General & Preventive
Gum Disease Treatment
From early gingivitis to advanced periodontitis, we diagnose and treat gum disease to protect your teeth and gums for the long term.
Gum disease is one of the most common, and most preventable, dental conditions we see in adults. Left untreated, it can progress from mild irritation to a serious infection that damages the gum tissue and bone supporting your teeth, eventually leading to tooth loss. At GN Dental, we screen for gum disease at every checkup so we can catch it early.
Early gum disease, known as gingivitis, often causes red, swollen, or bleeding gums, but it is usually reversible with a professional deep cleaning and improved home care. If gum disease progresses to periodontitis, it becomes a more chronic condition that requires ongoing management, including scaling and root planing to remove bacteria and buildup below the gum line.
Because gum disease has also been linked to broader health concerns like heart disease and diabetes, treating it is about more than just protecting your smile. Our team will walk you through your specific diagnosis, explain what stage of gum disease you are dealing with, and build a treatment plan, along with a maintenance schedule, to bring your gums back to health and keep them there.
We also place a strong emphasis on patient education, teaching proper brushing and flossing technique so the improvements you make in the chair carry over into your daily routine.
Diagnosis
We screen for gingivitis and periodontitis at every exam. Red, swollen, or bleeding gums may indicate disease. Dental X-rays help us see any bone loss around teeth.
Deep Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing)
For early gum disease, we remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line and smooth tooth roots. This deep cleaning helps gums reattach to teeth and heal.
Gum Maintenance
After initial treatment, ongoing cleanings (periodontal maintenance) are essential. These visits include careful debridement below the gums to prevent disease recurrence.
Advanced Care
In cases of advanced periodontitis, we may use adjunctive therapies such as localized antibiotics or refer to a periodontist for specialized care. We also recommend improved home care and may suggest antimicrobial mouth rinses.
Gum disease is very common in adults, but it's largely preventable. We emphasize patient education on proper brushing and flossing. Our goal is to stop gum disease early, preventing tooth loss and other health complications. If you already have symptoms of gum disease, GN Dental has the solutions you need to halt progression and restore gum health.
Catching Gum Disease Before It Progresses
Gum disease often develops without pain, which is why regular screening matters so much. We measure gum pocket depth at every checkup and watch for bleeding, redness, or recession that can signal early gingivitis.
The earlier we catch it, the more treatment options you have, and the more likely we can reverse the damage with non-surgical care like deep cleaning.
What to Expect
- Screening
We measure gum pocket depth and check for bleeding, redness, or recession at every exam.
- Diagnosis
X-rays and a clinical exam determine whether you have gingivitis or more advanced periodontitis.
- Deep Cleaning
Scaling and root planing remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line.
- Maintenance
Ongoing periodontal maintenance visits keep gum disease from returning.
Signs of Gum Disease
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding when you brush or floss
- Persistent bad breath
- Gums that appear to be pulling away from your teeth
- Loose or shifting teeth
Cost and Insurance
Gum disease screening and treatment, including scaling and root planing, are typically covered at least in part by dental insurance and Medi-Cal. We verify your benefits and explain any out-of-pocket cost before starting treatment.
Why Patients Choose GN Dental
- Gum disease screening at every routine checkup
- Non-surgical treatment options whenever possible
- Clear explanations of your specific stage of gum disease
- A maintenance plan built around keeping your gums healthy long term
Gum Disease Questions
Related Services
GN Dental / Yuba City