Periodontal (gum) disease is one of the most common oral health conditions in adults and one of the most frequently underestimated. Because it often develops gradually and without significant pain in its early stages, many patients are unaware of it until it has progressed. At Cameron Park Dental Care, we screen for gum disease at every examination and offer treatment options to address it at any stage.
Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support the teeth—the gums, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. It begins as gingivitis, an inflammation of the gum tissue caused by plaque buildup at the gumline. When gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, in which infection spreads below the gumline, causing periodontal pocket formation, bone loss, gum recession, and eventually tooth loosening and loss.
The mouth-body connection is well established. Untreated periodontal disease has been associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk, difficulty controlling blood sugar in diabetics, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Treating gum disease is not just about preserving teeth—it has meaningful implications for systemic health.
For gum disease that has progressed beyond gingivitis, scaling and root planing (SRP) is the standard first line of treatment. This procedure goes deeper than a routine cleaning—using specialized instruments to remove tartar and bacterial deposits from below the gumline and to smooth the root surfaces so gum tissue can reattach. SRP is performed in sections with local anesthetic to ensure comfort. Following treatment, patients are placed on a maintenance schedule of more frequent professional cleanings—typically every three to four months.
Periodontal disease is a chronic condition that can be managed but not cured. Once treated, patients remain at elevated risk for recurrence and require ongoing professional maintenance to keep the disease from returning. Periodontal maintenance appointments include re-evaluation of pocket depths, gum tissue health assessment, and targeted cleaning of areas that need additional attention. This is more comprehensive than a standard cleaning and is the cornerstone of long-term gum disease management.
At Cameron Park Dental Care, we take gum disease seriously and approach its management with clinical rigor and compassionate care. If you have been told you have gum disease or notice warning signs such as bleeding gums, bad breath, or gum recession, call us at (530) 676-0400 or schedule an evaluation.
Common signs include gums that bleed easily during brushing or flossing, red, swollen, or tender gum tissue, persistent bad breath, gum recession that makes teeth appear longer, loose or shifting teeth, and changes in how teeth fit together when biting. Pain is often minimal or absent, even in moderately advanced cases—which is why regular dental screenings are so important for detection.
Because symptoms can be subtle, regular checkups with periodontal screening are the most reliable way to detect gum disease. We measure gum pocket depths and assess bone levels at each examination, giving us objective data on gum health regardless of whether symptoms are present.
Gingivitis—the earliest stage, characterized by gum inflammation without bone loss—is fully reversible with professional cleaning and improved home care. Once the gum tissue is no longer inflamed and plaque is being effectively removed, it typically returns to a healthy state within a few weeks. Early detection is critical for achieving this outcome.
Periodontitis, the more advanced stage involving bone loss, cannot be fully reversed—lost bone does not regenerate naturally. However, it can be effectively managed and its progression halted with appropriate treatment and ongoing maintenance. With consistent professional care and good home hygiene, patients with treated periodontitis can maintain their teeth for many years.
Scaling and root planing is typically performed in two to four appointments, depending on severity. Each appointment usually covers one quadrant (quarter) of the mouth and takes about 45 to 60 minutes. Some cases can be completed in two appointments covering two quadrants at a time.
A follow-up re-evaluation is scheduled four to six weeks after the last active treatment appointment to assess how gum tissue has responded. At this point we re-measure pocket depths and determine whether additional treatment is needed or whether the patient can transition to a periodontal maintenance schedule.
Scaling and root planing is performed with local anesthetic, so the procedure itself is not painful. Patients typically feel pressure and movement during treatment but not sharp discomfort. After the anesthetic wears off, some sensitivity and mild soreness in treated areas for a few days is normal and is manageable with over-the-counter pain relief and warm salt water rinses.
Gum tissue becomes less inflamed and sensitive over the weeks following treatment as healing progresses. Many patients are surprised at how manageable the procedure is and appreciate the significant improvement in gum health they notice in the weeks afterward.
Periodontal maintenance is a specialized cleaning procedure for patients who have been treated for gum disease. Unlike a standard prophylaxis cleaning, periodontal maintenance involves more detailed subgingival instrumentation—cleaning below the gumline into the periodontal pockets that formed as a result of disease. It also includes re-evaluation of pocket depths and comparison with prior measurements to detect any worsening.
The typical maintenance interval for a patient with treated periodontitis is every three to four months rather than every six months. This more frequent schedule allows our team to keep bacterial populations in the pockets controlled and to catch any recurrence early, when intervention is most straightforward.
Yes—chronic periodontal infection introduces bacteria and inflammatory markers into the bloodstream, where they can contribute to or worsen systemic conditions. Gum disease has been associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk, difficulty controlling blood sugar in diabetics, increased risk of preterm birth in pregnant patients, and associations with respiratory conditions.
Treating gum disease is an investment in overall health, not just your smile. Patients with diabetes, heart disease, or who are pregnant should be particularly attentive to gum health and inform both their dental and medical providers about any gum disease diagnosis or treatment they receive.
Excellent home care—brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and using an antibacterial mouth rinse if recommended—is an essential component of gum disease management but is not sufficient to treat active periodontitis on its own. Once tartar has formed below the gumline, only professional instruments can remove it.
Think of home care and professional treatment as partners: professional treatment removes existing tartar and bacteria below the gumline, and excellent home care prevents them from returning quickly. Consistent home care after treatment dramatically improves outcomes and extends the time between professional interventions.
Untreated gum disease progresses steadily, causing deepening periodontal pockets, increasing bone loss, gum recession, and eventual loosening of the affected teeth. In advanced cases, teeth that were once secure become mobile and may ultimately require extraction. The bacteria driving periodontal disease can also spread to adjacent teeth, accelerating damage across the mouth.
Early treatment is always more effective, less expensive, and less invasive than treating disease that has been allowed to advance. If you have signs of gum disease, addressing it promptly is significantly better than waiting and allowing the condition to progress further.
Yes—periodontal disease is a chronic condition and patients who have been treated remain at elevated risk for recurrence. This is why regular periodontal maintenance appointments are so important. Without consistent professional monitoring and cleaning, bacterial populations in the pockets can rebuild and the disease can become active again.
The risk of recurrence varies based on the patient’s overall susceptibility, quality of home care, tobacco use, and systemic health factors. Working closely with our team and maintaining the recommended maintenance schedule gives patients the best chance of keeping gum disease under long-term control.
At Cameron Park Dental Care, we approach gum disease with the seriousness it deserves. Our team performs thorough periodontal assessments at every examination, detects gum disease early when it is most manageable, and provides evidence-based treatment tailored to each patient’s condition. We explain findings clearly so you understand your gum health status and the rationale behind every recommendation.
We also support patients through the ongoing maintenance phase with regular monitoring and individualized coaching to optimize home care. Gum disease management is a long-term partnership, and we are committed to being a consistent, knowledgeable partner in that journey. Call us at (530) 676-0400 or schedule online today.
