From early gingivitis to advanced periodontitis, treatment provided in-house by Dr. Stephen and our experienced hygiene team.
Gum disease (periodontal disease) is one of the most common chronic conditions affecting adults, estimated to impact nearly half of adults over age 30. It is also the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States, more than tooth decay. Untreated gum disease has been linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes complications, and other systemic health issues.
The disease progresses in stages. Gingivitis is the early, reversible stage, characterized by red, swollen, or bleeding gums. Periodontitis is the advanced stage where the infection has caused bone loss around teeth, leading to gum recession, loose teeth, and eventual tooth loss if untreated. Both stages are treatable, but treatment becomes more involved as the disease progresses.
Treatment ranges from professional cleanings and improved home care for gingivitis to specialty procedures like scaling and root planing or surgical intervention for advanced periodontitis. Most early to moderate cases respond well to non-surgical treatment. Advanced cases benefit from Dr. Stephen Kallaos, our in-house periodontist, whose specialty training and board certification are focused on treating exactly these conditions.
Most general dental practices identify gum disease during routine cleanings but refer treatment out to a separate periodontist office, often miles away. We do not. Treatment can begin at our Downey office without referrals, and complex cases stay in-house with Dr. Kallaos rather than going elsewhere.
Understanding which stage you are in helps clarify which treatment is appropriate.
Earliest stage, fully reversible
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup at the gumline. The body's immune response causes the gum tissue to become red, swollen, and prone to bleeding. No bone has been lost yet, the damage is limited to soft tissue.
Symptoms
Disease has spread, partially reversible
If gingivitis is not treated, the infection spreads below the gumline. The bone supporting the teeth begins to be destroyed, creating periodontal pockets between teeth and gums. Some bone loss has occurred, but with proper treatment, progression can be halted.
Symptoms
Significant bone loss, treatment is critical
Significant bone loss has occurred, teeth may become loose or shift, and persistent infection requires specialty treatment to halt progression. Treatment focus shifts to preserving remaining teeth and bone rather than restoring lost tissue.
Symptoms
Treatment is matched to the severity of your case. Most patients receive non-surgical treatment first.
For early gingivitis. Routine cleaning every 6 months combined with improved brushing and flossing technique. Most cases of gingivitis are fully reversed within a few weeks of consistent good home care plus professional cleaning.
For early to moderate periodontitis. Non-surgical deep cleaning that removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the tooth roots to discourage bacterial reattachment. Often performed in two visits with local anesthesia. Followed by periodontal maintenance every 3-4 months.
Used as an adjunct to scaling and root planing for moderate cases. Localized antibiotic medication placed in periodontal pockets, or oral antibiotics for severe cases. Helps the body's immune system clear remaining infection in deep pockets.
For advanced cases where non-surgical treatment cannot fully address the disease. Includes pocket reduction surgery, soft tissue grafting, and bone grafting. Performed by Dr. Stephen at our Downey office.
Most patients follow this five-stage process from initial evaluation to ongoing maintenance.
Comprehensive Periodontal Evaluation. Pocket depth measurements, X-rays, and examination of gum and bone health. Provides a clear baseline for the severity of your case and the right treatment approach.
Treatment Plan Discussion. Dr. Stephen or your general dentist explains the diagnosis, treatment options, expected outcomes, and timeline. You leave with a clear plan rather than uncertainty.
Active Treatment Phase. The actual treatment, ranging from a single deep cleaning to multiple surgical visits depending on severity. Most cases are completed within a few weeks.
Re-Evaluation. 4-8 weeks after active treatment, we re-measure pocket depths and assess gum health to confirm treatment was successful. Most cases see significant improvement at re-evaluation.
Periodontal Maintenance. Patients with treated gum disease transition to maintenance cleanings every 3-4 months rather than the standard 6-month schedule. This ongoing care is essential to prevent disease recurrence.
Without ongoing maintenance, gum disease often recurs. We support patients through both active treatment and long-term maintenance, with care coordinated between our hygiene team and Dr. Stephen as needed.
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Gum disease is common but rarely discussed. Honest answers to the questions patients ask most often.
Ask a QuestionEarly gingivitis is fully reversible with professional cleaning and improved home care, typically within a few weeks. Periodontitis (advanced gum disease) is not fully reversible because the supporting bone has been lost, but it can be effectively halted and stabilized with proper treatment. The earlier gum disease is treated, the better the outcome.
Common signs include bleeding gums when you brush or floss, gum recession, persistent bad breath, and tender or red gums. Many patients have early gum disease without obvious symptoms, however, which is why routine dental visits matter. We measure pocket depths at cleanings and identify gum disease in its earliest, most treatable stage.
Scaling and root planing (SRP) is a non-surgical deep cleaning that treats early to moderate periodontitis. Special instruments remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline (scaling) and smooth the tooth root surfaces to discourage bacterial reattachment (planing). The procedure is performed under local anesthesia for comfort, typically across two appointments treating different sides of the mouth.
Most periodontal treatments are performed under local anesthesia, so the procedure itself is comfortable. Some mild soreness is normal for a few days after deep cleaning or surgery, manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. Patients describe the discomfort as similar to having a tooth filled. Sedation options are available for patients with significant anxiety or for more extensive cases.
Cost depends on severity. Routine periodontal cleaning is comparable to standard cleaning costs and is typically covered by insurance. Scaling and root planing is more involved and costs more, but is also typically covered by insurance, often at higher reimbursement rates than standard cleanings because periodontal disease is a medical condition. Surgical procedures cost more. We verify your benefits before treatment and provide a clear cost breakdown.
Most dental insurance plans cover gum disease treatment, often at higher reimbursement rates than routine preventive care because periodontal disease is classified as a medical condition. Coverage typically includes scaling and root planing, periodontal maintenance, and many surgical procedures. We verify your specific benefits before treatment.
Patients with treated periodontal disease typically transition to periodontal maintenance cleanings every 3 to 4 months rather than standard 6-month cleanings. This more frequent schedule is essential to prevent recurrence and is supported by clinical research. Long-term maintenance is more important for periodontal patients than for patients without disease history.
Yes. Research has linked advanced periodontal disease to heart disease, stroke, diabetes complications, respiratory disease, and even some pregnancy complications. The bacteria associated with gum disease can enter the bloodstream and trigger systemic inflammation. Treating gum disease is part of overall health management, especially for patients with diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, or pregnancy.
Dr. Stephen, our in-house periodontist, treats gum disease in the same office where the rest of your dental care happens. That integration matters.
Dr. Stephen Kallaos completed three years of specialty training in periodontics beyond dental school and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. Complex cases stay at our practice rather than being referred to a separate office.
Mild cases of gingivitis are treated by your hygienist and general dentist as part of routine care. Treatment can begin immediately when issues are identified at a cleaning.
Treatment plans, cost discussions, and home care guidance available in English and Spanish. Periodontal care depends on understanding what is happening, communication matters.
Periodontal maintenance every 3-4 months is critical to long-term success. We schedule and remind, helping you stay on track during the years of maintenance care that follow active treatment.
Our broader periodontal specialty. Surgery, soft tissue grafting, and gum disease care under one roof.
Learn more →Routine preventive care and the place where gum disease is most often first identified.
Learn more →Replacement options when gum disease has caused tooth loss, with bone grafting handled in-house.
Learn more →New patients welcome. Same-week appointments available for most visits.
