Gum Disease Treatment San Jose | Periodontal Therapy

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, also know as periodontal disease, is an infection that affects the tissues supporting your teeth. Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds along the gumline and triggers inflammation. Daily brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings remove plaque and reduce risk. Without care, bacteria spread below the gums and damage bone and tissue. This damage can lead to tooth loss and other health concerns. Research links gum disease to heart disease, diabetes, and chronic inflammation.

Gum disease develops in stages. Early recognition protects your long-term oral health.

At our San Jose dental practice, we help patients understand that gum disease doesn’t happen overnight it develops in stages. Recognizing these stages early can make all the difference in preserving your oral health and preventing tooth loss.

Stages of Gum Disease

Gingivitis
This is the earliest and only reversible stage of periodontal disease. Plaque and its toxin by-products irritate the gum tissue, causing redness, swelling, and bleeding during brushing or flossing. Professional cleanings and improved home care can reverse it.

Periodontitis
If gingivitis is left untreated, plaque hardens into tartar that only a professional can remove. Gums pull away from teeth and form pockets that trap bacteria. Inflammation increases, the gums may bleed more easily, and mild bone loss may begin.

Advanced Periodontitis
In this final stage, infection damages bone, ligaments, and gum tissue. Teeth may shift, loosen, or eventually fall out. We use modern techniques, including laser therapy, to improve comfort and outcomes.

Signs You May Need Gum Disease Treatment in Los Gatos

Red, swollen, or bleeding gums often signal early gum disease. Bad breath and gum sensitivity may also appear. Schedule an exam if you notice these changes or missed recent cleanings.

During your appointment, we’ll gently check the health of your gums and supporting bone, looking for any early signs of periodontal disease. Regular dental exams and professional cleanings are key to preventing gum infections, catching issues early, and keeping your smile healthy for years to come.

Request Appointment

Get The Gum Disease Treatment You Need

Even with regular brushing and flossing, bacteria can sometimes build up beneath the gumline, leading to inflammation or early gum disease. Our Los Gatos dental office provides gentle, preventive treatments designed to stop infection before it causes lasting damage and to help patients maintain healthy gums for life.

To treat and manage periodontal disease, our office in Los Gatos offers a specialized periodontal program called Laser Assisted Gum Therapy (LAPT) for our San Jose area patients. This therapy helps target bacteria and inflamed tissue while promoting faster healing and greater comfort. Treatment is typically completed over several appointments and may include:

Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy (LAPT)

When gum disease is present, treatment often begins with a professional deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, to remove plaque and hardened tartar from below the gumline. At our practice, this treatment is enhanced with Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy (LAPT), which uses advanced laser technology to eliminate infected tissue and bacteria while promoting faster healing. This minimally invasive approach helps reduce discomfort, minimize bleeding, and encourage the gums to reattach more effectively to the teeth.

Antibacterial Therapy

For areas of persistent infection, localized antibacterial treatment may be used to reduce harmful bacteria and promote healing. This targeted therapy complements periodontal treatment and helps restore gum health while minimizing the need for more invasive procedures.

Perio Protect Trays

Perio Protect® Trays are custom-made prescription trays designed to deliver medication deep below the gumline, where brushing and flossing cannot reach. They are often recommended for patients with ongoing periodontal disease, deep gum pockets, or those who want additional support between professional cleanings. Used as part of a comprehensive periodontal care plan, the trays help reduce harmful bacteria, improve gum health, and maintain treatment results at home.

Ongoing Maintenance & Home Care

Successful periodontal treatment doesn’t end after your appointment. Regular periodontal maintenance visits, combined with excellent home care, help keep gum disease under control and protect your long-term oral health. Our hygienists will recommend personalized brushing and flossing techniques, as well as products that make caring for your gums easier and more effective.

Healthy gums form the foundation of a healthy smile and support your overall well-being. When your gums are strong and free of infection, they not only support your teeth but also protect your jawbone. As a result, they improve your comfort and boost your confidence.

In addition, consistent preventive care plays a key role in maintaining gum health. By keeping up with routine dental exams, professional cleanings, and good at-home habits, you can help prevent gum disease before it starts.

Furthermore, addressing early signs of inflammation or discomfort right away helps stop problems from progressing. This proactive approach ensures your smile stays strong, beautiful, and healthy for years to come.

Contact Us

Perio Protect ®

Perio Protect ® uses a custom tray to deliver medication below the gums. You wear the tray daily to reduce harmful bacteria. This method supports healing and may improve breath and tooth brightness.

Long-Term Gum Health

Healthy gums protect your teeth and support overall wellness. Consistent care prevents disease and reduces future complications. Return every two to three months for maintenance if you have active periodontal concerns.

We monitor gum pocket depth and remove buildup during these visits. We may recommend laser maintenance every 9 to 12 months. This treatment reduces bacteria, supports your immune response, and improves oral health.