Gum Disease Treatment in Quincy, California
Saving Teeth With Gentle and Effective Periodontal Treatment
Helping you keep your natural teeth for life is a top priority for us. The number one threat to your teeth is gum disease, also known as “periodontal disease.” It is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, which is why keeping our patients’ gums healthy is a major focus of our practice.
Our doctors are highly trained and skilled with periodontal treatments and can remedy gum disease thoroughly and successfully often with minimally invasive methods. Dr. Herndon has extensive experience in traditional periodontal surgical techniques; this allows him to provide fully customized care and devise and deliver the best treatments to satisfy each patient's special needs.
When appropriate, traditional periodontal surgical techniques and regenerative procedures may be recommended.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a bacterial infection and inflammation of the gums that, when left untreated, progressively destroys the bone and gum tissue that support the teeth. Over time, this can cause teeth to loosen and eventually fall out.
Because of his advanced training and experience in periodontics, Dr. Herndon is often able to save teeth that otherwise might have been lost to the disease. He is an associate member of the American Academy of Periodontology and has a variety of techniques and technologies at his disposal to provide effective care, including traditional periodontal non-surgical, surgical and regenerative procedures when appropriate.
State-of-the-Art Treatment of Gum Disease
One of the tools that helps Dr. Herndon to thoroughly remedy gum disease is the Perioscope. This tiny camera is small enough to get into diseased gum pockets and allows him to see all the infected areas and accumulated calculus (hardened tartar) that need cleaning. As much as 40% of calculus hides below the gumline in areas that couldn’t be seen without surgery, but the Perioscope lets us see all of it without the need for cutting into and pulling back the gums.
The Perioscope is small enough to go into periodontal pockets and find hidden areas of infection.
For moderate to severe cases of gum disease, Dr. Herndon can use a special laser to treat the disease. The Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP®) is a comfortable, predictable and minimally invasive way to disinfect diseased areas, and it is especially effective when paired with the Perioscope.
Dr. Herndon also has the experience to repair any areas that have been damaged by the disease. He uses gum and bone grafting to restore areas of lost tissue and return the mouth to the state it was in prior to the infection getting out of hand.
Call 530-283-1119 or click here to schedule an appointment.
The PerioLase® dental laser makes treating gum disease comfortable and efficient.
The Relationship Between Gum Disease and Overall Health
Healthy gums are not just vitally important for your oral health but your overall health as well. Studies have shown a link between gum disease and many systemic conditions that can occur throughout the body. Untreated gum disease increases the risks of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, dementia, respiratory disease, osteoporosis, complications with pregnancy and other problems. Early detection and treatment of gum disease helps reduce the danger of developing these serious conditions.
Signs of Gum Disease
Gum disease can be tricky for the average person to detect. In fact, people are often unaware they have the disease because it typically does not cause pain until it has progressed to an advanced stage. Symptoms you should be on the lookout for include the following:
- Frequent bleeding of gums
- Red and swollen gums
- Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
- Pus between teeth and gums
- Loose teeth
- Any change in the way teeth fit together
If you are experiencing any of the above, or if you are a smoker (smoking can hide the signs of gum disease, lulling people into a false sense of security), call 123-456-7890 or click here to schedule an appointment at our office right away.
FREE Consultation or Second Opinion for Gum Disease Treatment
- Meet with the doctor
- Learn about your treatment options
- See and learn about the technology we use
- Get all your questions answered
Call 530-283-1119 or click here to schedule an appointment.