Gum Disease Treatment in Sonora, CA

Gum tissue plays a fundamental role in maintaining oral health and stability. It supports the teeth, protects against harmful bacteria, and helps preserve the bone that anchors the teeth in place. But when this protective barrier breaks down due to inflammation or infection, the impact can go far beyond your mouth. Gum disease has been linked to serious health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes. The problem is, it often develops gradually and without noticeable symptoms, which makes it easy to overlook until significant damage has already occurred. At our office, we provide comprehensive care for every stage of gum disease, offering personalized treatments to protect your health and restore lasting stability.

Understanding Gum Disease

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common condition that affects the tissues and bone supporting the teeth. It begins when bacteria accumulate along the gumline and harden into plaque and tartar. This buildup can cause inflammation and potentially lead to infection.

The earliest stage, known as gingivitis, is typically mild and reversible. If untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more serious form of the disease that may result in gum recession, bone loss, and tooth loss.

Detecting gum disease early is crucial to maintaining your oral health. Keep an eye out for these common warning signs:

• Bleeding gums: Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing may indicate gum inflammation, an early sign of gum disease.
• Swollen or red gums: Healthy gums are typically pink and firm; redness and swelling can indicate an infection.
• Bad breath: Persistent bad breath, or halitosis, can result from the presence of bacteria associated with periodontal disease.
• Receding gums: When the gums shrink back from the teeth and expose the roots, it may indicate gum recession linked to ongoing infection.
• Sensitive teeth: Tooth sensitivity may occur as the gums recede, exposing sensitive tooth roots.
• Loose teeth: Gum disease can damage the supporting bone, leading to loose or shifting teeth.

Gum Disease Treatment

Soft Tissue Management

To effectively treat gum disease, Dr. Paul Berger uses a focused approach known as Soft Tissue Management (STM). Unlike a routine dental cleaning, STM takes a comprehensive approach that targets the root causes of gum disease. This includes bacterial plaque, tartar buildup, and chronic inflammation.

Treatment begins with a detailed periodontal evaluation. Dr. Berger measures the depth of the gum pockets around each tooth to determine the severity of the infection and assess any tissue damage. From there, he creates a personalized care plan tailored to your specific needs.

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and can usually be reversed with consistent brushing, flossing, and regular professional cleanings. However, if left untreated, the condition can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that requires advanced care. At this point, treatment may involve deep cleaning beneath the gum line, antimicrobial rinses or medications, and in some cases, procedures to restore damaged gum tissue.

For patients with periodontitis, Dr. Berger performs a deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing. He removes plaque and tartar from both above and below the gumline, then smooths the root surfaces to support healing and help the gums reattach to the teeth.

To support healing, he may apply antimicrobial rinses or prescribe medication to reduce bacteria in the treated areas. You’ll also receive personalized guidance on caring for your gums at home, including brushing and flossing techniques, as well as any special tools or rinses that may help prevent the disease from returning.

We continue to monitor your progress with regular maintenance visits. At each appointment, we check your gum health, manage any lingering bacteria, and make sure the disease remains under control.

Gum Disease Treatment With Laser Technology

Dr. Berger uses laser dentistry throughout gum disease treatment to improve accuracy and support better outcomes. This technology delivers a concentrated light beam that targets infected or inflamed gum tissue while preserving nearby healthy areas. The laser energy is absorbed by the affected tissue and pigmented bacteria, allowing for their precise removal through a process called selective photoablation. This approach helps reduce harmful bacteria deep within periodontal pockets and promotes healthier tissue regeneration

Laser therapy also sterilizes the treatment site as it works, creating a cleaner environment that lowers the risk of infection and accelerates healing. Patients often experience less bleeding, swelling, and discomfort compared to traditional methods. In many cases, Dr. Berger may use the laser alongside scaling and root planing to improve outcomes, especially in areas where pocket depth or tissue irregularities make healing more difficult.

Dr. Berger may also use the laser to reshape the gumline or encourage the gums to reattach more securely to the teeth, depending on the specifics of your condition. This minimally invasive approach allows for a more comfortable treatment experience and supports lasting improvements in gum health.

Treatment Planning After Tooth Loss

When gum disease progresses to advanced periodontitis, the damage to the gums and bone can become irreversible. At this stage, teeth can become loose, painful, and unresponsive to non-surgical treatments. Deep pockets often form around these teeth, creating spaces where bacteria collect and the infection becomes difficult to manage. When this happens, Dr. Berger may recommend removing one or more affected teeth to prevent further damage and protect the health of nearby tissues.

If extraction is necessary, Dr. Berger offers a reliable solution to restore both function and appearance. He places mini dental implants directly into the jawbone, creating a stable foundation for a dental crown or bridge. These implants are smaller in diameter than traditional implants, allowing for a less invasive placement process and faster healing time.

Mini implants help maintain bite alignment and prevent the bone loss that typically follows tooth removal. They help to preserve your smile and the structure that supports it.

Explore Treatment Options for Periodontal Disease

Protecting your oral health starts with knowing what’s happening beneath the surface. If you’re experiencing signs of periodontal disease, Dr. Berger and his team are here to provide the expert care you need to stop its progression and restore stability. Our approach is precise, personalized, and built on proven treatment protocols to preserve the health and structure of your smile. Contact our Sonora office to schedule an evaluation and get the clarity and support you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions