Periodontal Disease Specialist in San Juan Capistrano
Radiant Smiles Dental Care
Bin Vinh Hoang, D.D.S.
Aesthetic and Implant Dentist located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Nearly half of American adults have some form of gum disease, or periodontal disease, a progressive condition that leads to inflamed gums. Bin Hoang, DDS, of Radiant Smiles Dental Care in San Juan Capistrano, California, specializes in providing personalized care plans, with cutting-edge treatments, including LANAP® laser treatments. If you’re experiencing symptoms like bleeding or tender gums, call the office or use the online booking tool today and schedule a time to come in.
Periodontal Disease Q&A
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a progressive condition that affects the health of your teeth and gums. It often develops into gum disease.
The health of your gums is so important because they make up the soft tissue that holds your teeth firmly in place. Your gums should be firm and pink. When you have gum disease, the structure of your gums becomes compromised and your teeth can loosen, decay, or even fall out.
It’s also been proven that gum disease is closely tied to your overall health and serious health conditions. Having gum disease significantly increases your risk of heart disease and stroke.
What are common symptoms of gum disease?
Here are some of the most common symptoms of gum disease to look out for:
- Bleeding gums
- Tender gums
- Inflamed gums (dark red)
- Sensitive teeth
- Loose teeth
- Receding gums
- Recurring bad breath
If you notice symptoms of gum disease, it’s very important to seek treatment that addresses the root cause.
What causes gum disease?
The most common cause of gum disease is neglectful oral hygiene. When you aren’t brushing and flossing properly, bacteria can build up above and below the gum line, which leads to a buildup of plaque and tartar. The bacteria can cause infection or inflammation of your gums.
There are also several risk factors that can lead to gum disease, including:
- Diabetes
- Hormonal changes in women
- Certain illnesses (such as AIDS)
- Certain medications (especially ones that stop saliva flow)
- Genetic factors
- Tobacco use of any kind
How does periodontal therapy work?
First, Dr. Hoang evaluates the severity of your periodontal or gum disease and discusses your symptoms with you. Then, he’ll recommend a course of treatment, which may include:
Root debridement therapy (RDT)
This is a type of periodontal treatment that addresses the accumulation of harmful bacteria deep within periodontal pockets and along the gingiva near the roots of teeth. It involves using ultrasonic scalers. These dental instruments help Dr. Hoang flush out toxins and pathogens from the gingiva.
Scaling And Root Planing
Scaling and root planing (SRP) is another non-surgical form of treatment for gum disease. This treatment involves removing tartar accumulation below the gum line by gently filing down the roots of teeth to create a smooth surface so that new tartar accumulation is less pronounced. SRP often entails multiple treatment sessions, depending on the progression of your gum disease.
Lanap® laser treatment
LANAP, or the Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure, is an FDA-approved treatment for gum disease. It is a minimally invasive gum disease treatment that removes bacteria from infected gums using a laser. The best part is instead of requiring a scalpel and sutures, the treatment uses a less-invasive laser to clear away an infection. The entire procedure takes approximately four hours divided into two sessions, as opposed to the surgical alternative that can take up to eight hours to complete. LANAP patients also typically experience far less swelling, pain, and discomfort following a gum disease treatment session than patients who undergo surgical treatments. Although soft foods are necessary for the first few days after treatment, recovery is generally nine times faster than it is with traditional gum disease surgeries.
If you need periodontal therapy, call Radiant Smiles Dental Care today or use the online booking tool and set up an appointment.