Gum disease treatment
Gum disease is the most common reason adults lose teeth, and it is painless until it is advanced. Bleeding when you brush is the early warning most people ignore. Caught early it is entirely reversible.
What to watch for
Any of these is worth an appointment.
- Bleeding when you brush or floss
- Gums that look red and puffy rather than firm and pink
- Breath that does not improve however much you brush
- Teeth that feel loose, or gaps opening between them
- Gums receding, so teeth look longer than they used to
Gum disease has been linked to heart disease and to poorly controlled diabetes, so this is not only about teeth.
How it is treated
Measured first, treated second, then kept under control.
Measure every pocket
Six points around each tooth. Healthy is one to three millimetres; deeper than that is disease, and the chart is what proves it.
Deep cleaning
Scaling and root planing below the gumline, done numb, usually over two visits.
Re-measure
Six to eight weeks later, to see which pockets closed. This step is what tells us it worked.
Maintenance
Cleans every three or four months, because the pockets refill faster than a healthy mouth.
What it costs
Scaling and root planing is quoted per quadrant, so a mouth needing all four costs more than one needing two. Most PPO plans cover gum treatment, often better than they cover cosmetic work. You get the figure in writing before anything is booked, and we check your insurance first so you know your share, not just the list price.
Common questions
Is bleeding when I brush normal?
No. Healthy gums do not bleed, any more than healthy skin does. Bleeding is the earliest sign of gum disease and the easiest stage to reverse.
Can gum disease be cured?
The early stage, gingivitis, reverses completely with treatment and better home care. Once bone has been lost, that bone does not come back, but the disease can be stopped and the teeth kept.
What is the difference between a cleaning and scaling and root planing?
A clean works above the gumline. Scaling and root planing goes below it, into the pockets, and is done numb. It is treatment for a diagnosed condition, not a bigger version of a clean.
Will I lose my teeth?
Not if it is treated. Gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss, but that is because it is usually ignored for years, not because it cannot be controlled.
How do I book?
Call (530) 671-2170 or request a time on our booking page. We are at 909 Plumas Street, Yuba City, CA 95991, Monday to Thursday 8 AM to 5 PM and Friday 8 AM to 2 PM.
