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Did you know most Americans are at some stage of gum disease? It can happen even if you have a good dental regimen. Unfortunately, not all gum disease is symptomatic. Scheduling an appointment with your Van Nuys dentist is the fastest way to a diagnosis.
In its early form, known as gingivitis, gum disease is reversible. The doctor will instruct you on better ways to brush and floss. They may also prescribe you an antimicrobial mouth rinse for you to use in addition to the quality over-the-counter mouthwash you should already be using.
If your condition is mild to moderate, our expert in gum disease treatment in Van Nuys may start with scaling and root planing, or “deep cleaning”. Using special tools, the dentist scrapes away tartar levels that have collected on your teeth, tartar being impervious to toothpaste. The dentist also goes deep in the gum to smooth any rough patches on the roots, as these patches are notorious bacteria-collectors.
Past a certain point, gum disease is considered irreversible. You may need a procedure like pocket reduction to shore up gaps forming between teeth and gums. Gum flap surgery and bone grafting are even worse—these are extreme procedures you want to avoid with all discretion.