Gum Disease Treatment in Los Angeles and Downey, CA
Protect the Foundation of Your Smile
Bleeding, swollen or receding gums may be signs of periodontal disease. Without treatment, gum disease can damage the tissues and bone that support your teeth.
Dr. Won Jung Jeong and Dr. Debora Jeong provide gum disease evaluations and periodontal treatment at Mission Dental Group in Los Angeles and Downey, CA.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a bacterial infection affecting the tissues surrounding the teeth. It commonly begins when plaque and tartar accumulate near or below the gumline.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. The gums may appear red, swollen or bleed during brushing and flossing. At this stage, the condition can often be reversed with professional care and improved oral hygiene.
Periodontitis
Untreated gingivitis may progress to periodontitis. The gums can pull away from the teeth and form deeper pockets where bacteria collect. Over time, the infection may damage supporting bone and increase the risk of tooth loss.
Signs of Gum Disease
Schedule an evaluation if you notice:
- Bleeding while brushing or flossing
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Gum recession
- Persistent bad breath
- A bad taste in your mouth
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Changes in your bite
- Pus near the gumline
- Discomfort while chewing
Gum disease may progress without causing significant pain. Regular examinations and periodontal measurements help identify problems that are easy to overlook at home.
Risk Factors for Periodontal Disease
Factors that may increase the risk or severity of gum disease include:
- Inconsistent brushing and flossing
- Tobacco use
- Dry mouth
- Certain medications
- Diabetes
- Genetics
- Hormonal changes
- Teeth that are difficult to clean
- Irregular dental care
Your dentist will review your medical history and oral health when developing a treatment plan.
Experienced Periodontal Care
Dr. Won Jung Jeong has practiced dentistry since 1993 and provides comprehensive periodontal and restorative care. His experience treating gum disease supports broader treatment planning for patients who also need dental implants, dentures or full-mouth reconstruction.
Dr. Debora Jeong has practiced since 2023 and has completed approximately 3,000 periodontal cases. Both dentists evaluate gum health and provide nonsurgical periodontal treatment based on the severity of the condition.
How Gum Disease Is Diagnosed
A periodontal evaluation may include:
- Examining the color, shape and firmness of the gums
- Measuring the spaces between the teeth and gums
- Checking for bleeding, recession or tooth mobility
- Reviewing dental imaging for signs of bone loss
- Evaluating plaque and tartar accumulation
- Discussing medical history and risk factors
These findings help determine whether you have gingivitis, periodontitis or another condition affecting the gums.
Gum Disease Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the stage of the disease, depth of the periodontal pockets and amount of supporting bone loss.
Professional Dental Cleaning
A professional cleaning removes plaque and tartar from the teeth. This may be appropriate for gingivitis when deeper periodontal pockets and bone loss are not present.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a nonsurgical deep-cleaning procedure. Scaling removes deposits from above and below the gumline, while root planing smooths the tooth roots to help the gums heal against the teeth.
Localized Antibiotic Treatment
ARESTIN may be placed in selected periodontal pockets as an adjunct to scaling and root planing. It is not a replacement for deep cleaning or ongoing oral hygiene.
Periodontal Maintenance
After active treatment, periodontal maintenance visits help control bacterial buildup and monitor the gums. These visits may be recommended more frequently than routine preventive cleanings.
Advanced Periodontal Care
Patients with significant bone loss, severe gum recession or persistent deep pockets may require additional treatment. Your dentist will explain the appropriate next step based on the examination and response to initial care.
What to Expect After Treatment
Temporary tenderness or sensitivity may occur after periodontal treatment. Your dentist will provide instructions for cleaning your teeth and gums while the tissues heal.
The gums may gradually become less swollen and bleed less as inflammation improves. Treatment cannot replace bone or gum tissue already lost, but it can help control the infection and reduce further damage.
Ongoing home care and periodontal maintenance are essential because gum disease can return.
Supporting Gum Health at Home
To support your treatment:
- Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Clean between your teeth every day
- Follow any product recommendations from your dentist
- Avoid tobacco use
- Attend periodontal maintenance visits
- Report new bleeding, swelling or tooth movement
Your dentist may recommend specific cleaning tools based on the spacing between your teeth, gum recession and dexterity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gum Disease
Request a Gum Disease Evaluation
If your gums bleed, feel swollen or appear to be receding, schedule an evaluation before the condition progresses. Contact Mission Dental Group at our Los Angeles or Downey office.
Los Angeles Office
936 S Alvarado St, Los Angeles, CA 90006
213-380-1996
Downey Office
9434 Firestone Blvd, Downey, CA 90241
562-803-9999