Periodontics in Studio City, CA

Periodontics FAQ

What is periodontics?

Periodontics is a dental specialty focused on the periodontium — the gums, alveolar bone, cementum, and periodontal ligament that support the teeth. Treatment includes managing gingivitis, periodontitis, and performing procedures such as scaling and root planing, osseous surgery, and soft-tissue grafting.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease — known clinically as periodontal disease — is a bacterial infection of the gingival tissue caused by plaque and subgingival calculus. It progresses from gingivitis (reversible inflammation) to periodontitis, which destroys alveolar bone and can result in tooth loss if left untreated.

What are the early signs of periodontal disease?

Early signs of periodontal disease include gingival bleeding during brushing or flossing, erythema and edema of the gum tissue, persistent halitosis, and gingival recession. Probing depths greater than three millimeters during a periodontal exam may indicate the onset of clinical attachment loss.

Can gum disease be reversed?

Gingivitis — the earliest stage of periodontal disease — can often be reversed with professional prophylaxis, improved brushing and flossing, and antimicrobial rinses such as chlorhexidine gluconate. Once the condition progresses to periodontitis with alveolar bone loss, it can be managed but not fully reversed.

What happens if periodontal disease is left untreated?

Untreated periodontal disease progresses from gingivitis to moderate and advanced periodontitis, causing irreversible alveolar bone resorption, increased tooth mobility, and eventual tooth loss. Chronic periodontitis has also been linked to systemic conditions including cardiovascular disease and diabetes complications.

How is periodontal disease treated?

Treatment depends on disease severity. Non-surgical options include scaling and root planing with ultrasonic instruments and localized antibiotic delivery such as Arestin (minocycline microspheres). Surgical options include osseous surgery, guided tissue regeneration, and connective tissue grafting to restore lost attachment.

Are periodontal treatments painful?

Most periodontal procedures are performed under local anesthesia with lidocaine or articaine, ensuring a comfortable experience. At Studio Dental Care in Studio City, CA, sedation options are also available for patients who experience anxiety during scaling and root planing or surgical procedures.

How often should I have a periodontal screening?

Periodontal screening should be performed at every routine dental visit — typically every six months — using a periodontal probe to measure sulcus depth around each tooth. Patients with a history of periodontitis may require periodontal maintenance appointments every three to four months.

Can gum disease affect overall health?

Yes. Research has established links between chronic periodontitis and systemic conditions including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and respiratory infections. The inflammatory mediators and bacterial pathogens associated with periodontal disease can enter the bloodstream and contribute to these conditions.

How do I get started?

Schedule a periodontal evaluation at Studio Dental Care in Studio City, CA, where a comprehensive exam including periodontal probing and digital radiographs will assess your gum health and guide a personalized treatment plan.