Los Angeles Gum Disease Treatment
It may surprise you to find out that many Americans have gum disease – up to eight out of 10 people have some symptoms of gum disease! Gum disease in its earliest stages is often overlooked or not even recognized by you. Once the gum disease has progressed, it can cause many problems, such as your teeth becoming loose or even you are losing some or all your teeth! This is serious, and Dr. Mungcal at Downtown Dental and his caring, well-trained team are committed to giving you the best gum disease treatment available. Your Los Angeles periodontist provides excellent state-of-the-art laser treatment for gum disease and can help you avoid serious damage to your smile.
The 3 stages of gum disease are gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. Gingivitis is caused by toxins irritating the gum line as a result of plaque buildup. Signs and symptoms of gingivitis can include swelling, sensitivity and bleeding of the gums during brushing and flossing. Gingivitis can be easily reversed through professional care and good home oral hygiene. Periodontitis is categorized as irreversible bone loss that results from untreated gingivitis. The Gums may begin to form a pocket below the gum line which traps food and plaque. Dental treatment and home care can help prevent from further damage but at this stage the results are not reversible. Advanced Periodontitis is when the fiber and bones supporting the teeth are destroyed. This may cause teeth to shift or loosen; teeth may have to be removed depending on how advance the disease has become and if treatment are non-effective. You can begin by preventing gum disease with good oral health. Pick up a brochure or ask your dentist today.
At Downtown Dental, your Los Angeles periodontist provides several services that can help with gum disease, including:
- Scaling and root planing therapy – Plaque is a major factor in the development of gum disease. One of the front-line treatments used to inhibit bacterial colonization is scaling and root planing. In this treatment, plaque is removed from teeth and areas below the gum line. This form of deep cleaning may involve both manual and laser removal methods. As with all our treatments scaling and root planing is performed in the most comfortable manner.
- Periodontal laser therapy – If gum disease is not quickly treated, bacteria can cause damage to periodontal tissue as well as bone in the jaw. Advanced gum disease may require surgical intervention in order to avoid tooth loss. If surgery becomes necessary, we may complete care using laser technology. Laser gum surgery is very effective and far less invasive than standard techniques, leading to less bleeding and swelling, and hastening recovery.
- Antibiotic therapy – Because bacteria and infection may go hand in hand, there are some instances in which antibiotic therapy may be necessary to restore optimal gum health.
- Perio Protect Method® – Because proper oral hygiene can be an ongoing battle, your Los Angeles periodontist offers an excellent “weapon” against oral bacteria. It is the Perio Protect Method. After we have performed scaling and root planing, we will give you the Perio Protect Method as a follow through and oral hygiene maintenance plan. Your Los Angeles periodontist makes a customized tray that fits over your teeth. Then he creates a solution just for you that will keep your mouth clean and fresh. You put the solution in the trays at home. This system provides you with the easiest, least invasive and effective methods to treat gum disease! Our patients rave about how clean their mouths feel every single day and they love that their teeth frequently look whiter and their breath fresher!
During your first visit to Downtown Dental, we offer a thorough dental examination with both a doctor and a dental hygienist. We start with perio charting, which is done at every single dental visit at our practice. Our hygienists, who are laser certified, offer treatment for our patients, as well as educate them about properly caring for their teeth and oral health.
We want you to have the healthiest, most beautiful smile possible. Your Los Angeles periodontist Dr. Mungcal at Downtown Dental is serious about providing individualized care for our patients. With an up-to-date facility and quality dentistry on our team, Downtown Dental can help you avoid gum disease and learn how to care for your teeth properly and thoroughly. Call and schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Mungcal today!
Dr. Don Mungcal
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Dr. Don Mungcal, a distinguished dentist in Los Angeles, combines over three decades of experience with a deep commitment to patient care. A UCLA graduate, he earned his dental degree with honors from the University of the Pacific Dental School in 1990. Dr. Mungcal has been recognized as a Best Dentist in Downtown by the “Los Angeles Downtown News” for four years in a row and served as an instructor at USC Dental School. As an active member of the California Dental Society, among other prestigious organizations, he continually updates his expertise through extensive continuing education.
