Gum Disease Treatment in Rancho Bernardo
Suffering from red, swollen gums or spotting blood on your toothbrush? Gum disease doesn’t just threaten your smile—it could affect your whole body. Plaza Dentistry’s expert gum disease treatment in Rancho Bernardo combines advanced diagnostics and personalized care to gently reverse early-stage gingivitis and effectively manage advanced periodontitis.
From deep cleaning and antimicrobial therapy to minimally invasive laser treatment and periodontal surgery, our highly trained team tailors every plan to your needs. Take control of your oral and overall health today.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease—also called periodontal disease—is a common oral infection that damages gum tissue, bone, and supporting structures of the teeth. Left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and negatively impact overall health. Here’s what you should know:
- Gingivitis – early stage: gums become red, swollen, and may bleed when brushing or flossing
- Periodontitis – advanced stage: persistent infection causes gum pockets, bone loss, and may lead to loose teeth
- Caused by plaque—a sticky film of bacteria that forms along the gumline
- Left untreated, it’s linked to systemic health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke
Why Choose Gum Disease Treatment at Plaza Dentistry?
We stand out as Rancho Bernardo’s trusted periodontal care provider, combining expertise, comfort, and personalized service:
- Experienced team: Specialized dentists certified in periodontal treatment—Dr. Michael Payor and Dr. Diana Cluff-Payor pinpoint and treat gum disease effectively.
- State-of-the-art diagnostics: Digital X‑rays detect bone and tissue changes early, ensuring accurate assessment.
- Custom deep cleanings: Our thorough scaling & root planing removes plaque above and below the gumline, smoothing root surfaces to support healing.
- Laser periodontal therapy: Precision diode and soft tissue lasers reduce bacteria with minimal discomfort, faster healing, and little bleeding.
- Antibiotic support: Post-treatment, we apply localized antibiotic agents directly into pocket areas to speed healing.
- Comfort-focused environment: Gentle, calming dental experience—ideal for nervous patients, inclusive of sedation as needed.
- Ongoing maintenance: After initial therapy, custom periodontal maintenance visits help sustain gum health indefinitely.
- All backed by compassionate Rancho Bernardo team support, flexible financing, and insurance options.
Who Is Gum Disease Treatment For?
Anyone experiencing gum issues can benefit, especially:
Adults with Early Signs (Gingivitis)
- Experiencing occasional bleeding when brushing/flossing
- Seeking to reverse disease before it advances
People Diagnosed with Periodontitis
- Seeing gum recession, persistent bad breath, or deep periodontal pockets
- In need of root planing, antimicrobial therapy, or surgery
High-Risk Individuals
- Smokers, diabetics, pregnant patients, or those with autoimmune conditions—all at heightened risk.
- Patients with a family history of periodontal disease
Anyone Focused on Prevention
- Regular dental visitors aiming to maintain healthy gums long-term
No matter your current gum health, Plaza Dentistry crafts a tailored treatment path to restore your gums, enhance oral wellness, and support systemic health.
How Gum Disease Affects Your Overall Health
Gum disease isn’t just a smile issue—it can impact vital organs:
- Heart & vascular health: Gum bacteria and inflammation may elevate C-reactive protein and trigger arterial plaque buildup—raising heart disease and stroke risk.
- Diabetes: Gum disease can worsen blood sugar control, while diabetes raises periodontal infection risks—creating a challenging cycle.
- Alzheimer’s and dementia: Certain gum pathogens, like Porphyromonas gingivalis, have been linked to brain inflammation and cognitive decline.
- Systemic inflammation: Periodontal infections trigger systemic immune responses, raising inflammatory markers like IL-6 and TNF—contributing to chronic diseases.
- Other conditions: Impact evidenced in rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory disease, and kidney disease.
Treating gum disease reduces local infection and can lower systemic inflammation, positively influencing your overall health.
Treatment Options & What to Expect
1. Thorough Evaluation
Your initial visit includes clinical assessment, probing pocket depths, digital x-rays, and health reviews to guide the treatment plan.
2. Non-Surgical Care
- Scaling & root planing (SRP) removes plaque/tartar below the gumline, smoothing roots to encourage reattachment.
- Antimicrobial rinses or irrigation, like chlorhexidine, disinfect challenging pockets.
3. Adjunctive Therapies
- Local antibiotics (gels, chips, trays) target bacteria where SRP can’t reach.
- LANAP laser treatment uses Nd:YAG lasers to sterilize pockets, encourage regeneration, and speed healing with minimal discomfort.
4. Surgical Intervention (if indicated)
- Flap surgery provides access to deep pockets for cleansing and possible regeneration.
- Guided tissue regeneration uses membranes and grafts to restore bone and roots.
5. Maintenance & Self-Care
- Follow-up visits every 3–4 months to sustain gum health
- Personalized coaching on brushing, flossing, rinses, and lifestyle improvements that reduce recurrence risk
Comparing Treatment Options: Deep Cleaning vs Laser
| Feature | Scaling & Root Planing (SRP) | LANAP Laser Therapy |
| Effectiveness | Proven to reduce pocket depths and gingivitis | Comparable effectiveness; ideal for moderate-to-severe cases |
| Comfort & Recovery | Local anesthesia required; mild discomfort post-treatment | Less invasive, less bleeding/swelling, faster healing |
| Invasiveness | Manual instrumentation under the gums | Precision targeting of diseased tissue only |
| Cost | More affordable option | Higher cost but fewer follow-ups; financing available |
| Ideal For | Gingivitis, early & mild-moderate periodontitis | Advanced cases, patients needing gentle treatment |
Plaza Dentistry Treatment Journey
| Step | What Happens | Approx. Time |
| 1. Initial Exam | Full gum assessment using x-rays and probing | 30–45 min |
| 2. Treatment Plan | Non-surgical vs. surgical options reviewed with you | 15–20 min |
| 3. First Treatment | Scaling/root planing ± laser or antibiotics under anesthesia | 60–90 min |
| 4. Advanced Care | Flap surgery or guided regeneration if needed | 1–2 hours |
| 5. Recall Visit | Evaluate healing and measure pocket improvements | 30 min |
| 6. Maintenance | Cleanings every 3–4 months, plus hygiene coaching | 45 min |
For gingivitis, treatment can be completed in 1–2 visits. Moderate cases may require SRP + adjunct therapy over 1–2 months. Advanced periodontitis could involve surgery, healing, and intensive maintenance.
Cost & Payment Options
Each treatment estimate reflects your individual needs:
- Diagnostic exam & x-rays: complimentary or modest fee
- Scaling & root planing: $185 and $444 per quadrant (based on pocket depths)
- Antibiotic gels, pulses, or trays: add-on based on bacterial load
- LANAP laser therapy: premium pricing—offers comfort and precision
- Surgical procedures: price provided after planning
- Insurance: we work with most PPO plans and file claims for you
- Financing: interest-free payment plans are available for qualified patients
- Uninsured options: ask about our low-cost plans and package offers
Before any procedure, we give you a clear, written treatment plan and cost breakdown—no surprises, full transparency.
Before & After / Patient Success Stories
Take the Next Step
Struggling with advanced symptoms, Plaza Dentistry’s Rancho Bernardo periodontal specialists offer expert, compassionate care with advanced technologies.
Call 858‑485‑8380 or request an appointment online to begin your path to restored health and confidence. Your smile—and overall wellness—will thank you.