Periodontal Disease

Eight in 10 adults have periodontal disease by age 45 — and the vast majority don’t know they have it. With a team of board-certified periodontists, Ueno Center Dental Specialists in Campbell, California, serving San Jose, Cupertino, Los Gatos and surrounding areas, offers top-quality care for periodontal disease. Some treatments, like the scalpel-free laser treatment LANAP®, are even painless. Call the office today or request a consultation online to discuss your treatment options for periodontal disease.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is a condition affecting the health of your teeth and gums. Healthy gum tissue fits like a sleeve around the base of your tooth, contributing to a healthy smile.

Periodontal disease causes your gums to become red and swollen. Your teeth and gums separate over time. In later stages, the bone supporting your teeth deteriorates, causing your teeth to become loose, shift, or fall out.  

The progression of periodontal disease affects your ability to speak and chew and can lead to unsightly teeth and bad breath. 

What causes periodontal disease?

A sticky film called plaque often leads to periodontal disease. Plaque, which constantly forms on your teeth, contains bacteria with harmful toxins. If you don't clean your teeth well, the toxins build up, irritating and inflaming your gums.

When left untreated, your gums gradually separate from your teeth, causing spaces called pockets to form. Plaque that gets trapped in your pockets hardens into a substance called tartar that you can’t brush away, no matter how hard you try.

Gingivitis is the name for the early stage of periodontal disease, and, at this stage, there is no bone loss. Untreated gingivitis may lead to a more serious condition called periodontitis. Periodontitis can do lasting damage to your gums, bones, and other structures that are an essential part of a healthy smile.

How do I know if I have periodontal disease?

You may have periodontal disease and not know it. Warning signs of the condition include:

• Red, tender, or swollen gums
• Gums that bleed when flossing or brushing
• Persistent bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Pus between your teeth and gums
• Gums that pull away from your teeth

If you have one or more of these symptoms, contact Ueno Center Dental Specialists as soon as possible.

How is periodontal disease treated?

The experienced team at Ueno Center Dental Specialists includes board-certified periodontists, who tailor your treatment plan to the severity of your condition. In the early stages of periodontal disease, they suggest nonsurgical periodontal therapy, such as a special type of deep cleaning called scaling and root planing.

More severe cases may require tooth replacement or advanced treatments, such as:

• Laser-assisted new attachment procedure (LANAP)
• Laser-assisted peri-implant procedure (LAPIP)
• Pinhole® Surgical Technique (PST™)
• Bone grafting or “Guided Tissue Regeneration”

Rely on expert care from the team at Ueno Center Dental Specialists to preserve your natural smile. Call today or book a consultation online for an assessment of whether you have periodontal disease.