Gum Disease Treatment in Mission Viejo
We Provide Non-Surgical and Minimally Invasive Options
Our doctors provide expert gum disease treatment.
Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is a bacterial infection that becomes worse over time if it is not properly treated. It causes increasing damage as it progresses and can lead to eventual tooth loss and increase the risk of a host of health issues throughout the body.
Skilled and experienced gum disease specialists
Combined, Drs. Setya, Bergman and Reshad have over 70 years of experience effectively treating gum disease. As periodontists, they are specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of all stages of gum disease, as well as repairing the damage it causes. They use proven, state-of-the-art techniques and technologies to kill the bacteria and save patients’ natural teeth whenever possible.
Thorough, Expert Periodontal Diagnosis
Comprehensive diagnostics is a huge part of properly treating gum disease. Dr. Setya, Dr. Reshad or Dr. Bergman will do a thorough examination of your gums, teeth and supporting jawbone. They will gently probe the depth of the open pockets under your gum line to determine the amount of gum detachment from your teeth. The deeper the pocket, the greater the amount of gum disease.
The doctors will go over the exam in detail and answer your questions.
Full-mouth X-rays will be taken to get a complete picture of the bone levels surrounding your teeth. Where necessary we will obtain a 360° 3D image of your entire jaw using our cone beam 3D CT scanner. The doctor will also check for any loose teeth and will review your medical and dental history.
The doctor’s thorough evaluation will determine the underlying cause of the disease and how to best remedy it. They also use state-of-the-art DNA testing to discover what specific strain of bacteria is present in each patient so they can customize the treatment to fight it in the most effective way.
Gentle, effective treatment
Once your exam is completed and all the information evaluated, the doctor will determine your treatment plan options. You will be presented your options in a manner that is easy to understand and we will gladly answer all your questions.
Once the optimal treatment plan is determined, the doctors will use the latest in advanced technology to provide effective gum disease treatment using gentle and minimally invasive techniques.
Our Gum Disease Treatment
Expert deep cleaning
The first line of attack in treating moderate and even severe gum disease is thorough deep cleaning. We use ultrasonic scalers to gently remove the accumulated plaque and calculus on the surfaces of your teeth above and below your gum line. We then smooth the tooth root surfaces using hand scalers so the gums can reattach easily and from a strong bond that will protect your teeth.
Antibiotic and antibacterial therapy
When warranted, Dr. Setya, Dr. Reshad, and Dr. Bergman will insert antibiotic agents directly into the gum pockets to kill bacteria remaining after full deep cleaning. An antibacterial iodine solution that kills up to 98% of any bacteria that could be present is flushed into the gum pockets at the end of a cleaning session.
When long-term anti-bacterial action is called for, the doctor will fill the pockets with Arestin® microspheres that time-release a powerful antibiotic directly into the gum pockets over a ten day period.
Bacterial DNA testing
In certain cases, bacteria cause gum disease that will not succumb to the usual antibiotics and need a tailor-made treatment to be effectively eliminated. When gum disease persists or returns after full cleaning and antibiotic therapy, Dr. Setya, Dr. Reshad, or Dr. Bergman will take a small sample of plaque or saliva and have a lab identify the bacterial strains. The doctor can then prescribe the bacteria-specific antibiotics needed to kill the infection.
Perioscope
We use the Perioscope, a tiny camera small enough to be placed inside diseased gum pockets, during gum disease treatment to see calculus deposits and deeply buried plaque under your gum line With its small size and strong magnification, the doctors and hygienists can find and remove any deeply buried areas of calculus (hardened tartar) without having to cut into the gums to find them. The perioscope is invaluable because it can go where human eyes cannot. In a large percentage of cases, it allows us to remove deposits without surgical procedures, making our gum disease treatment extremely thorough while being minimally invasive.
Using the Perioscope, the doctors can treat gum disease without the need for invasive surgery.
Laser-Assisted Periodontal Therapy (LANAP®)
With the revolutionary Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) protocol, the doctors are often able to treat gum disease without the need for any cutting or sutures. LANAP is FDA approved, safe, effective and gentle.
The procedure uses a high-tech dental laser instead of a scalpel to gently remove diseased gum tissue. The laser specifically targets the infected tissue and leaves healthy tissue unaffected, minimizing patient discomfort.
LANAP treats gum disease gently and effectively.
Comprehensive patient education
Dr. Setya, Dr. Reshad, Dr. Bergman and our hygienists thoroughly educate you on how to maintain your oral health with proper brushing and flossing techniques. They will also recommend the best cleaning devices to use for brushing and for cleaning dental implants. Learn more about our periodontal maintenance here.
Periodontal surgery
In cases of severe gum disease or where the gum pockets have not healed adequately after deep cleaning and antibiotic therapy, Dr. Setya, Dr. Reshad, or Dr. Bergman will need to access deeper into the bone defect and around the gum tissue covering the root of the affected tooth. They will then remove all the accumulated plaque and calculus residing on the tooth roots and smooth the root surfaces so the gums can reattach firmly to the teeth. A firm attachment eliminates any pocket where bacteria can accumulate.
Dr. Setya and Dr. Hurst use micro-instruments for periodontal surgery. Micro-instruments make minimally invasive incisions that preserve the vast majority of gum tissue and greatly reduce the need for gum grafting after surgery.
Gum Grafting
Gum disease can sometimes cause the gums to recede and expose the roots of the teeth. Gums can also be too thin to protect the teeth and can lead to gum recession. Dr. Setya, Dr. Reshad, and Dr. Bergman can replace lost gum tissue through expert minimally-invasive gum grafting. Learn more about Gum Grafting here.
Bone Grafting
Moderate and severe gum disease dissolves the jawbone supporting your teeth. Dr. Setya, Dr. Reshad, and Dr. Bergman replace lost or missing bone using state-of-the-art bone grafting procedures. Learn more about Bone Grafting here.
New Patient Special Offer
Exam, X-Rays, CT Scan (as needed) and Consultation
DONATE $89 TO CHARITY
and receive your exam and x-rays at no additional charge.
Receive a thorough examination and friendly, informative consultation. Your appointment will include the following:
- Comprehensive oral examination
- Digital X-rays
- CT Scan (if needed)
- Written treatment plan