Established in 1990, the dental practice of Hon Van Cao DDS continues to help restore and maintain gum health with the assistance of our caring and experienced team. We also offer education on the importance of healthy gums, so you understand the importance of caring for your smile. If you are experiencing gum disease symptoms, we can help you restore your oral health and overall well-being.
We provide early intervention and treatment of gum disease with comprehensive periodontal care in a welcoming environment. Our practice is easily accessible from the Inland Empire, Magnolia Centre, and the surrounding Riverside areas. Contact our team to schedule your appointment today!
What Is Gum Disease & Why Is Gum Health So Important?
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting your teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and even cause damage to your jawbone. Keeping your gums healthy supports your oral health, prevents tooth loss, and helps you maintain fresh breath.
A healthy mouth encourages a healthy body and vice versa. Periodontal disease has been linked to other conditions such as stroke, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Bacteria can get into your bloodstream and impact systemic diseases.
Gum disease occurs in three phases: gingivitis, periodontitis (early and moderate), and advanced periodontitis. Gingivitis is the earliest stage and is characterized by inflamed gums and bleeding when brushing. As it progresses, the gums start separating from the teeth, which allows bacteria to get into the roots, bone, and supporting tissues. The last stage is advanced periodontitis, which may need surgical intervention to stop its progression.
Symptoms of gum disease include:
- Swollen, red, or tender gums
- Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
- Receding gums
- Persistent bad breath or aftertaste
- Shifting or loose teeth
- Tooth sensitivity
It is essential to diagnose and treat gum disease in the early stages, instead of waiting until it has advanced.
Our Compassionate Approach
When it comes to protecting and maintaining your oral health, our practice uses a preventive approach. We not only treat your gums and help you recover, but we also offer you professional guidance on how you can maintain healthy gums at home.
We understand that a lot of Americans suffer from gum disease at some point in their lives. As such, our team focuses on providing kind and compassionate periodontal care to you and your family. We do this by listening to you, evaluating your oral health, and explaining all your treatment options. Together we can help you achieve optimal oral health.
Our Gum Disease Treatment Process
After establishing the level of gum disease, we create a customized treatment strategy depending on your comfort and goals. We offer regular cleaning for the initial stages of gum disease and specialized treatment for advanced periodontitis. While we administer most of our gum disease treatment in our Riverside office, we may refer complex cases to a specialist.
Our primary gum disease treatment options include:
Scaling and Root Planing: Also called a deep cleaning, this eliminates the bacteria and plaque responsible for gum disease. We administer scaling and root planing when your gum disease has progressed to its later stages.
Scaling involves removing tartar and plaque from beneath and along the gum line. After scaling, we smooth out the surfaces of your teeth in a procedure known as root planing. It allows your gums to reattach to the tooth and minimizes the risk of reinfection. You may also need mouthwash and oral medication to assist with healing and keeping your gums clean.
Arestin®: Arestin is an antibiotic that we use to help treat gum disease. It works by eliminating infection and reducing periodontal pockets around your teeth. Arestin is most effective when combined with scaling and root planing procedures.
Maintenance Cleanings: After your treatment, maintenance cleanings help to ensure your gums stay healthy. We offer maintenance cleanings every three months with personalized instructions on how to take care of your gums at home.
With early intervention and by following our team’s advice, your oral health can stabilize. We customize your treatments to suit your unique needs, budget, and lifestyle.
Repairing Damage Caused By Gum Disease
At the practice of Hon Van Cao, DDS, we can help you recover from tooth loss caused by severe gum disease. Dental implants can provide strength and stability similar to your natural teeth. The implant post is surgically placed in the jaw to fuse with the bone providing a root for your new tooth. Customized implant restorations allow you to bite, chew, speak, and smile just as you did before tooth loss.
Our dental team has the skill, education, and understanding to provide optimal implant placement. We use state-of-the-art technology to examine your jaw, determine the best number and location for your implant treatment, and then place them precisely and effectively. You can trust us to deliver optimized dental implants for a lifetime of ideal function and confident smiles.
Discover Comprehensive Periodontal Care In Riverside
If you are struggling with symptoms of gum disease, we are here to help. Our caring and compassionate team is always available to answer questions and help you throughout your treatment. We offer comprehensive gum disease treatment in the Inland Empire, as well as many other preventive care procedures.
At Hon Van Cao, DDS, we are committed to helping you achieve optimal oral health and overall well-being. Call us today to schedule an appointment!
