Periodontal Treatment in Petaluma, CA

Periodontal conditions affect the gums and supporting structures around the teeth. Inflammation can range from mild gingivitis to more advanced periodontal disease. In advanced cases, periodontal disease can damage the tissues and bone supporting the teeth, which may contribute to tooth loosening or tooth loss.

By identifying and treating periodontal problems, we can help manage the condition and support the health of your gums and teeth. At Petaluma Dental Group, patients who need specialized periodontal care can be evaluated by a periodontist in Petaluma to determine an appropriate treatment plan.

Conservative Treatment Options

Removing plaque and tartar is an important part of managing gum health. Professional cleanings help remove deposits that cannot be adequately removed through brushing and flossing alone.

When periodontal disease has progressed below the gumline, scaling and root planing may be recommended. This deep-cleaning procedure removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline and cleans the root surfaces. Treatment may take more than one visit depending on the extent of the condition.

Other therapies may be considered based on the type and severity of periodontal disease. Treatment recommendations are made after evaluating the gums, periodontal pockets, supporting tissues, and other relevant clinical factors.

Specialized Care From a Petaluma Periodontist

A periodontist has advanced training in diagnosing and treating conditions involving the gums and other structures that support the teeth. Specialist care may be appropriate when periodontal disease is more advanced, does not respond adequately to initial treatment, or requires procedures beyond routine periodontal care.

A periodontal evaluation may include examining the gums, measuring periodontal pockets, assessing tooth stability, and reviewing dental imaging when necessary. These findings help determine the extent of the condition and the appropriate treatment approach.

How Can Periodontics Improve Your Gum Health?

Periodontal care focuses on controlling disease and maintaining the health of the tissues around the teeth. Periodontitis can cause periodontal pockets to deepen and lead to loss of the tissues and bone that support the teeth.

A periodontal specialist in Petaluma can evaluate these changes and recommend care based on the severity and location of the disease. Treatment may help control inflammation, remove bacterial deposits from areas below the gumline, and manage periodontal pockets.

Ongoing home care and periodontal maintenance are also important for managing periodontal disease after active treatment.

Periodontal Treatments and Procedures We Offer

The appropriate gum disease treatment depends on your periodontal health and the extent of the condition. Care may include:

• Scaling and root planing: Eliminates plaque and tartar from below the gumline and cleans the root surfaces.
• Periodontal maintenance: Provides ongoing professional care following periodontal treatment at intervals based on clinical needs.
• Laser-assisted therapy: May be incorporated into periodontal care when appropriate.

When nonsurgical care is not sufficient, surgical treatment may be considered based on the location and severity of periodontal disease.

Surgical Options

For some patients with more advanced periodontal disease, surgical treatment may be appropriate. Surgery can provide access to areas below the gumline that are difficult to treat adequately with nonsurgical methods.

Depending on the condition, periodontal surgery may involve reducing periodontal pockets or procedures intended to address lost gum tissue or supporting bone.

Bone grafting may be considered in selected cases where periodontal disease has resulted in loss of supporting bone. The grafting approach and material used depend on the location and extent of the defect and the patient’s treatment needs.

Soft tissue grafting may also be recommended in certain cases involving gum recession or loss of gum tissue. Your periodontist can determine whether a surgical procedure is appropriate after evaluating your periodontal health.

Meet Our Periodontist in Petaluma, CA

Dr. Watters, DDS, is a periodontist with specialized training in evaluating and managing conditions involving the gums and other tissues that support the teeth. She earned her dental degree with honors from the University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry before completing a residency in Periodontics at the University of Washington.

As a gum specialist in Petaluma, Dr. Watters evaluates periodontal concerns and recommends care according to each patient’s clinical findings.

Schedule a Periodontal Evaluation

Bleeding gums, gum recession, persistent swelling, or changes in tooth stability may warrant a periodontal evaluation. Our team can take a look at your gum health and recommend appropriate care based on the examination findings. Contact us to arrange an appointment for periodontal care in Petaluma, CA.

FAQs

What are common signs of periodontal disease?

Possible signs include bleeding or swollen gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, changes in the spaces between teeth, or loose teeth. Some periodontal disease may progress without obvious symptoms.

What is scaling and root planing?

This is a non-surgical periodontal treatment that clears plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the affected tooth roots.

What causes periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease develops when bacteria remain undisturbed around the teeth and gums for extended periods. As inflammation continues, it can affect the attachment between the teeth and gums and eventually impact the underlying bone.

Can gum disease be treated without surgery?

Many cases are initially managed with nonsurgical treatment, such as scaling and root planing. Additional care may be recommended relying on the seriousness of the condition and response to treatment.

How often will I need periodontal maintenance?

The appropriate schedule depends on your periodontal health, previous treatment, and ongoing clinical findings. Your dental team can recommend an interval based on your needs.

When should I see a periodontist?

A periodontal evaluation may be appropriate for persistent gum inflammation, gum recession, periodontal pocketing, bone loss, loose teeth, or concerns requiring specialist care.

Meet Dr. Yolanda Mangrum, DDS, MAGD, LLSR

Dr. Yolanda Mangrum has approximately 30 years of experience identifying and coordinating care for gum disease and the supporting structures of the teeth. At Petaluma Dental Group, she considers gum inflammation, pocket depths, bleeding, recession, bone levels, tooth mobility, bite, home care, and health risks. Active periodontist Dr. Julianna Ko provides specialty periodontal and implant care at the Smile More Longevity Campus. Dr. Jennifer Watters is transitioning from clinical provider to consultant and educator, passing her leadership and experience to Dr. Ko and the team. Dr. Mangrum integrates periodontal findings with restorative and preventive planning.