Gum Disease Treatment in San Francisco
Gum disease is common, but left untreated it can threaten your teeth and overall health. At Financial District Dentistry, we offer a full range of periodontal treatment options to help patients throughout San Francisco, CA restore healthy gums.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gums and supporting bone structure around your teeth. It typically starts as gingivitis, a milder, reversible form of inflammation, and can progress to periodontitis, a more advanced stage that can damage the bone and tissue holding your teeth in place.
Signs You May Need Treatment
Watch for red, swollen, or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, loose teeth, or gums that have pulled away from your teeth. Catching these signs early makes treatment simpler and more effective.
Gingivitis vs. Periodontitis
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and is typically reversible with improved oral hygiene and a professional cleaning. Periodontitis is more advanced and requires more involved treatment, since bone and tissue damage at this stage is not reversible — though its progression can be managed and slowed.
Why Treatment Matters
Untreated gum disease can lead to tooth loss, receding gums, and bone loss over time, and research has linked it to broader health concerns as well. Treating it early helps protect both your smile and your overall health.
Treatment Options
Depending on the stage of your gum disease, we may recommend scaling and root planing for a deep cleaning below the gumline, ongoing periodontal maintenance, antimicrobial therapy, or laser dentistry support for certain cases. More advanced cases may require referral for periodontal surgery.
What to Expect During Treatment
Your dentist will evaluate your gum health, measure periodontal pocket depth, and review your X-rays before recommending the right treatment plan for your stage of disease. Most non-surgical treatments are performed with local anesthetic for comfort.
Preventing Gum Disease From Progressing
Good home care — brushing twice daily, flossing, and not smoking — combined with regular professional cleanings, is the best way to prevent gum disease from advancing or returning after treatment.
Who’s at Higher Risk?
Risk factors include smoking, diabetes, certain medications, hormonal changes, and a family history of gum disease. If you have one or more of these risk factors, more frequent monitoring may be recommended.
Cost of Treatment
The cost depends on the stage of disease and treatment needed. Visit our Financial Information page for payment details, or call (415) 399-9999 for a personalized estimate.
Schedule Your Gum Disease Consultation
Noticing signs of gum disease? Don’t wait. Contact us at (415) 399-9999 or request an appointment today.
Gum Disease Treatment FAQs
What are the signs of gum disease?
Red, swollen, or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, and loose teeth are common signs.
Does gum disease treatment hurt?
Most non-surgical treatments are performed with local anesthetic, so they shouldn’t be painful, with mild soreness possible afterward.
Can gum disease be reversed?
Gingivitis, the earliest stage, is typically reversible. More advanced periodontitis can be managed and slowed, but existing bone loss isn’t reversible.
What causes gum disease?
Plaque and tartar buildup are the primary causes, with risk increased by smoking, certain medications, hormonal changes, and genetics.
Can gum disease affect my overall health?
Research has linked gum disease to broader health concerns, which is why early treatment is important.
How often will I need follow-up visits?
Many patients need periodontal maintenance every three to four months after initial treatment to keep gum disease from returning.
Protect Your Gum Health
Contact us at (415) 399-9999 to schedule your gum disease consultation.