Gum disease is one of the most common oral health conditions — and one of the most frequently underestimated. For Lakewood patients who have received a gum disease diagnosis, or who suspect something isn’t right with their gum health, the most important thing to understand is this: it is treatable, outcomes are significantly better when care begins early, and the approach is matched to the stage of the disease.
Recognizing What Stage You’re In
Gum disease exists on a continuum. Gingivitis is the earliest stage, characterized by inflammation of the gum tissue caused by plaque buildup along the gumline. Gums may appear red or swollen and tend to bleed when brushed or flossed. Critically, at this stage the supporting structures of the teeth — the bone and connective tissue — have not yet been damaged. Gingivitis is fully reversible with the right treatment.
When gingivitis is not addressed, it can progress to periodontitis. At this stage, the infection has moved below the gumline and is actively affecting the bone and tissue that hold the teeth in place. The gums may pull away from the teeth, forming pockets where bacteria continue to accumulate. Symptoms can include persistent bad breath, visible gum recession, loose teeth, and changes in how teeth fit together when biting.
Periodontitis is not reversible in the same way gingivitis is, but it is manageable — and with consistent treatment and maintenance, patients can preserve their teeth and prevent further deterioration.
Treatment Approaches at California Dental Group
The right treatment depends on how far the disease has progressed when care begins.
- Improved home care and professional cleaning is sufficient to resolve gingivitis in most cases. Your hygienist will perform a thorough cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, and will provide guidance on brushing and flossing technique. Follow-up visits confirm that the inflammation has resolved.
- Scaling and root planing is the primary treatment for periodontitis. This non-surgical deep cleaning procedure removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline — areas that a standard cleaning doesn’t reach — and smooths the root surfaces to make it harder for bacteria to reattach. It’s typically performed with local anesthesia for comfort and may be done in multiple appointments to address all affected areas thoroughly.
- Antibiotic therapy is sometimes used alongside scaling and root planing to reduce the bacterial load in persistent or severe cases. This may involve locally applied antibiotics placed directly into the gum pockets, or in some situations, prescribed oral medication.
- Surgical treatment is reserved for advanced cases where deep pockets haven’t responded adequately to non-surgical approaches, or where bone loss requires regenerative procedures. Not all periodontitis patients reach this stage, particularly when treatment begins early.
Periodontal Maintenance After Treatment
Completing initial treatment isn’t the end of the process — it’s the beginning of long-term management. Patients who have been treated for periodontitis are placed on a periodontal maintenance schedule, typically with visits every three to four months. These visits involve thorough cleaning of the affected areas, measurement of pocket depths to track stability, and monitoring for any signs of recurrence.
Consistency with maintenance appointments is one of the strongest predictors of long-term success. Gum disease can recur, but patients who stay on schedule give the disease very little opportunity to reestablish itself.
Starting Treatment in Lakewood
The earlier gum disease is caught and treated, the simpler the treatment and the better the outcome. If your gums bleed when you brush, if you’ve noticed recession, or if it’s simply been a while since your last exam, don’t put it off.
Call California Dental Group at 800-407-0161 to schedule your exam at California Dental Group and take the first step toward healthier gums.
