More than half of adults over the age of thirty have some degree of periodontal disease, ranging from mild gingivitis to more advanced infection affecting the gum tissue and underlying bone. Left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss and has been linked to serious systemic health conditions including stroke, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes.

At Ora Dentistry, periodontal health is treated as an integral part of our general dental care services. We offer thorough evaluation and effective periodontal therapy to help patients in Elk Grove protect both their oral health and their overall wellbeing.

Understanding Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is an infection of the gum tissue driven by bacteria present in plaque and tartar. When bacteria accumulate along and beneath the gumline, they trigger an inflammatory response that causes the gums to become red, swollen, and prone to bleeding. Over time the gum tissue begins to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that harbor further bacterial growth. As the infection progresses, it can destroy the connective tissue and bone that support the teeth, eventually leading to tooth mobility and loss.

Early intervention is critical. The earlier periodontal disease is identified and treated, the more tissue and bone can be preserved.

Periodontal Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the stage and severity of the disease. In mild cases involving gingivitis, a thorough professional cleaning combined with improved home care is often sufficient to reverse the condition. For more advanced disease, targeted periodontal therapy is required to eliminate the infection and allow the tissue to heal.

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing is the most commonly recommended non-surgical treatment for moderate to advanced periodontal disease. The procedure involves two steps. Scaling removes the calculus and tartar that have accumulated on tooth roots below the gumline, eliminating the primary source of bacterial infection. Root planing smooths the root surfaces, making it more difficult for bacteria to reattach and allowing the gum tissue to reattach to the tooth more effectively.

The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia and may be completed in one or more appointments depending on the extent of the disease. Most patients experience significant improvement in gum health following scaling and root planing when combined with consistent home care and regular maintenance visits.

Ongoing Periodontal Maintenance

Periodontal disease is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management. After active treatment, patients are typically placed on a periodontal maintenance schedule with more frequent professional cleanings to monitor gum health, remove new buildup, and prevent recurrence. Consistency with both professional maintenance and home care is essential to long-term success.

Contact Ora Dentistry today to schedule a periodontal evaluation at our Elk Grove office. Early treatment is the most effective way to protect your gums, your teeth, and your overall health.

Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontal Therapy

What is the difference between a regular cleaning and scaling and root planing?
A routine professional cleaning removes plaque and tartar from above and just below the gumline in patients with healthy or mildly affected gums. Scaling and root planing is a more involved procedure that goes deeper below the gumline to remove buildup from the tooth roots and smooth the root surfaces. It is recommended when gum disease has progressed beyond what a standard cleaning can address.

Is scaling and root planing painful?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia so patients experience little to no discomfort during treatment. Some tenderness and sensitivity in the treated areas is normal for several days following the appointment and typically resolves on its own. Our team will provide clear aftercare instructions to support your recovery.

How many appointments does periodontal therapy require?
This depends on the extent of the disease. Some patients can be treated in a single appointment while others require the mouth to be treated in quadrants over multiple visits. Your treatment plan will be discussed in detail before therapy begins.

Will my gums grow back after treatment?
Periodontal treatment can stop the progression of gum recession and allow inflamed tissue to heal and tighten around the teeth, but it does not regenerate gum tissue that has already been lost. In cases of significant recession, additional procedures such as soft tissue grafting may be discussed to restore gum coverage.

How do I know if I need periodontal therapy?
Signs that may indicate the need for periodontal evaluation include bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, gums that appear to be pulling away from the teeth, tooth sensitivity along the gumline, or teeth that feel loose. A thorough exam including periodontal probing measurements will determine whether therapy is needed.

Can periodontal disease come back after treatment?
Yes. Periodontal disease is a chronic condition and can recur if maintenance is not maintained. Regular professional cleanings on the schedule recommended by your hygienist and dentist, combined with thorough daily home care, are essential to preventing recurrence and protecting long-term gum health.