3750 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa, CA 95405
3750 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa, CA 95405
Gum Disease Treatment

Gum Disease Treatment

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Maintain a Healthy, Infection-free Smile with Gum Disease Treatment

Living in beautiful Santa Rosa, California, has its perks, from the stunning landscape and bustling community to endless outdoor adventure. At Santa Rosa Dentistry and Implant Center, your smile should reflect the vibrancy of our hometown. However, gum disease, a common yet often overlooked condition, can tarnish that radiant smile. Fortunately, Dr. Wayne Sutton offers effective treatments to maintain optimal gum health.

How does gum disease develop?

Gum or periodontal disease occurs when plaque is left to thrive in your mouth, often because of poor oral hygiene. Dental plaque is a thin, colorless film that accumulates in your mouth when you fail to brush and floss your teeth. Over time, the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums, causing gum tenderness, swelling, and redness. 

Untreated gingivitis worsens as the infection progresses beneath the gum surface, leading to the recession of gingival tissues from your teeth. Gum recession creates deep periodontal pockets that serve as ideal hiding spots for harmful bacteria and tartar to accumulate.

Advanced gum disease can destroy the gums and bone supporting the teeth, resulting in loose teeth that may eventually fall out. Worse yet, uncontrolled gum infection creates an “inflammatory overload” in the body, putting you at risk of diabetes, heart disease, respiratory problems, pregnancy complications, and other systematic illnesses.

Gum Disease

The 3 stages of gum disease are gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. Gingivitis is caused by toxins irritating the gum line as a result of plaque buildup. Signs and symptoms of gingivitis include swelling, sensitivity, and bleeding of the gums during brushing and flossing. Gingivitis can be easily reversed through professional care and good home oral hygiene. Periodontitis is categorized by irreversible bone loss that results from untreated gingivitis. The gums may begin to form a pocket below the gum line which traps food and plaque. Dental treatment and home care can help prevent from further damage, but at this stage, the results are not reversible. Advanced periodontitis is when the fibers and bones supporting the teeth destroyed. This may cause teeth to shift or loosen. Teeth may have to be removed depending on how advanced the disease has become and if treatments are not effective. You can begin by preventing gum disease with good oral health. Pick up a brochure or ask your dentist today.


How is gum disease treated?

Dr. Sutton uses a conservative approach to treat gum disease. For early-stage gum disease (gingivitis), diligent flossing, brushing, and routine dental cleanings yield positive results, reversing the condition and restoring gum health. However, advanced gum disease requires further interventions. 

Traditionally, deep teeth cleaning is the go-to treatment for managing gum disease. This procedure involves scaling to remove calcified deposits and harmful bacteria from the deep periodontal pockets. Planing smooths the root surfaces, making it more difficult for plaque and tartar to reattach and accumulate. Smoother roots also help the gums to reattach more firmly to the teeth.

Dr. Sutton treats gum disease with laser dentistry. Instead of manual instruments, we use a high-energy light to vaporize the diseased tissues, decontaminate the pockets, and stimulate tissue regeneration. We love laser dentistry because of its precision, conservativeness, and minimal downtime. 

You can trust our dental team to address your gum health, whether you have mild or advanced gum disease. Our comprehensive approach ensures that your gum health is addressed with the appropriate level of care, promoting long-term oral health.

No dental insurance? No problem!

Join Our New Patient Smile Program:

Includes all exams, X-Rays, and 2 general hygiene cleanings per year for $349.

Beautiful girl smiling

How can I prevent gum disease?

Gum disease can cause irreversible damage, so it’s better not to give it a chance to ruin your smile. Observe the following tips to protect your gums from infections. 

  • Brush your teeth twice daily 
  • Floss at least once every day
  • Visit a dentist twice yearly for regular oral exams and cleanings
  • Quit tobacco use
  • Use an antimicrobial mouthwash
  • Eat a dental-friendly diet
  • Manage immune-suppressing diseases like diabetes

Do you need periodontal treatment?

Gum disease is a severe condition, but it’s manageable and treatable with proper care. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms of gum disease or seeking to maintain healthy gums, feel free to contact Santa Rosa Dentistry and Implant Center without hesitation. We’re committed to helping you achieve optimal periodontal health. Call (707) 868-0677 to schedule an appointment today! 

Dr. Sutton is one of the premier cosmetic dentists in Sonoma County

Dr. Wayne Sutton

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Dr. Sutton is one of the premier cosmetic dentists in Sonoma County, and with over 20 years of experience, his implant center maintains a standard of excellence using the strongest dental implant bridge currently available to provide predictable full mouth dental implant reconstructions. 

Dr. Sutton completed his postgraduate studies at The Pacific Aesthetic Continuum in San Francisco and received his doctorate, three years of experience as a clinical instructor, and the coveted “Clinical Excellence Award” from UCSF School of Dentistry in 1997. He also earned his Fellowship in the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics and studied Advanced Occlusion at the Hornbrook Group.

Dr. Sutton continues to take four times the annual continuing education requirements to maintain his license. As a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (awarded his Fellowship), the Academy of General Dentistry (Fellowships status), the American Dental Implant Association (Diplomat status), the American Dental Association, the American Academy for Dental Sleep Medicine, Dr. Sutton is also a select cosmetic dentist recognized as an Official Dentist of the Mrs. Globe – Mrs. USA Pageants.

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(All photos of actual patients)

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