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Gum Disease Treatment in Walnut Creek, CA
Dr. Julie Kwon, Dr. Hani Jabbour and our hygienists find and treat gum disease at Kwon & Jabbour Dental in Walnut Creek, from bleeding gums to deeper infection. Treatment starts with a careful gum check and ranges from professional cleanings to deep cleanings and maintenance visits that keep it under control.
At a glance
Who it is for: bleeding, red or puffy gums, receding gums, bad breath or loose teeth
How we treat it: professional cleaning, deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), Perio Protect trays and maintenance visits
Advanced cases: we explain when a periodontist should be involved and coordinate your care
Paying for it: most plans cover part of it; we also offer 0% financing through CareCredit on qualifying care
Gum disease is an infection of the gums and the bone that holds your teeth in place. It usually starts quietly, with a little bleeding when you brush or floss, and it is one of the most common reasons adults lose teeth. Caught early, it is very treatable.
Signs of Gum Disease
Many people have gum disease without any pain at all, which is why we check your gums at every exam. Book a visit if you notice:
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Red, puffy or tender gums
- Bad breath or a bad taste that does not go away
- Gums pulling back from the teeth, so teeth look longer
- Teeth that feel loose or a bite that has changed
- Pus between the teeth and gums
Gingivitis and Periodontitis: What Is the Difference?
Gingivitis is the early stage. Plaque along the gumline irritates the gums, so they bleed and swell, but the bone is not affected yet. With a professional cleaning and better daily care, gingivitis can be reversed.
Periodontitis is the next stage. The infection moves below the gumline, pockets form between the gums and teeth, and the bone that supports the teeth starts to break down. That damage does not grow back on its own, so the goal of treatment is to stop the infection and keep it from getting worse.
Have a question about your own situation? Dr. Kwon or Dr. Jabbour will explain your options in plain language, with no pressure.
Book a visitHow We Check Your Gum Health
At every checkup, Dr. Kwon, Dr. Jabbour and our hygienists measure the space between your gums and teeth, look for bleeding and recession, and use digital X-rays to see the bone levels. We explain what we find in plain language, show you the areas that need attention, and talk through your options before any treatment.
This is part of the whole-mouth exam described on our total wellness approach page, because gum health affects your bite, your restorations and your overall health.
Gum Disease Treatment Options
Professional cleaning for gingivitis
When the problem is limited to the gums, a thorough professional cleaning and a home care plan built around your mouth are often enough to bring the gums back to health.
Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing)
When pockets have formed, a standard cleaning cannot reach the bacteria below the gumline. A deep cleaning removes plaque and tartar from the root surfaces and smooths them so the gums can heal and tighten. The area is numbed so you stay comfortable. Our patient video on standard vs deep cleaning explains the difference.
Perio Protect trays
Perio Protect uses custom trays that hold a prescription gel against the gums to help control the bacteria between visits. We explain whether trays suit your case and how often to wear them.
Periodontal maintenance
After treatment, gum disease is managed rather than cured. Maintenance cleanings at a shorter interval than a routine cleaning keep the pockets healthy. We set the schedule based on how your gums respond.
When we involve a periodontist
Some advanced cases benefit from a periodontist, a dental specialist in gum disease. If your case needs that, we explain why and coordinate with the specialist so your care stays connected.
Gum Health and Your Overall Health
Research links gum disease with other conditions, including heart disease and diabetes. The connection runs both ways: diabetes makes gum disease harder to control, and inflamed gums can make blood sugar harder to manage. Healthy gums are part of a healthy body, which is why we take them seriously at every visit.
Preventing Gum Disease at Home
- Brush twice a day for two minutes, angling the brush toward the gumline
- Clean between your teeth every day with floss or interdental brushes
- Keep your cleaning and checkup visits
- Do not smoke; smoking hides bleeding and makes gum disease harder to treat
- Tell us about changes in your health or medications, since some affect the gums
Cost and Insurance
Most dental insurance plans cover part of gum disease treatment, including deep cleanings and maintenance visits. We check your benefits, give you the cost in writing before treatment and offer 0% financing through CareCredit on qualifying care.
Questions about gum disease
Can gum disease be reversed?
Gingivitis, the early stage, can usually be reversed with a professional cleaning and good daily care. Periodontitis cannot be reversed, but treatment can stop it from getting worse and keep your teeth healthy.
Does a deep cleaning hurt?
The area is numbed before a deep cleaning, so most patients feel pressure rather than pain. Your gums may be tender for a few days afterward, which fades as they heal.
How do I know if I have gum disease?
Bleeding when you brush or floss is the most common early sign, but gum disease is often painless. A gum check at your exam, with measurements and X-rays, is the reliable way to know.
How often will I need cleanings after treatment?
Most patients need maintenance cleanings more often than a routine cleaning after treatment for periodontitis. We set your schedule based on how your gums respond.
Schedule a Gum Health Check in Walnut Creek
If your gums bleed, feel tender or look like they are pulling back, call Kwon & Jabbour Dental at (925) 930-8465 or book online. We will check your gums, explain what we find and help you keep your teeth for life.