, the natural aging process, and hormonal changes, including those that occur during pregnancy.
Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. At this stage, there is no permanent damage to your gums and structures supporting your teeth. If not treated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. The gums slowly start pulling away from the teeth, forming spaces that trap plaque, bacteria, and food debris. As the condition continues to advance, symptoms may include persistent bad breath, painful teeth, and receding gums. Periodontal disease can destroy the tissues and bone supporting your teeth, leading to loose teeth and tooth loss.
What Are the Health Impacts of Periodontal Disease?
Aside from your oral health, periodontal disease can impact your overall health and well-being. The harmful bacteria can enter your bloodstream, affecting major organs and elevating the risk of serious health concerns. Studies show a strong link between periodontal disease and heart disease, stroke, respiratory infections, diabetes, and pregnancy complications.
How Is Periodontal Disease Treated?
Here’s a look at some of our periodontal disease treatment options:
Deep Dental Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing): Treating gum disease typically starts with a non-surgical deep dental cleaning. We will gently remove plaque and tartar buildup from above and below your gum line and clean and smooth your tooth root surfaces to promote healing and gum tissue reattachment. Deep dental cleanings have been shown to reverse gingivitis and manage periodontitis, preventing its progression.
Laser-Assisted Periodontal Therapy: At Seven Hills Dental Group, we also offer laser-assisted periodontal therapy to enhance your treatment outcomes. Our soft tissue laser helps eliminate harmful bacteria between your gums and teeth and decontaminates your periodontal pockets. Laser therapy helps reduce gum inflammation, bleeding, and recession and lowers the risk of tooth loss.
Crown Lengthening: We may recommend crown lengthening when there’s significant gum recession, which can expose the tooth roots and leave them more susceptible to decay. The procedure involves carefully reshaping the gum tissue and bone, exposing more of the natural tooth crown. That helps create a foundation for a dental restoration, enhancing the aesthetics and function of your smile.
Periodontal Care Near Me in San Francisco, CA
After periodontal disease treatment, we typically recommend professional cleanings every 3-4 months to keep your gums as healthy as possible. During your periodontal maintenance visits, we measure your periodontal pockets, evaluate your gum tissue health, and intervene, if necessary, to restore your healthy smile.
To learn more about the prevention, treatment, and management of periodontal disease, contact our San Francisco practice at 415-221-4441 to schedule a consultation or request an appointment online today!
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
Looking for a practice offering a new level of dental care? At Seven Hills Dental Group, we are dedicated to restoring healthy, beautiful smiles that last a lifetime. We invite you to contact us to request your appointment today!