Periodontal Care in Petaluma, CA

What are the stages of periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease progresses in stages, starting with gingivitis. This is when the gums become red, swollen, and may bleed during brushing. At this point, the condition is still reversible with proper care. If left untreated, it can progress to mild, moderate, and then advanced periodontitis. These later stages involve deeper pockets between the teeth and gums, bone loss, gum recession, and loosening of teeth. Early detection and treatment are key to preventing long-term damage and tooth loss.

What does a deep dental cleaning involve?

Deep cleanings are a two-step process that involves scaling and root planing.

Scaling — Scaling is a deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth, especially below the gumline where regular brushing can’t reach. It helps reduce inflammation, fight bacteria, and prevent or manage gum disease. This treatment is often the first step in restoring healthy gums.

Root Planing — Root planing smooths the roots of your teeth to help the gums reattach and heal properly. By removing bacteria and rough spots on the root surfaces, it reduces the risk of further gum infection and promotes long-term oral health. This procedure is essential for treating moderate to advanced gum disease.

How will my gums be protected post-deep cleaning?

Our office uses Arestin®, an antibiotic treatment that can continue to help fight gum disease for several weeks after a deep cleaning procedure. It comes in the form of a powder that is placed directly into the infected gum pockets. Arestin releases medication slowly over time, targeting the bacteria that cause periodontal disease. This treatment helps reduce pocket depth and supports the healing of gum tissue, making it an effective addition to non-surgical periodontal therapy.