Gum Disease Treatment In Los Angeles
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a serious condition, affecting not only the health of your teeth and gums but also the attractiveness of your smile. Regular periodontal visits are crucial to diagnosing and treating the condition in its early stages. Some of the most common symptoms are:
- Gum redness, pain or swelling
- Gum bleeding after brushing or flossing
- Gum recession
- Loose or missing teeth
- Mouth sores
- Chronic bad breath
If you think you may be suffering from a periodontal disease, please don’t hesitate to contact the CENTER for Advanced Periodontal & Implant Therapy to schedule a consultation. For periodontal services Brentwood doctors Alexandre Aalam, DDS, and Alina Krivitsky, DDS, are board-certified in treating a variety of gum-related issues and concerns.
Periodontal Disease Symptoms and Risk Factors
In its early stages, gum disease may display few if any signs. For this reason, it’s important to visit a periodontist for regular cleanings and exams. If you notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms, contact Dr. Aalam or Dr. Krivitsky for an appointment right away.
A build-up of plaque is the primary cause of the condition. However, certain individuals may have an increased risk of developing the condition. Smoking and taking certain medications can increase your risk. Poor nutrition, tooth grinding and various systemic diseases have all been linked to higher rates of the condition. Further, people have a greater chance of developing it as they get older. Take our gum disease quiz to determine if you are at risk for developing the condition.
Progression of Gum Disease
In its early stages, periodontal disease may exhibit few symptoms and cause little to no discomfort. However, as the disease progresses, tooth loss and a host of other health problems can occur.
Gingivitis is the first stage. Characterized by sensitive red gums that bleed after brushing, gingivitis typically results from poor oral hygiene. Luckily, Dr. Aalam and Dr. Krivitsky can do a great deal to reverse the symptoms of gingivitis before it develops into a more serious condition like periodontitis.
Periodontitis results from untreated gingivitis in which plaque spreads below the gum line. The toxins in the plaque inflame the gums, and over time gums may become infected and separate from the teeth. If you do not seek treatment for periodontitis, your teeth may eventually become loose or even need to be removed. Unresolved inflammation can also lead to serious medical conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.
Evaluation and Treatment
The American Academy of Periodontology recommends that all adults be screened annually for periodontal disease. When you schedule an evaluation with Dr. Aalam and Dr. Krivitsky, they will do the following:
- Examine your teeth and gums
- Look for signs of plaque
- Evaluate your bite and bone structure
- Determine your risk factors
Seeing a periodontist every year can help ensure that the condition is caught in its early stages when there are more options for treatment. Board-certified periodontists, Drs. Aalam and Krivitsky offer a variety of treatments and procedures to resolve gum disease in Brentwood and its symptoms.
Periodontal scaling and root planing are highly effective methods for treating periodontal disease in its early stages. Using a local anesthetic, Dr. Aalam and Dr. Krivitsky will remove plaque and tartar both on the teeth and below the gum line. Performing these procedures allows them to improve the appearance of your smile while preventing it from worsening.
Pocket Reduction Surgery treats gum disease by cleaning the root surfaces of the teeth. Removing the bacteria and smoothing the damaged bone can help stop periodontal disease from progressing.
Gum disease can affect not only the health of your teeth and gums but also the appearance of your smile. Drs. Aalam and Krivitsky offer a number of cosmetic procedures to restore oral attractiveness.
Gum grafts or lifts help to restore symmetry to the gum line. Because periodontal disease can cause gum recession, patients suffering from the condition may notice that their teeth appear longer and their gum lines uneven. Contact the CENTER for Advanced Periodontal & Implant Therapy if you want to learn more about gum graft surgery.
Read more about periodontal disease from WebMD.com.
Oral Treatments Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When should I see a periodontist about my gums?
A: The American Academy of Periodontology recommends that adults undergo annual screenings for gum disease. However, you should also see a doctor if your gums are red, swollen or given to bleeding after brushing and flossing. While treating the condition is key to ensuring your oral health, new research also indicates that the inflammation associated with it may contribute to chronic conditions such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes.
Q: Do women or men have a greater risk of developing gum disease?
A: Although anyone can develop the condition, studies suggest that pregnancy and menopause can both raise a woman’s risk of developing the condition.
Q: Can children develop periodontal disease?
A: Yes! If children do not practice proper oral hygiene, gingivitis can result. Talk to your child about brushing and flossing regularly. You should also check young children’s mouths for signs of periodontal disease.
Q: What are the consequences of having missing teeth?
A: Missing teeth can pose both a functional and aesthetic problem, affecting your ability to eat and talk and impacting your self-confidence. If you are missing teeth due to gum disease or another cause, talk to your west L.A. periodontists, Drs. Aalam and Krivitsky today.
Q: Who is qualified to treat gum disease?
A: Periodontists are specially qualified to treat the condition and restore the appearance of your teeth and gums. Read our periodontology blog about why you should see a periodontist.
Gum Disease Pictures
Please visit our photo gallery to see more before and after pictures of gum disease.
Contact Periodontology Specialists in Los Angeles
The only two board-certified periodontists in Brentwood, Dr. Aalam and Dr. Krivitsky provide patients with gentle, affordable and pain-free periodontal care in the Los Angeles area. Schedule your gum disease evaluation today.
Next, read our patient testimonials.