Periodontal (Gum) Disease Therapy in Ripon, CA

Gentle Care for Your Gums: Periodontal Disease Therapy in Ripon, CA

Healthy gums are the foundation of a beautiful smile. However, many people don't realize that their gums might be in trouble until they experience pain or notice a loose tooth. At Ripon Dental, Dr. Kirandeep Kaur and our team focus on more than just teeth; we prioritize your gum health because it is directly linked to your overall well-being.

If you are dealing with bleeding, swelling, or persistent bad breath, you may be experiencing periodontal gum disease. The good news is that with modern periodontal therapy in Ripon, CA, we can stop the infection in its tracks and help you keep your natural teeth for a lifetime.

What Exactly is Periodontal Disease?

Often called gum disease, periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues and bone that support your teeth. It usually starts with plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, that hardens into tartar. Once tartar forms, it can only be removed by a dental professional.

If left alone, these bacteria move deeper below the gumline, causing the gums to pull away from the teeth and creating "pockets." This is known as active periodontal disease. Without treatment, the infection eventually eats away at the bone, which is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

Recognizing the Signs of Periodontal Disease

One of the trickiest parts of gum disease is that it is often "silent" in its early stages. You might not feel any pain at all.

Dr. Kaur recommends watching for these common signs of periodontal disease in humans:

• Bleeding Gums: Do your gums bleed when you brush or floss? Healthy gums should never bleed during routine cleaning.
• Persistent Bad Breath: A constant bad taste or breath that won't go away is often a sign of hidden bacteria.
• Receding Gums: If your teeth look "longer" than they used to, your gums may be pulling away.
• Swollen or Red Gums: Healthy gums are firm and pale pink. If yours are puffy, dusky red, or tender, it is a red flag.
• Loose Teeth: In cases of advanced gum disease, the bone loss can cause teeth to shift or feel "wiggly."
• Changes in Your Bite: If your teeth don't seem to fit together the way they used to, the underlying support may be changing.

How We Help: Periodontal Disease Diagnosis

The first step to a healthier mouth is an accurate periodontal disease diagnosis. During your visit to Ripon Dental, Dr. Kaur uses a specialized tool called a periodontal probe to gently measure the space between your teeth and gums.

• Healthy Pockets: Usually measure 1 to 3 millimeters.
• Signs of Trouble: Pockets 4 millimeters or deeper often indicate an infection that needs professional attention.

We may also take digital X-rays to see if the infection has affected the bone level around your tooth roots. This thorough approach ensures we create a treatment plan that is exactly right for your specific needs.

Modern Periodontal Disease Treatments

We believe in using the most effective, least invasive periodontal disease treatments possible. Most patients can be successfully treated with non-surgical options right here in our Ripon office.

Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)

This is the "gold standard" for treating active periodontal disease. We carefully remove the tartar and bacteria from deep below the gumline (scaling) and then smooth out the tooth roots (planing). This makes it harder for bacteria to stick to the roots in the future and helps your gums reattach to the teeth.

Antibiotic Therapy

Sometimes, we use localized antibiotics placed directly into the gum pockets to help kill any remaining bacteria and promote faster healing.

Periodontal Maintenance

Once your initial treatment is complete, we will set up a customized cleaning schedule. Because gum disease can be persistent, these specialized cleanings help ensure the infection doesn't return.

Advanced Care

For cases of advanced gum disease where bone loss is significant, we may discuss surgical options or refer you to a specialist to ensure you get the high-level care needed to save your teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontal Disease

1. Is periodontal disease reversible?

In its earliest stage (called gingivitis), yes! With professional cleaning and better home care, your gums can return to 100% health. However, once it progresses to periodontitis, it is no longer "reversible" because bone loss has occurred. At that point, our goal is to manage the disease and stop it from getting worse.

2. Does periodontal therapy hurt?

Your comfort is our top priority. For deep cleanings, we use local numbing so you won't feel any discomfort during the procedure. Most patients report feeling much better once the "pressure" of the infection is removed.

3. How often do I need periodontal maintenance?

Most patients who have been treated for gum disease do best with a visit every 3 to 4 months. This allows us to monitor the pockets and remove bacteria before they can cause new damage.

4. Can gum disease affect my heart?

Yes. Research shows a strong link between periodontal gum disease and systemic health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and even Alzheimer's. By treating your gums, you are taking a major step in protecting your whole body.

Why Choose Dr. Kirandeep Kaur at Ripon Dental?

Dealing with gum issues can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to face it alone. Dr. Kirandeep Kaur is known for her compassionate, non-judgmental approach to dental care. We aren't here to lecture you on the past; we are here to help you build a healthier future.

Our team takes the time to explain every step of your periodontal therapy in Ripon, CA, ensuring you feel confident and informed about your oral health.

Restore Your Foundation Today. Don't wait for a small problem to become a lost tooth. Contact Ripon Dental today to schedule your gum health evaluation.

Call Us: (209) 924-4089