Diagnosis and Treatment of Periodontal Disease at Optimal Dental Care
Periodontal disease is one of the most common dental conditions in adults — and one of the most important to catch early. At Optimal Dental Care in Artesia, CA, our team is experienced in diagnosing and managing gum disease before it causes lasting damage to your teeth, gums, and overall oral health.
Why Early Detection of Periodontal Disease Matters at Optimal Dental Care
At Optimal Dental Care, we take gum health seriously — because periodontal disease doesn’t just affect your gums, it can impact your entire body if left untreated. Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria that naturally exist in the mouth. When plaque isn’t consistently removed through brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar along the gum line, triggering an inflammatory response that damages the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth.
Common signs of periodontal disease include red, swollen, or bleeding gums, increased tooth sensitivity, persistent bad breath, and in more advanced cases, loose or missing teeth. Because early-stage gum disease — known as gingivitis — is often painless, many patients aren’t aware they have it until a dentist identifies it during an examination. That’s why routine dental visits are so critical.
At Optimal Dental Care, our dentists diagnose periodontal disease through a thorough clinical exam, probing the gum tissue to measure pocket depths and identify problem areas, and reviewing X-rays to assess the health of the underlying bone. Once diagnosed, we’ll develop a personalized treatment plan to halt the progression of the disease and restore your gum health. If you’re experiencing any symptoms or have concerns about your gum health, don’t wait — contact us today at (562) 860-1805 and we’ll get you in for an examination as soon as possible.
FAQs
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gum tissue and bone that support your teeth. It begins when bacteria in the mouth form plaque on the teeth. If plaque isn’t removed regularly, it hardens into tartar and leads to inflammation, tissue damage, and eventually bone and tooth loss if untreated.
What are the warning signs of periodontal disease?
Common symptoms include red, swollen, or tender gums, gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing, persistent bad breath, tooth sensitivity, receding gums, and loose or shifting teeth. However, early-stage gum disease can be symptom-free, which is why regular exams at Optimal Dental Care are so important.
How is periodontal disease diagnosed?
Our dentists diagnose periodontal disease through a comprehensive exam that includes visually inspecting the gum tissue, using a probe to measure the depth of the spaces between your teeth and gums, and reviewing X-rays to evaluate bone levels around each tooth.
Is periodontal disease treatable?
Yes. When caught early, periodontal disease is very manageable. Treatment may include a deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing to remove tartar below the gum line, along with improved at-home care. More advanced cases may require additional treatment. Our team at Optimal Dental Care will create a plan tailored to your level of gum disease.
Can periodontal disease come back after treatment?
Periodontal disease can recur if oral hygiene habits aren’t maintained. Ongoing care — including more frequent professional cleanings and diligent at-home brushing and flossing — is essential to keeping the disease from progressing. Our team will work with you to establish a maintenance schedule that fits your needs.
How can I prevent periodontal disease?
The best prevention is consistent daily oral hygiene — brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, and attending routine cleanings and exams at Optimal Dental Care. Avoiding tobacco use and maintaining a healthy diet also play an important role in keeping your gums healthy.
How do I get evaluated for periodontal disease at Optimal Dental Care?
If you’re concerned about your gum health, don’t wait. Contact us today at (562) 860-1805 or request an appointment at our Artesia, CA office. We’ll get you in for an examination as soon as possible.