Periodontal Therapy

Understanding Gum Disease

Periodontal disease begins when bacteria in plaque and tartar irritate gum tissue, causing inflammation called gingivitis. Your gums become red and swollen and bleed easily when you brush or floss. Gingivitis remains reversible at this early stage with professional cleaning and improved home care.

Without treatment, gingivitis progresses to periodontitis. The infection spreads below the gum line, creating pockets between your teeth and gums. Bacteria thrive in these pockets, producing toxins that destroy the bone and connective tissue holding your teeth in place. As bone loss continues, teeth loosen and shift. Eventually, they fall out or require extraction.

The process happens gradually, which explains why many people don’t recognize they have gum disease. You might notice bad breath that won’t go away, receding gums that make teeth look longer, increased sensitivity, or slight changes in how your teeth fit together. These subtle signs warrant immediate attention from Dr. J. Dennis Lewis.

Risk Factors That Increase Your Vulnerability

Certain factors make some people more susceptible to developing gum disease. Smoking represents the single biggest risk factor—tobacco use dramatically increases your chances of developing periodontitis and reduces the effectiveness of treatment. Diabetes affects your body’s ability to fight infection, making gum disease more likely and severe.

Genetics plays a role too. Some people inherit a predisposition to gum disease and need more vigilant care. Stress weakens your immune system, hormonal changes during pregnancy affect gum health, certain medications cause dry mouth that increases bacterial growth, and poor nutrition deprives your body of resources needed to fight infection. Dr. Lewis considers all these factors when developing your treatment plan.

Comprehensive Periodontal Evaluation

Accurate diagnosis forms the foundation of effective treatment. Dr. J. Dennis Lewis performs detailed measurements of the pockets around each tooth during your periodontal therapy evaluation. Healthy gums have pockets measuring 1-3 millimeters deep. Depths of 4 millimeters or more indicate gum disease requiring treatment.

He examines your gums for inflammation, bleeding, and recession. X-rays reveal bone loss that isn’t visible during visual examination. This comprehensive assessment determines the severity of your gum disease and guides treatment recommendations. Dr. Lewis explains his findings clearly, showing you the problem areas and discussing how therapy will address them.

Scaling and Root Planing: Deep Cleaning That Heals

The cornerstone of periodontal therapy is scaling and root planing, often called deep cleaning. This procedure goes beyond regular cleanings to remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar from below the gum line, where disease develops. Dr. Lewis or our skilled hygienists work carefully to clean every surface of affected tooth roots.

Scaling removes all deposits from tooth surfaces and root areas. Root planing smooths the root surfaces, eliminating rough spots where bacteria collects. Smooth, clean roots allow your gums to reattach to teeth properly, shrinking pockets and eliminating the spaces where bacteria hide.

We divide treatment into sections, typically treating one or two quadrants of your mouth per visit. Local anesthesia keeps you comfortable throughout the procedure. Most patients experience minimal discomfort afterward—any sensitivity usually responds well to over-the-counter pain relievers and subsides within a few days.

Ongoing Maintenance Prevents Recurrence

Periodontal disease is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management. After your initial therapy, Dr. J. Dennis Lewis establishes a maintenance schedule tailored to your needs. Most patients need professional cleanings every three to four months rather than the standard six-month interval.

These periodontal maintenance appointments include careful cleaning of pocket areas, measuring pocket depths to monitor improvement, evaluating your home care effectiveness, and early intervention if problems redevelop. Regular maintenance keeps gum disease under control and protects the investment you’ve made in treatment.

Advanced Treatments When Needed

Some cases require treatments beyond scaling and root planing. Dr. Lewis may recommend antibiotic therapy using medications placed directly into periodontal pockets to fight stubborn infections. Local antibiotics target bacteria exactly where problems exist without affecting your entire body.

For advanced cases with significant bone loss or deep pockets that don’t respond to conservative treatment, referral to a periodontal specialist might be necessary. These specialists perform surgical procedures that regenerate lost bone, reshape gum tissue, or eliminate deep pockets. Dr. J. Dennis Lewis coordinates closely with specialists to ensure you receive comprehensive care.

The Connection Between Gums and Overall Health

Research reveals strong links between periodontal disease and serious health conditions. The same bacteria causing gum inflammation can enter your bloodstream, contributing to heart disease, stroke, and diabetes complications. Pregnant women with gum disease face a higher risk of premature birth and low birth weight babies.

Treating gum disease improves your oral health and your overall well-being. Dr. Lewis considers these connections when developing your treatment plan and coordinates with your physicians when appropriate. Managing periodontal disease represents an important step in protecting your total health.

Home Care That Supports Treatment Success

Professional periodontal therapy in Brea provides essential treatment, but your daily home care determines long-term success. Dr. J. Dennis Lewis and our hygienists teach you techniques that maximize effectiveness. Proper brushing removes plaque from tooth surfaces, while thorough flossing cleans between teeth and slightly below the gum line where disease starts.

Additional tools like interdental brushes, water flossers, or antimicrobial mouth rinses might benefit your specific situation. We demonstrate proper use and recommend products suited to your needs. Consistent, effective home care prevents bacteria from recolonizing treated areas and keeps your gums healthy between professional visits.

Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs

Gum disease rarely causes pain until it becomes severe, which means many people ignore early warning signs. If your gums bleed when you brush, if you notice bad breath that persists despite good hygiene, if your gums look red or swollen, or if your teeth seem longer because gums have receded, schedule an evaluation immediately. Early treatment prevents serious damage and keeps therapy simple and effective.

Protect Your Smile’s Foundation

Your teeth depend on healthy gums and bone for support. Periodontal disease threatens this foundation, but effective treatment stops progression and restores health. Dr. Lewis and our experienced team provide the expert care you need to overcome gum disease and maintain your natural smile for life.