What Periodontal Therapy Is
Periodontal therapy is the treatment of gum disease, an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It begins when plaque and tartar collect beneath the gumline, inflaming the gums and slowly eroding the bone that supports each tooth. The cornerstone of care is scaling and root planing, a careful deep cleaning that removes buildup below the gumline and smooths root surfaces so gums can reattach. The goal throughout is simple: remove the disease-causing bacteria within gum pockets and give the tissue the conditions it needs to heal.
Signs Your Gums May Need Attention
Gum disease tends to announce itself quietly. Gums that bleed when you brush or floss are the most common early sign; healthy gums do not bleed. Other signals include redness, swelling, or tenderness along the gumline, persistent bad breath, gums that seem to be pulling away from the teeth, and teeth that feel slightly loose. Because early gum disease is often reversible with prompt care, we encourage you to schedule an evaluation if any of these signs sound familiar.
What to Expect at Your Visit
Your visit begins with a thorough evaluation. Dr. Sorina Ratchford measures the small pockets around each tooth to map where gum disease has taken hold, then tailors treatment to what she finds. Scaling and root planing is typically completed over one or two appointments, with gentle local anesthetic keeping you comfortable throughout. Our senior hygienist, who has cared for patients here for more than 25 years, brings an unhurried, reassuring touch to every visit.
Aftercare and Lasting Results
Most patients feel only mild tenderness for a day or two after scaling and root planing, and gums typically look and feel healthier within a few weeks as they heal and tighten around the teeth. Because gum disease is managed over time rather than treated once, we usually recommend periodontal maintenance every three to four months, a closer rhythm than the standard six-month cleaning. Paired with twice-daily brushing and daily flossing at home, this schedule gives your gums their best chance of staying stable for years to come.
Insurance and Paying for Care
Many dental insurance plans include benefits for periodontal treatment, and we will help you make the most of yours. Our team is happy to verify your coverage, file claims on your behalf, and review expected costs with you before treatment begins, so nothing comes as a surprise. If you have been searching for gum disease care near Morro Bay, Los Osos, or Cayucos, we would be glad to see you; call (805) 772-8585 to schedule a periodontal evaluation.