Gum disease is common and very manageable when it is caught and treated early.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissue that supports your teeth. It starts as gingivitis, where the gums are inflamed and may bleed when you brush, and can progress to periodontitis, which damages the bone underneath. Roughly half of adults over 30 have some form of it, often without knowing.
Warning Signs
Signs to Watch For
Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
Red, swollen, or tender gums
Gums that have pulled away from your teeth
Persistent bad breath
Teeth that feel loose or have shifted position
How We Treat It
The right treatment depends on how far the disease has progressed:
- Periodontal evaluation: a detailed assessment measuring pocket depths and bone levels so we know exactly what we are working with
- Scaling and root planing: a deep cleaning below the gumline that removes tartar and bacteria from the root surfaces. This is the standard first treatment for moderate gum disease.
- Periodontal maintenance cleanings: once the disease is under control, we shift from standard 6-month visits to cleanings every 3 months to keep it that way.
The Perio Maintenance Membership Plan
Patients who need quarterly cleanings can enroll in our Perio Maintenance Plan at $70 per month or $770 per year. It covers four cleanings per year, two exams, X-rays, and a 30% discount on additional treatment.
Who Is This For?
Anyone showing signs of gum disease, or who has been diagnosed with it in the past. Most cases can be managed right here in Carmichael without a referral to a specialist.
We welcome patients from Carmichael and nearby communities including Citrus Heights, Fair Oaks, Arden-Arcade, and the Sacramento 95841 area.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
The area is numbed before treatment. You may have some tenderness for a few days afterward, but the procedure itself should not hurt. Most patients find it far more manageable than they expected.
Yes, which is why the maintenance phase is important. Once you have had periodontal disease you are at higher risk for recurrence. Regular 3-month cleanings are the most effective way to stay ahead of it.
Research has found associations between gum disease and conditions including heart disease, diabetes, and pregnancy complications. Treating gum disease is good for your overall health, not just your teeth.
In many cases, no. Dr. Sandhu handles evaluation, scaling and root planing, and maintenance right here in Carmichael. For complex surgical cases he will refer you to a specialist and stay involved in your care.
It is usually done in two appointments, one side of the mouth at a time. Each appointment is about one hour. This allows the anesthetic to be more effective and gives you time to recover between visits.
Noticing signs of gum disease in Carmichael?
Most cases are treatable right here without a specialist referral.
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