Periodontal Treatment Specialist
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Caroline Malakuti, DDS, DMD
Cosmetic Dentist & General Dentist located in Beverly Hills, CA
Periodontal disease (gum disease) is one of the most common oral health problems — and the leading cause of adult tooth loss — in the United States. While gingivitis, or the early stages of gum disease, can often be reversed with proper care, advanced gum disease is an irreversible condition that requires ongoing management. At her Los Angeles office, general dentist Caroline Malakuti, DDS, DMD, offers a complete menu of periodontal services, including prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management. Call Dr. Malakuti in Beverly Hills, California, or book an appointment online today.
Periodontal Treatment Q & A
What’s periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a chronic, inflammatory oral condition that gradually degrades healthy gum tissues and destroys supporting tooth structures.
Commonly known as gum disease, this serious oral health problem usually begins as gingivitis, or the inflammatory buildup of bacteria and plaque where your gums meet the base of your teeth.
Because gingivitis is mild, it can often be reversed with attentive oral hygiene habits and regular preventive care cleanings and exams.
Left untreated, however, gingivitis can eventually develop into periodontitis, or advanced gum disease. In this late stage, your gums recede away from your teeth, forming open pockets that can easily become infected.
What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?
Before you can spot the early-stage gingivitis, it’s helpful to know that healthy gums are firm, light pink (not red), and fit tightly around your teeth. You may have some degree of gingivitis if your gums:
- Look swollen, puffy, or tender
- Are dusky or dark red in color
- Bleed when you brush your teeth
As gingivitis advances into a more serious form of gum disease, you may start experiencing more noticeable symptoms, including:
- Receding, bleeding, or highly sensitive gums
- Clear pockets between your teeth and gums
- Persistently bad mouth odor or foul breath
- Loose teeth or constant pain when chewing
Gum disease often begins in one area and spreads to other areas as time goes on. For many people, it starts at the back of the mouth, around the molars, where early signs can be harder to see.
How is periodontal disease managed?
Moderate to advanced periodontal disease can’t be reversed. It can only be managed to stop further progression, control inflammation and infection, and prevent tooth loss.
Dr. Malakuti offers a full scope of periodontal treatment solutions designed to reduce gum pocket depth, eliminate infection, and put an end to bleeding and mouth odor.
Over the course of 2-6 visits, she performs a series of deep cleanings, also known as scaling and root planing, to remove plaque, bacteria, tartar, and debris from the surface of your teeth, their roots, and any pockets that have formed in your gum tissues.
If you’re experiencing any of the signs and symptoms of gum disease, call Dr. Malakuti today, or use the easy online tool to schedule a dental exam anytime.
