Periodontal Disease

Oral hygiene: Scaling and root planing (conventional periodontal therapy). Medically accurate 3D illustration of human teeth treatment

Periodontal disease is one of the most common dental conditions in adults, yet it often goes unnoticed until it reaches an advanced stage. A healthy smile starts beneath the surface. That is why our approach at Solana Family Dental centers on early detection, personalized care, and the latest treatment options to protect your gums, your teeth, and your overall health. Dr. Ronny Le, DDS and Dr. Victoria Le, DDS are committed to catching gum disease early and keeping it from progressing.

Understanding Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums, bone, and connective tissue supporting your teeth. It starts as gingivitis, the mildest and most reversible form, characterized by red, swollen, or bleeding gums. Untreated gingivitis can advance into periodontal disease, where bacteria organize into biofilms along and below the gumline, triggering ongoing inflammation that slowly destroys the structures keeping your teeth in place.

Periodontal disease is particularly difficult to catch early because it rarely causes pain in its initial stages. By the time symptoms like gum recession, loose teeth, persistent bad breath, or increased sensitivity become noticeable, significant damage has often already occurred. More than 80% of adults have some form of gum disease, many without knowing it, which is why routine dental exams are one of the most reliable ways to catch and address it early.

Our Periodontal Disease Services

Treating periodontal disease calls for the right approach at every stage, from conservative cleanings to more intensive procedures for serious cases. At Solana Family Dental, we offer a full range of gum disease treatments designed to meet you exactly where you are in your care.

Teeth Cleaning

A professional teeth cleaning is often the first line of defense against gum disease and a core part of any periodontal care plan. During this visit, our hygienist carefully removes plaque and tartar buildup that brushing and flossing alone cannot reach, reducing the bacteria responsible for gum inflammation. For patients with early-stage gingivitis, a thorough cleaning combined with improved daily habits can be enough to restore gum health.

Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)

Standard cleanings are not always sufficient once periodontal disease has progressed below the gumline. Scaling and root planing goes deeper, removing hardened bacterial deposits from root surfaces and smoothing those surfaces to help gum tissue reattach and heal properly. It is one of the most effective non-surgical options available for moderate to advanced periodontal disease.

Laser Bacterial Reduction

Laser bacterial reduction uses concentrated light energy to precisely target and eliminate the harmful bacteria driving periodontal infection. It works alongside traditional cleaning methods, reaching areas that instruments may miss while reducing inflammation in the surrounding tissue. Most patients find this approach more comfortable than conventional treatments, with noticeably faster healing.

Gingivectomy

A gingivectomy may be recommended for patients whose gum disease has not responded to non-surgical care. This procedure removes and reshapes diseased gum tissue to close off the deep pockets where bacteria accumulate and cause continued destruction. It is often the most decisive way to halt advanced periodontal disease and preserve the bone and teeth underneath.

vector image tooth disease

Our Periodontal Disease Treatment Process

Probing, Imaging, and Understanding Your Gum Health

Your first appointment includes a thorough evaluation of your gum health, with visual inspection, probing measurements, and digital X-rays to assess bone levels. Dr. Ronny Le, DDS and Dr. Victoria Le, DDS take time to understand your symptoms, medical history, and any concerns you have about your gums. This full assessment allows our team to accurately stage your condition and identify the most appropriate path forward.

Deciding the Most Effective Approach for Your Specific Gum Condition

Your treatment plan is built around your individual needs, not a standardized checklist. Depending on how advanced the disease is, your plan may involve deep cleaning, laser therapy, or a combination of both. Each recommendation is clearly explained so you know exactly what to expect before any treatment begins.

Treating Periodontal Disease With Precision and Care

Mild cases typically start with a professional cleaning and guidance on strengthening your home care routine. More advanced disease is addressed with scaling and root planing, which clears bacterial deposits from below the gumline and smooths root surfaces to discourage reinfection. Dr. Ronny Le, DDS brings in laser bacterial reduction or laser gum surgery as needed to target stubborn infection with accuracy and minimal discomfort.

Brushing, Flossing, and What Else Your Gums Need

Recovery does not end when you leave the office. Consistent brushing, daily flossing, and any prescribed rinses all play an important role in controlling bacteria and supporting tissue healing between visits. Our team will go over the specific at-home steps that give your gums the best chance of staying healthy long-term.

Periodontal Maintenance Visits That Stay One Step Ahead of Gum Disease

Dr. Victoria Le, DDS and our team schedule maintenance visits at intervals based on your individual risk, typically every three to four months for patients with a periodontal history. These appointments go beyond a standard cleaning, allowing us to monitor tissue changes, measure pocket depths, and address any early signs of recurrence. Staying consistent with these visits is one of the most effective things you can do to protect your results.

Why Choose Us for Periodontal Disease Treatment

Gum disease responds best to consistent, attentive care, and that is exactly what you will find at our practice. Dr. Ronny Le and Dr. Victoria Le each bring over 15 years of clinical experience, and their approach to periodontal treatment is both evidence-based and deeply personal. They do not just address the infection; they take time to understand what is driving it, walk you through your options, and build a plan that aligns with your health goals

The technology available at our office also plays a significant role in the quality of care you receive. In-office 3D cone beam imaging provides a detailed view of bone levels and tissue damage that standard X-rays often cannot capture. Laser bacterial reduction and laser gum surgery give many patients a surgical-free path to recovery, with reduced discomfort and shorter healing periods. Every appointment, whether it is your first evaluation or a routine maintenance visit, is approached with the same level of focus and individualized attention.

Adult man showing his periodontal disease before the camera

FAQs

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is a serious bacterial infection that damages the gums, bone, and connective tissue that hold your teeth in place. It develops when harmful bacteria form biofilms along the gumline, producing chronic inflammation that breaks down supporting structures over time. It typically begins as gingivitis, the earliest and most manageable stage, before advancing to more severe disease without proper care.

How to treat periodontal disease?

Treatment is determined by how far the disease has progressed and can range from non-surgical to surgical intervention. Mild to moderate cases are commonly treated with scaling and root planing, which clears bacterial deposits from below the gumline and promotes tissue healing. Laser gum surgery, laser bacterial reduction, or a gingivectomy may be introduced for cases that require a more direct approach.

Is periodontal disease contagious?

The bacteria responsible for periodontal disease can pass between people through saliva, including through kissing or sharing utensils. That said, contact with these bacteria does not guarantee someone will develop the disease, since factors like immune health, genetics, and oral hygiene habits all influence susceptibility. Keeping up with regular professional care significantly lowers the risk, regardless of prior exposure.

Can periodontal disease be reversed?

Gingivitis, the earliest stage, can be fully resolved with professional treatment and consistent home care. Once the disease has advanced to periodontitis and bone or tissue loss has occurred, full reversal is no longer possible, but the condition can be stabilized and managed effectively. A structured treatment plan combined with regular maintenance visits gives most patients the ability to stop progression and protect what remains.

How long can you keep your teeth with periodontal disease?

Many patients retain their natural teeth for life with proper, timely treatment and a commitment to long-term maintenance. The most influential factors are how early care begins, the quality of daily oral hygiene, and how reliably patients attend their scheduled follow-up appointments. Those who stay engaged with their care and work closely with their dental team give themselves the strongest chance of keeping their teeth for years to come.

Treat Periodontal Disease Before It Gets Worse

Periodontal disease does not improve on its own, but with timely, consistent care, it absolutely can be controlled. Most patients who follow through with treatment and maintenance keep their teeth long-term and notice genuine improvement in how their gums look and feel. Dr. Ronny Le, DDS and Dr. Victoria Le, DDS at Solana Family Dental are ready to help you get there. Find us on Yelp and Google Maps; we are conveniently located in Poway, CA, and always happy to see new patients. Keep up with us on Facebook for expert oral health tips, a look inside our practice, and updates from our team. Call 858.345.1960 today to schedule your periodontal evaluation.

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