Emergency After Hours Contact

Periodontics or periodontology or is a dental specialty that focuses on the periodontium or gums and the diseases that inflict them. A periodontist is a dental specialist who deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal or gum diseases.

Gum diseases are caused due to poor oral hygiene. Poor oral health maintenance leads to plaque and tartar accumulation on the surface of teeth and also below the gumline. Plaque houses bacteria which infect the oral cavity and lead to oral health problems like cavities, caries, bad breath and the onset of gum diseases. If left unchecked, plaque seeps below the gumline and infects the gum tissues and underlying tooth roots. As a result, gums start receding and teeth become loose and eventually fall out. Some symptoms of gum diseases are:

  • Toothache.
  • Dry mouth.
  • Increased sensitivity to hot and cold beverages.
  • Bleeding or tender gums.
  • Red or swollen gums.
  • Canker sores, cold sores, leukoplakia, and candidiasis.
  • Persistent bad breath.
  • Jaw pain or clicking sounds while jaw movement.
  • Stained or discolored teeth.
  • Abscess pocket formation near tooth roots.0
  • Loose teeth that are ready to fall out.
  • Change in one's bite.
  • Pus oozing out from gums and tooth roots.

How is periodontal disease treated?

Non-surgical procedures

a. Professional dental cleaning

As we know, the accumulation of plaque is the root cause of gum diseases. When plaque accumulates on the surface of teeth, it signifies the onset of gum disease or gingivitis. However, gingivitis can be easily reversed with plaque removal. Routine brushing and flossing are recommended for healthy teeth and gums but they often fail to remove hardened deposits of plaque (tartar). This is where professional dental cleaning comes in. A professional dental cleaning entails the elimination of plaque and tartar deposits from the surfaces of teeth. It not only helps reverse gingivitis but also helps in preventing cavities, caries, and bad breath. Dentists recommend you to have your teeth professionally cleaned twice every year. A dental hygienist performs the cleaning and provides the following services:

  • Removing plaque and tartar from the surface of teeth.
  • Gritty toothpaste cleaning for removing any remaining traces of plaque or tartar.
  • Expert flossing for removing plaque and tartar from interdental areas.
  • Fluoride treatment to strengthen the tooth enamel.
  • Dental sealants for closing the vulnerable areas of teeth to protect them from plaque accumulation and decay.

b. Scaling and root planing

Unlike professional dental cleaning, root scaling and planing remove the plaque from both above and below the gumline. Even the roots of teeth are smoothened to help the gums reattach to the teeth. The procedures are conducted under the effects of a local anesthetic.

c. Chao pinhole gum treatment

Periodontics offers many treatments for gum recession but Chao pinhole gum treatment is considered the best. Unlike traditional methods, it is minimally invasive and does not employ scalpels or sutures to treat the patient. It uses advanced technology to perform tissue repositioning and can treat mild to moderate forms of gum recession. The Chao pinhole gum treatment is performed in the following steps:

  • The treatment area is numbed using a local anesthetic.
  • Small pinholes are created in the gums.
  • Special dental tools are used to pass through the pinholes into the gum tissue.
  • The dental tools are moved in an up-down motion to loosen the gum tissue.
  • The gum tissue is then guided and repositioned over the areas of gum recession.
  • Thin collagen strips are passes through the pinholes near the newly positioned gum. They promote healing and gum rejuvenation.
  • The treated area is allowed to heal.

Surgical procedures

a. Pocket reduction surgery

Periodontal diseases or gum diseases cause pockets or gaps between teeth and gums. These pockets accumulate plaque become a breeding ground for bacteria. Over time, the pockets become so deep that teeth start to fall out. A pocket reduction surgery is performed to reduce pocket depth and save teeth. It includes the following steps:

  • Opening the gum through flap surgery.
  • Shaping and smoothening of bones to provide for better attachment between gums and teeth.
  • Helping tissues heal by using periodontal lasers to seal the treated area.
  • Stitching the gum flap in place.

b. Bone grafting

Bone grafting is performed to transplant bone tissues from a healthy donor area in the body to the recessed region. It improves the bone density that may have been lost to periodontal diseases.

c. Gum grafting

Gum recession happens when the gum tissues wear away due plaque accumulation and bacterial infection. It leaves the roots of teeth exposed and makes them more susceptible to sensitivity, decay, and gum diseases. If left untreated, gum recession could eventually lead to tooth loss.

Gum grafting is performed to treat gum recession. Healthy gum tissue from a donor area is transplanted to the recessed. It helps in rebuilding the gums.

At Glenn Dental we employ the practices of modern dentistry to systematically repair damage and enhance the appearance of your smile. Dr. Glenn Ong-Veloso and Dr. Joy Helou will design a custom plan for you to meet your individual requirements. We welcome you to contact us at 760-284-3060 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Glenn Ong-Veloso and Dr. Joy Helou to achieve a picture-perfect smile in Apple Valley and California City, California.

WELCOME TO GLENN DENTAL

Glenn L. Ong-Veloso, D.D.S., MPH & Joy Helou, D.D.S.

WE OFFER A VARIETY OF SERVICES

Glenn Dental provides comprehensive dentistry to meet all your oral health needs in our two conveniently located offices.

View All Services

WHAT MAKES US STAND OUT

Our experienced and talented dentists provide high-quality service for patients of all ages. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!

Meet the Doctors

OUR TEAM

Our caring team of dental professionals are committed to your smile, health, and comfort. Call today to make your appointment!

Meet the Team

Locations

Apple Valley, CA

16098 Kamana Rd #101, Apple Valley, CA 92307

Phone: (760) 242-2620

Mobile: (760) 284-3060

Email: info@glenndental.com

Fax: (760) 242-4700

  • MON: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • TUE: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • WED: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • THU - FRI: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • SAT: 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
  • SUN: Closed
Contact Us

California City, CA

21031 Constitution Dr #101, California City, CA 93505

Phone: (760) 373-1950

Mobile: (760) 284-3060

Email: glenndentalcalcity@gmail.com

Fax: (760) 373-0072

  • MON - FRI: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • SAT - SUN: Closed
Contact Us