Healthy gums are essential to a healthy smile. When gum disease develops, it can cause inflammation, bleeding, gum recession, bad breath, and eventually contribute to tooth and bone loss. At Santa Monica Dental Studio, we provide periodontal gum treatment and deep cleanings in Santa Monica, CA to help manage gum disease and protect your oral health.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is inflammation and infection affecting the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It often begins with gingivitis, which may cause red, swollen, or bleeding gums.
Without treatment, gum disease can progress and affect the tissues and bone supporting your teeth. More advanced disease may cause gum recession, loose teeth, bite changes, and eventually tooth loss. Routine dental exams and cleanings are important for identifying changes in gum health early.
Signs You May Have Gum Disease
Common signs may include:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- Gum recession
- Teeth that appear longer
- Sensitivity around the gumline
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Changes in your bite
Gum disease does not always cause pain, which is one reason regular dental examinations are important.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Plaque and bacteria are among the primary causes of gum disease. When plaque is not adequately removed, it can harden into tartar and contribute to inflammation around and beneath the gums.
Genetics, tobacco use, certain medications, hormonal changes, poor oral hygiene, and some medical conditions may also increase the risk of periodontal problems.
Deep Cleanings
A deep dental cleaning is used to treat gum disease when plaque, tartar, and bacteria have accumulated below the gumline. Unlike a routine cleaning, a deep cleaning focuses on areas beneath the gums and around the roots of the teeth.
Deep cleanings can help remove harmful buildup, reduce inflammation, and create a healthier environment for the gums.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is the clinical term commonly used for a deep cleaning. Scaling removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline. Root planing smooths the surfaces of the tooth roots and removes bacterial buildup.
Treatment may be completed in sections depending on the extent of gum disease. Local anesthetic may be used to help keep you comfortable.
Regular Cleaning vs. Deep Cleaning
A regular dental cleaning is generally intended to maintain healthy teeth and gums. A deep cleaning is recommended when periodontal disease has created deeper spaces or pockets where bacteria and tartar have accumulated beneath the gums.
Not everyone needs a deep cleaning. Your periodontal evaluation helps determine which type of cleaning is appropriate.
Periodontal Maintenance
After a deep cleaning, more frequent periodontal maintenance may be recommended to control bacteria and reduce the risk of gum disease progressing or returning.
Your maintenance schedule will depend on the severity of the condition, your response to treatment, and your individual oral health.
Why Treating Gum Disease Matters
Healthy gums and supporting bone provide the foundation that keeps your natural teeth stable. Managing periodontal disease may help reduce inflammation and bleeding, improve breath, protect supporting bone, and lower the risk of tooth loss.
When tooth loss has already occurred, treatments such as dental bridges or dental implants may be considered after your periodontal health has been evaluated.
Why Choose Dr. Sadat for Gum Disease Treatment in Santa Monica?
Periodontal care is not one-size-fits-all. Some patients need a routine cleaning, while others require scaling and root planing or ongoing periodontal maintenance. Dr. Fahtema Sadat carefully evaluates your gums before recommending treatment so you understand what is needed and why.
Her approach combines thorough clinical care with clear communication. Dr. Sadat evaluates inflammation, periodontal pocket depth, gum recession, bone support, and your overall dental health to develop an appropriate plan.
Just as importantly, there is no judgment. Whether you have maintained regular dental visits or it has been years since your last cleaning, the focus is on improving your gum health from where you are today.
If you have noticed bleeding, tenderness, or changes in your gums, call our office at 310-453-4488 or send us a message to schedule a periodontal evaluation.
Answers about gum disease and deep cleanings
What are the early signs of gum disease?
Early signs may include swollen gums, bleeding while brushing or flossing, persistent bad breath, tenderness, or gum recession.
What is a deep dental cleaning?
A deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria from beneath the gumline and around the roots of the teeth.
Does a deep cleaning hurt?
Local anesthetic may be used to help keep you comfortable. Some temporary gum tenderness or tooth sensitivity may occur afterward.
How often do I need periodontal maintenance?
The schedule depends on the severity of your gum disease and response to treatment. Some patients require periodontal maintenance more frequently than routine dental cleanings.
Can gum disease cause tooth loss?
Yes. Advanced periodontal disease can damage the gums and bone supporting the teeth, potentially causing teeth to become loose or eventually leading to tooth loss.
Ready to get started?
Send us a message or call the office and our team will help you get started.