Periodontal Disease Treatment in South San Francisco
Vaksman Dental Group provides periodontal disease treatment service in South San Francisco for patients with bleeding gums, swollen gums, gum recession, loose teeth, persistent bad breath, gum infection, or signs of bone loss around the teeth.
Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, affects the gums and supporting structures around the teeth. In early stages, gums may become red, swollen, tender, or bleed when brushing or flossing. As the condition progresses, gum tissue can pull away from the teeth and form deeper pockets where bacteria and tartar can collect.
Our dental team evaluates your gums, teeth, bone support, oral hygiene, symptoms, and dental history to determine the right next step. The goal is to control infection, reduce inflammation, protect your teeth, and help you maintain healthier gums over time.
Schedule a periodontal disease treatment service consultation
If your gums bleed, feel tender, look swollen, or seem to be pulling away from your teeth, schedule a dental evaluation. Early care may help prevent periodontal disease from becoming more difficult to manage.
Call Vaksman Dental Group at (650) 240-8400 or book an appointment online to schedule your periodontal disease treatment service consultation in South San Francisco.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection and inflammation of the gums and supporting tissues around the teeth. It often begins with plaque buildup along the gumline and may progress when bacteria and tartar collect below the gums.
Early gum disease is often called gingivitis. At this stage, the gums may bleed, swell, or feel irritated. When gum disease becomes more advanced, it is called periodontitis. Periodontitis can affect the bone and tissues that support the teeth and may lead to loose teeth or tooth loss if left untreated.
At Vaksman Dental Group, periodontal disease care begins with a dental exam, gum measurements, and X-rays when needed so we can understand the severity of the condition and recommend appropriate treatment.
Common signs of periodontal disease
You may need a periodontal disease evaluation if you notice:
Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
Red, swollen, or tender gums
Gum recession
Persistent bad breath
A bad taste in the mouth
Loose teeth
Sensitive teeth
Pain when chewing
Gum pockets around the teeth
Teeth that appear longer than before
Changes in your bite
Pus or drainage around the gums
Dentures or partials that no longer fit comfortably
Periodontal disease can sometimes progress without obvious pain. That is why routine dental exams,dental cleanings, and gum evaluations are important, even if your symptoms seem mild.
What causes periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is commonly linked to plaque and tartar buildup around the teeth and gums. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. When plaque is not removed effectively, it can harden into tartar, which is more difficult to remove with brushing and flossing alone.
Common causes and risk factors may include:
Plaque and tartar buildup
Inconsistent brushing or flossing
Smoking or tobacco use
Diabetes
Dry mouth
Certain medications
Hormonal changes
Genetics or family history
Crooked teeth that are difficult to clean
Poorly fitting dental restorations
Stress or immune system concerns
Skipping routine dental cleanings
Because periodontal disease can have multiple contributing factors, treatment should begin with a careful dental evaluation.
Gingivitis vs periodontitis
Gingivitis and periodontitis are both forms of gum disease, but they are not the same. Understanding the difference can help patients know why early evaluation matters.
Condition
What it means
Common signs
Why treatment matters
Gingivitis
Early gum inflammation that affects the gum tissue
Redness, swelling, tenderness, bleeding gums
Early treatment may help restore healthier gums and prevent progression
Periodontitis
More advanced periodontal disease affecting the supporting tissues and bone
Gum recession, deeper pockets, loose teeth, bone loss, bad breath
Treatment helps control infection, protect bone support, and reduce the risk of tooth loss
Advanced periodontitis
Severe gum disease with significant tissue or bone damage
More complex treatment or specialist referral may be needed
At Vaksman Dental Group, we evaluate the stage of periodontal disease before recommending treatment.
How do we determine the severity of periodontal disease?
Vaksman Dental Group determines the severity of periodontal disease by evaluating your gums, teeth, bone support, risk factors, and symptoms. This helps us understand whether your condition appears mild, moderate, or advanced.
Your periodontal evaluation may include:
Gum pocket measurements
Bleeding points around the gums
Gum recession assessment
Plaque and tartar buildup review
Tooth mobility evaluation
Bite and chewing comfort review
X-rays to assess bone support when needed
Review of smoking, diabetes, dry mouth, medications, and other risk factors
This information helps us determine whether you may need a routine cleaning, scaling and root planing, periodontal maintenance, referral for advanced periodontal care, or tooth replacement planning if the disease has affected tooth support.
Periodontal disease treatment service pathway
Periodontal disease treatment depends on the severity of the condition and how your gums respond to care. At Vaksman Dental Group, your treatment plan may follow a step-by-step pathway.
Initial gum evaluation We examine your gums, teeth, symptoms, and oral hygiene habits.
Gum pocket measurements We measure the spaces around your teeth to check for deeper pockets where bacteria may collect.
X-rays when needed X-rays may help us evaluate bone support around the teeth.
Professional cleaning or scaling and root planing Depending on your gum health, we may recommend a standard cleaning or deep cleaning.
Home care recommendations We help you understand how to brush, floss, and clean between your teeth more effectively.
Periodontal maintenance Some patients need ongoing periodontal maintenance to help control bacteria and monitor gum pockets.
Specialist referral when needed If periodontal disease is advanced or requires surgical care, we can explain referral options.
Periodontal disease treatment options at Vaksman Dental Group
Every periodontal disease case is different. Vaksman Dental Group evaluates your gums, teeth, bone support, gum pocket depths, plaque and tartar buildup, symptoms, and risk factors before recommending treatment.
Gum concern
Possible cause
How Vaksman Dental Group may help
Bleeding gums
Gingivitis, plaque buildup, or gum inflammation
We evaluate gum health and recommend professional cleaning or periodontal care when needed
Swollen or tender gums
Bacterial buildup, tartar, or gum infection
We check for inflammation and determine the right level of treatment
Gum recession
Periodontal disease, brushing habits, or bone support changes
We evaluate gum position, tooth sensitivity, and risk of progression
Persistent bad breath
Bacteria below the gumline or untreated gum pockets
We assess gum pockets and plaque buildup around the teeth
Deep gum pockets
Periodontitis and bacteria below the gums
Scaling and root planing or periodontal maintenance may be recommended
Loose teeth
Bone loss or advanced periodontal disease
We evaluate tooth stability and discuss treatment or referral options
Tooth sensitivity
Receding gums or exposed tooth roots
We identify the cause and recommend care to protect the teeth and gums
Bone loss around teeth
Advanced periodontal disease
We review X-rays and discuss treatment planning or specialist referral when appropriate
Pus or drainage around the gums
Possible gum infection or abscess
We recommend prompt evaluation and appropriate dental care
Gum disease history
Higher risk of recurrence
Periodontal maintenance may be recommended to help monitor and manage gum health
FAQs about periodontal disease
Periodontal disease is an infection and inflammation of the gums and supporting tissues around the teeth. It may begin as gingivitis and progress to periodontitis if not treated.
Yes. Periodontal disease is commonly called gum disease. It includes gingivitis, which is early gum inflammation, and periodontitis, which is more advanced disease affecting the supporting tissues and bone.
Early signs may include bleeding gums, red or swollen gums, tenderness, bad breath, and gum irritation when brushing or flossing. Some patients do not notice symptoms until the disease is more advanced.
Dentists check for periodontal disease by examining the gums, measuring gum pocket depths, checking for bleeding, reviewing gum recession, evaluating loose teeth, and using X-rays when needed to assess bone support.
The severity of gum disease depends on gum pocket depths, bleeding, gum recession, tooth mobility, bone support, and other clinical findings. A dental exam is the best way to determine whether periodontal disease appears mild, moderate, or advanced.
Periodontal disease is commonly linked to plaque and tartar buildup around the teeth and gums. Risk factors may include poor oral hygiene, smoking, diabetes, dry mouth, genetics, certain medications, and missed dental cleanings.
Early gum inflammation, often called gingivitis, may improve with professional care and consistent oral hygiene. Advanced periodontal disease usually requires ongoing management to control infection, reduce inflammation, and prevent further damage.
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Options may include improved home care, professional dental cleaning, scaling and root planing, periodontal maintenance, medication when appropriate, and referral for advanced periodontal care if needed.
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure used to remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline. Root planing helps smooth the root surfaces so bacteria are less likely to collect.
The gums may feel tender during or after deep cleaning, and local anesthetic may be used for comfort when appropriate. Your dental team will explain what to expect before treatment begins.
Schedule an Appointment with a South San Francisco Dentist!
