If your gums bleed when you brush, feel tender, or seem to be pulling away from your teeth, you’re not alone — and it’s not something to ignore. Gum disease is one of the most common (and most overlooked) dental problems adults face, and left untreated, it’s a leading cause of tooth loss. The good news: caught early, it’s manageable, and even advanced cases can be treated successfully.
At Pacific Dental Group in Montebello, our periodontal care team helps patients throughout Montebello, Alhambra, Monterey Park, East Los Angeles, and Whittier protect their gums and save their smiles. Here’s what you need to know about gum disease, how it’s treated, and when it’s time to schedule a periodontal exam.
What Is Periodontal (Gum) Disease?
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gums and the bone that supports your teeth. It typically develops in stages:
Gingivitis — the earliest stage, marked by red, swollen, or bleeding gums. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and better home care.
Periodontitis — if gingivitis goes untreated, the infection spreads below the gumline, breaking down gum tissue and bone. This stage isn’t reversible, but it can be controlled and stopped from progressing further.
Because early gum disease rarely hurts, many people don’t realize they have it until a dentist checks their gum pockets during an exam.
Common Signs You May Need Periodontal Treatment
Watch for these warning signs, and schedule an appointment if you notice more than one:
Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
Red, swollen, or tender gums
Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
Gums that appear to be pulling away from your teeth (recession)
Loose or shifting teeth
Pain when chewing
How We Treat Gum Disease at Pacific Dental Group
Every periodontal treatment plan starts with a thorough exam, where we measure gum pocket depth and evaluate bone health to determine how advanced the disease is. From there, we recommend the right combination of treatments:
Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
The foundation of periodontal treatment. Scaling removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline, while root planing smooths the tooth roots so gum tissue can reattach and heal. A local anesthetic keeps the process comfortable.
Laser Gum Surgery
A minimally invasive alternative to traditional gum surgery. Laser therapy targets and removes harmful bacteria while preserving healthy tissue, which typically means less bleeding, faster healing, and fewer follow-up visits.
Gum Graft Surgery
For patients with gum recession, grafting transplants healthy tissue to cover exposed tooth roots — reducing sensitivity, protecting the roots from decay, and restoring a natural-looking gumline.
Root Surface Debridement
A more advanced deep-cleaning technique that removes bacterial buildup from both the root surface and the surrounding gum pocket to help control moderate to severe infection.
Periodontal Maintenance
Gum disease can return without ongoing care. Most periodontal patients benefit from professional cleanings every three to four months — more frequent than a standard six-month cleaning — to keep bacteria in check.
Why Untreated Gum Disease Is a Bigger Deal Than You Think
Gum disease doesn’t just threaten your teeth. Research has linked periodontal infection to broader health concerns, including heart disease, diabetes complications, and respiratory issues. Treating gum disease early isn’t just about saving your smile — it’s part of protecting your overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a deep cleaning hurt? Your gums are numbed beforehand, so the procedure itself is comfortable. Mild soreness or sensitivity afterward is normal and usually fades within a few days.
Is gum disease reversible? Early-stage gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and consistent home care. More advanced periodontitis can’t be fully reversed, but it can be effectively managed to prevent further damage.
How do I know if I need a periodontist or just a regular cleaning? If it’s been more than six months since your last cleaning, or you’re noticing bleeding, recession, or loose teeth, it’s time for a periodontal exam. We’ll measure your gum pockets and let you know exactly where you stand.
Will my insurance cover periodontal treatment? We accept PPO insurance plans and Denti-Cal, and we offer flexible payment options for cash patients. Our team can help verify your benefits before treatment.
Protect Your Gums — Schedule Your Periodontal Exam Today
Gum disease is far easier to treat when it’s caught early. If you’re experiencing bleeding gums, recession, or persistent bad breath, don’t wait for it to get worse.
Call Pacific Dental Group in Montebello at (323) 405-1491 or schedule an appointment online to see our periodontal care team. Se habla Español.
📍 111 South Garfield., Suite 101, Montebello, CA 90640
Learn more about our Periodontics services or explore our full range of dental services in Montebello.