Gum Disease Treatment and Periodontal Maintenance in Long Beach, CA

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, and it usually doesn’t hurt until it’s advanced. The good news is that it can be treated, and with regular care it can be kept under control. At Salem Dentistry in Long Beach, Dr. Roxana Salem, DDS, treats gum disease and provides ongoing periodontal maintenance to help you keep your natural teeth.

Call 562-435-8339 or book online

Why patients choose Salem Dentistry for gum care

• One dentist who knows your gums. Dr. Salem tracks your gum measurements at every visit, so she can see right away if anything changes.
• Several ways to treat gum disease. We offer deep cleanings, antibiotics placed directly in the gum pockets, prescription rinses, and laser gum therapy.
• Comfort comes first. Treatment is done with the area numbed, and nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is available if you’re anxious.
• Honest advice. If your gums need a specialist’s care, Dr. Salem refers you to a trusted periodontist and continues your maintenance afterward.
• All PPO plans and Medi-Cal Dental accepted, with affordable options if you don’t have insurance.
• Care in three languages: English, German, and Farsi.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums and bone that hold your teeth in place. It is caused by plaque, a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. Plaque that isn’t removed hardens into tartar (calculus), and the bacteria release toxins that irritate your gums.

It develops in stages:

• Gingivitis is the earliest stage. Gums are red, swollen, and bleed easily. At this stage, gum disease can be reversed with a professional cleaning and good home care.
• Periodontitis develops when the irritation continues. The gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets where more bacteria collect, and the bone begins to break down.
• Advanced periodontitis means more bone and gum tissue have been lost. Teeth can loosen, shift, and eventually be lost.

Nearly half of adults over 30 have some form of gum disease, and many don’t know it.

Signs of gum disease

• Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Bad breath or a bad taste that won’t go away
• Gums that are pulling away from your teeth
• Teeth that look longer than they used to
• Loose teeth, or a change in how your teeth fit together

What raises your risk

• Smoking or tobacco use
• Diabetes
• A family history of gum disease
• Stress
• Clenching and grinding your teeth
• Certain medications
• Poor nutrition

Gum health and overall health are connected. Gum disease has been linked to diabetes and heart disease, so caring for your gums is part of caring for your whole body.

How we treat gum disease

Treatment depends on how far the disease has progressed. Dr. Salem measures your gum pockets, reviews your X-rays, and explains what she recommends.

• Professional cleaning. For gingivitis, a regular teeth cleaning and better home care are often all that’s needed.
• Deep cleaning. For periodontitis, scaling and root planing removes tartar and bacteria from below the gumline and smooths the tooth roots so your gums can heal.
• Antibiotics placed in the gum pockets. A small amount of antibiotic can be placed directly into deeper pockets to fight bacteria where they live.
• Prescription mouth rinse. An antibacterial rinse helps control bacteria while your gums heal.
• Laser gum therapy. A dental laser can be used to treat infected gum tissue and reduce bacteria in the pockets.
• Referral to a periodontist. If your gum disease is advanced and may need surgery, Dr. Salem refers you to a gum specialist, then continues your maintenance care in our office.

What is periodontal maintenance?

Gum disease can be controlled, but it can come back if bacteria are allowed to build up again. Periodontal maintenance is a special cleaning for patients who have been treated for gum disease. It goes deeper than a regular cleaning and is usually done every three to four months.

At each maintenance visit, we:

1. Measure your gum pockets and compare them with your last visit
2. Remove plaque and tartar above and below the gumline
3. Clean the pockets where bacteria collect
4. Check for any areas that need extra treatment
5. Polish your teeth and review your home care

These visits are the most important part of keeping your teeth after gum disease treatment.

Caring for your gums at home

• Brush twice a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
• Floss once a day, or use the between-teeth brushes we recommend
• If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your gums
• If you have diabetes, keeping your blood sugar under control helps your gums heal
• Keep every maintenance appointment

See our oral hygiene page for step-by-step brushing and flossing instructions.

Questions patients ask

Can gum disease be cured?
Gingivitis, the earliest stage, can be reversed. Periodontitis can’t be fully reversed, but it can be treated and kept under control with good home care and regular maintenance visits.

Does gum disease treatment hurt?
We numb the area before a deep cleaning, so you stay comfortable. Your gums may be tender for a few days afterward.

Why do I need cleanings every three to four months?
The bacteria that cause gum disease grow back in the pockets within about three months. Cleaning them out on that schedule keeps the disease from progressing.

How is periodontal maintenance different from a regular cleaning?
A regular cleaning is for healthy gums and cleans at and above the gumline. Periodontal maintenance cleans deeper, into the gum pockets, and includes measuring your gums to watch for changes.

Will I lose my teeth?
Not necessarily. With treatment and regular maintenance, most people with gum disease keep their teeth. The sooner you start, the better the outcome.

Will I always need maintenance visits?
Most patients who have had periodontitis do best staying on a maintenance schedule. If your gums stay healthy over time, Dr. Salem may lengthen the time between visits.

Does insurance cover gum disease treatment?
Many dental plans help cover deep cleanings and periodontal maintenance. We accept all PPO dental plans and Medi-Cal Dental, and we do not accept HMO plans. Call us and we’ll check your benefits for you.

Protect your gums and keep your teeth

Call Salem Dentistry at 562-435-8339 or book online today. If your gums bleed or it’s been a while since your last cleaning, Dr. Salem will check your gums and tell you exactly where things stand.