What is gum disease?

When plaque, tartar, and bacteria build up and get lodged around our teeth, the soft tissue can become irritated and inflamed, often resulting in gingivitis, the mildest form of gum disease.

While gingivitis is easily treatable in a few appointments, it can progress into more extreme forms of gum disease that can cause extensive damage and tooth loss when left untreated. That’s why it’s imperative that gum disease be addressed as soon as possible.

The best way to diagnose gum disease is to see a professional. If you think you may have a form of gum disease, contact our dentist office today to schedule a checkup. Gum disease can be devastating. Fortunately, with periodontics in San Francisco at Pacific Heights Dental Studio, you can do something about it.

How is gum disease treated with periodontics in San Francisco?

When gingivitis progresses into periodontitis, a deep cleaning is required, which consists of scaling and root planing.

With scaling, the deepened pockets of your gums are cleaned above and below the gumline. After this is done, root planing is then performed. This smooths out rough spots and damage to the roots to both further clean and encourage healing. Numbing is done for these procedures, allowing for extensive cleaning with minimal pain. Scaling and root planing are important for helping to keep the condition under control and to prevent any further damage to the gums, bones, and teeth.