Gum Disease Treatment in Roseville: A Patient Guide

Gum disease — also called periodontal disease — is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults in the United States. It's also largely silent in its early stages, which is why so many people don't know they have it until it's advanced. At Fusion Dental Implants, now offering comprehensive general dentistry at our Roseville and El Dorado Hills offices, we diagnose and treat gum disease at every stage — from early gingivitis to advanced periodontitis — as a core component of our patients' long-term oral and overall health.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gum tissue and bone that support your teeth. It begins with plaque — the sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth between brushings. When plaque hardens into tartar (calculus) and is not removed through professional cleaning, bacteria accumulate at the gumline and below, triggering an inflammatory immune response.

Over time, this inflammation destroys the gum tissue, ligaments, and bone that hold teeth in place — eventually leading to loose teeth and tooth loss.

Stages of Gum Disease

Gingivitis (early stage): Inflammation limited to the gum tissue — gums are red, swollen, and bleed easily. No bone loss has occurred yet. Gingivitis is fully reversible with professional cleaning and improved home care.

Mild to moderate periodontitis: Infection has progressed below the gumline, creating periodontal pockets and beginning to damage bone. Professional deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) is required. Not reversible, but treatable and manageable.

Advanced periodontitis: Significant bone loss, deep pockets, and potentially loose teeth. Advanced treatment including surgery may be required. Tooth loss is possible without intervention.

Warning Signs of Gum Disease

• Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Gums that have pulled away from teeth (recession)
• Persistent bad breath
• Loose or shifting teeth
• Changes in bite
• Pain when chewing

Notably, gum disease is often painless until it is well advanced — which is why regular dental checkups are essential for early detection.

Gum Disease and Your Overall Health

The connection between periodontal disease and systemic health is well-documented and increasingly recognized by the medical community. Gum disease is linked to:

• Cardiovascular disease — bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream and contribute to arterial inflammation
• Diabetes — gum disease makes blood sugar harder to control; diabetes makes gum disease worse (a bidirectional relationship)
• Respiratory disease — inhaled oral bacteria can affect lung health
• Adverse pregnancy outcomes — periodontal disease is associated with preterm birth and low birth weight
• Cognitive decline — emerging research links chronic oral infection to dementia risk

Treating gum disease is not just about saving your teeth — it's about protecting your systemic health.

Gum Disease Treatment at Fusion Dental Implants

Professional Cleanings (Prophylaxis)

For patients with early gingivitis, a thorough professional cleaning combined with home care improvements is often all that's needed to restore gum health.

Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)

For patients with periodontitis — pockets deeper than 3mm and signs of bone involvement — scaling and root planing is the first-line treatment. This deep cleaning procedure removes bacterial deposits from below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces to discourage bacterial reattachment.

Scaling and root planing is typically performed in two appointments (one half of the mouth at a time) with local anesthesia for comfort.

Periodontal Maintenance

After active gum disease treatment, patients require more frequent professional cleanings — typically every 3–4 months — for ongoing management. This is called periodontal maintenance, and it is distinct from a regular cleaning. Skipping these appointments allows disease to recur.

Antibiotic Therapy

In some cases, local or systemic antibiotics are used in conjunction with scaling and root planing to address persistent bacterial infection.

Gum Disease and Dental Implants

This is particularly relevant for our patients: active gum disease must be fully treated before dental implants are placed. Bacteria that cause gum disease can also cause peri-implantitis — infection around implants — leading to implant failure.

Patients with a history of gum disease who receive implants require more intensive maintenance and monitoring long-term. At Fusion Dental Implants, we ensure gum health is established and stable before proceeding with any implant treatment.

Fusion Dental Implants | Roseville & El Dorado Hills, CA (916) 292-9998 | fusiondentalimplants.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best treatment for gum disease?

For early gum disease (gingivitis), professional cleaning and improved home care are effective. For periodontitis, scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) is the first-line treatment, followed by periodontal maintenance every 3–4 months.

Can gum disease be cured?

Gingivitis can be fully reversed. Periodontitis (where bone loss has occurred) cannot be reversed, but it can be effectively managed with treatment and maintenance to prevent further progression.

Is gum disease linked to heart disease?

Yes. Research links periodontal disease to increased cardiovascular disease risk. Treating gum disease is considered by many physicians to be part of overall cardiovascular health management.

Where can I get gum disease treatment near Roseville or El Dorado Hills?

Fusion Dental Implants offers comprehensive gum disease treatment at our Roseville and El Dorado Hills locations. Call (916) 292-9998.