Periodontal Disease
What is periodontal gum disease?
The term “periodontal” means “around the tooth.” Periodontal disease (also known as periodontitis or gum disease) is a common inflammatory condition that affects the supporting and surrounding soft tissues of the tooth. In its most advanced stages, it can also affect the jawbone itself.
Periodontal disease is most often preceded by gingivitis, which is a bacterial infection of the gum tissue. A bacterial infection affects the gums when the toxins contained in plaque begin to irritate and inflame the gum tissues. Once this bacterial infection colonizes in the gum pockets between teeth, it becomes much more difficult to remove and treat. Periodontal disease is a progressive condition that eventually leads to the destruction of connective tissue and the jawbone. If left untreated, it can lead to shifting teeth, loose teeth, and eventually tooth loss.
Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults in the developed world and should always be promptly treated.
Types of periodontal disease
When left untreated, gingivitis (mild gum inflammation) can spread below the gumline. When gums become irritated by the toxins contained in plaque, a chronic inflammatory response causes the body to break down and destroy its own bone and soft tissue. There may be little or no symptoms, as periodontal disease causes teeth to separate from the infected gum tissue. Deepening pockets between the gums and teeth are generally indicative that soft tissue and bone is being destroyed by periodontal disease.
Here are a few of the most common types of periodontal disease:
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Chronic periodontitis – Inflammation within supporting tissues causes deep pockets and gum recession. It may appear as though the teeth are lengthening; however, in actuality, the gums (gingiva) are receding. This is the most common form of periodontal disease and is characterized by a progressive loss of attachment interspersed with periods of rapid progression.
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Aggressive periodontitis – This form of gum disease occurs in an otherwise clinically healthy individual. It is characterized by the rapid loss of gum attachment, chronic bone destruction, and familial aggregation.
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Necrotizing periodontitis – This form of periodontal disease most often occurs in individuals suffering from systemic conditions such as HIV, immunosuppression, and malnutrition. Necrosis (tissue death) occurs in the periodontal ligament, alveolar bone, and gingival tissues.
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Periodontitis caused by systemic disease – This form of gum disease often begins at an early age. Medical conditions, such as respiratory disease, diabetes, and heart disease, are common cofactors.
Treatment for periodontal disease
There are many surgical and nonsurgical treatments a periodontist may choose to perform, and their choice will depend upon the exact condition of the teeth, gums, and jawbone. A complete periodontal exam of the mouth must be done before any treatment is performed or recommended.
Here are some of the more common treatments for periodontal disease:
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Scaling and root planing – In order to preserve the health of the gum tissue, the bacteria and calculus (tartar) that initially caused the infection must be removed. To help alleviate the infection, the gum pockets will be cleaned and treated using antibiotics as necessary. A prescription mouthwash may be incorporated into daily cleaning routines.
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Tissue regeneration – When the bone and gum tissues have been destroyed, regrowth can be actively encouraged using grafting procedures. A membrane may be inserted into the affected areas to assist in the regeneration process.
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Pocket elimination surgery – Pocket elimination surgery (also known as flap surgery) is a surgical treatment that can be performed to reduce the pocket size between the teeth and gums. Surgery on the jawbone is another option that serves to eliminate indentations in the bone that foster the colonization of bacteria.
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Dental implants – When teeth have been lost due to periodontal disease, the aesthetics and functionality of the mouth can be restored by implanting prosthetic teeth into the jawbone. Tissue regeneration procedures may be required prior to the placement of a dental implant in order to strengthen the bone.
Ask your dentist if you have questions or concerns about periodontal disease, periodontal treatment, or dental implants.
Contact us for an evaluation in Mill Valley
The team at the dental office of Dr. Gabriela Garcia-Rojas, DDS, welcomes the chance to help you maintain a great smile.
Contact our office today to schedule your dentistry appointment!
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Gabriela and the team are awesome and make going to the dentist a great experience considering it's not exactly everyone's favorite thing to do. They've elevated the standard of care here in Mill Valley and utilize the latest in technology as well. Being a bit of a gadget person, I was quite impressed with their laser teeth cleaning setup, very cool tech!
Justin K. - Google Review
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I can't compliment Gabriela and her staff enough after my first visit to her practice since the advent of COVID. The staff was all highly professional, polite, and respectful with particular attention paid to my safety and comfort. It was a first-rate experience especially when one considers the challenging environment in which we are living at this time.
Anthony V., Yelp Review
Thorough, professional, knowledgeable, and highly skilled staff who use the most modern equipment. Impressive service-oriented approach and teamwork!
Masae K., Google Review
I am thrilled to have Dr. Gabriela Garcia - Rojas as my dentist. She fulfills all my requirements and expectations. Her expertise, consideration for comfort, and security of her patients, her responsible attitude towards treatment of wastes, her utmost respect for others makes her the best around. Her staff is top-notch, always smiling, and giving consideration to the patient. Her devotion to a painless appointment is highly regarded. I refer all my clients and friends to Dr. Garcia Rojas and am confident that I will never be disappointed. We are so fortunate to have her.
Jean M., Web Review
She's been taking care of our pearly whites for 8 years, and trust me, with our big family we've put her team through every test: from a simple cleaning to composite work, night guards, e-rays, chipped teeth, nervous patients, hard to get into the office patients... She's gone through a wringer if tests and passed them all with flying colors.
I am always in awe at how Dr. Garcia-Rojas is constantly learning about the latest developments in dental care, keeping up with technology, and all while welcoming you with her warm and calming demeanor, always.
Laura D., Facebook Review
I have been going to Dr. Garcia-Rojas for years. She's an incredible dentist who was able to get me over my phobia of the dentist because of how she cares about her patients. Today was my first visit since the COVID-19 outbreak. They have gone to amazing lengths to protect their patients in that office. I felt safe and well cared for and they have really gone the distance above and beyond what the CDC has even recommended. Thank you to Dr. Garica-Rojas and your entire team for the many years of dentistry.
Stacy A., Google Review
Dr. Garcia-Rojas and the team, even in the middle of the COVID pandemic, meet the challenge and make you feel like patient needs, comfort and safety are first. They are the best!
Joe P., Google Review
Gabriela and her staff have done a very thorough job of ensuring a very safe environment. Most effective COVID I’ve seen yet.
Doug R., Google Review
I've been going to Dr. Garcia Rojas for quite some time. She is professional, of course, but more important to me, she is down to earth and sincere, and explains procedures and listens to questions.
Not only is Dr. Garcia Rojas an excellent dentist, and all of her staff are also pleasant and extremely helpful.
Dr. Garcia Rojas and her staff make going to the dentist, which is usually not fun, a not so bad after all experience.
I highly recommend Dr. Garcia Rojas.
Lois L., Yelp Review
I have been going to Dr. Garcia-Rojas for about 10 years. She is a highly skilled dentist, always on top of the latest techniques and treatments. Dr. Differing has been a great addition. The doctors and staff are super accommodating and friendly.
Steven P., Google Review
Gabriela and the team are awesome and make going to the dentist a great experience considering it's not exactly everyone's favorite thing to do. They've elevated the standard of care here in Mill Valley and utilize the latest in technology as well. Being a bit of a gadget person, I was quite impressed with their laser teeth cleaning setup, very cool tech!
Justin K., Google Review
It was our first time at this gorgeous high-tech dental facility in the heart of Mill Valley to meet with Dr. Cooper Differding and Dr. Gabriela Garcia-Rojas. It was an experience like neither of us have had at a dental office because of the advanced technology they use. Experienced and friendly staff gave us thorough exams using state of the art procedures and equipment. They left no stone unturned. I was even diagnosed with a life-altering condition and told about a treatment plan! I never knew that snoring, clenching teeth, and acid reflex could all be related...and deadly if not treated; leading to the lack of oxygen to the brain, early dementia, enamel erosion from stomach acids, obesity, and even diabetes! Most enjoyable teeth cleaning ever...with no discomfort! Our experience with these delightful people was not only pleasurable but educational as well.
Lisa C., Google Review
These folks are the real deal. They have the latest tech in dentistry with staff that is really competent and more importantly actually cares about their patient's dental health.
Paul B., Google Review
They are awesome. They’ve been my dentist for years.
Tamara F., Google Review
Excellent professional, friendly, warm service from everyone in the office. I have been going here for over two years and will go nowhere else. All the work I have had done here has been excellent. It has also been thoroughly explained to me, which I really like. I give an immense to the treatment provided by Dr. Garcia-Rojas and her wonderful staff. My wife and mother in law go here now as well.
John W., Google Review
Lisa and I had our first visit with Dr. Differding and the staff back in early February. What an amazing experience! Strange to say about a visit to the dentist...right? 🙂
The office is filled with sunlight and it's reflected in the smiles of all the staff members. Beautifully designed suite. State of the art equipment for top-notch professionals. You can't find a more knowledgeable group of technicians.
Everyone treats you with the utmost respect and care. I had the most thorough dental exam in my life. Dr. Cooper Differding is a childhood friend of our boys. It's been a joy to watch him grow into this fine man and we are so proud that his hard work and years of medical schooling has paid off. Cooper has partnered up with Dr. Gabriela Garcia-Rojas, who is another gem.
Elmer C., Yelp Review
I have been very pleased with Dr. Garcia-Rojas and her office. Everyone is friendly. I actually look forward to going and getting a cleaning because the hygienist is really helpful, not judgemental, and has brand new cleaning equipment which does not hurt at all. I love the fact that the hygienist looks for any problems and calls the doctor in rather than making another appointment. Dr. Garcia-Rojas gives a lot of attention to detail in her work such as the crown she did for me.
Marti B., Yelp Review
Another good visit to this terrific practice. A comfortable, fast, thorough cleaning from Claudia. And Shay had laid out clearly what would and wouldn't be covered by the ever confusing world of insurance. Love this group of people and practitioners, and they seem to really like what they do too.
James K., Yelp Review
Sincerely one of the best practices I've ever been to, and I've moved around a bit. The practice is very well run. Both dentists are extremely knowledgeable, kind, and thorough, and the hygienists are excellent. They recently moved to a new building so everything is updated and clean. Within two visits I started moving my family over too. The support staff is very kind, funny, and competent as well. The whole place is calm and focused. I've had two crowns and an old one fixed, a new bite-plate, cleanings and scaling over the past year or so. Dr. Garcia-Rojas has come in when the office was closed just to make adjustments. I think they all just like what they do. A rare treat these days.
James K., Yelp Review
I've been going to Dr. Garcia-Rojas ever since I was a little kid. She is top-notch. Her attention to detail is impressive. The whole staff is extremely professional and friendly. They are very upfront and honest with their billing. I saw Dr. Differding today for the first time and he is top-notch as well. Throughout the procedure, he would explain every step in a very kind and patient way. He's also a local...pretty cool that he stayed around to practice in his hometown!
Steven A., Yelp Review
Dr. Differding was amazing. He could not have been nicer or more accommodating to my requests. He thoroughly explained everything and answered all questions if a friendly manner. Staff and office were really wonderful as well. Highly recommend.
Cathy L., Yelp Review
After seeing the same dentist for nearly 20 years in SF, I decided to try someone closer to home here in Mill Valley. I chose Dr. Garcia-Rojas' office based on Yelp reviews. Wow. I can't begin to describe how superb the experience was. The professionalism, care, attention to detail, and thoroughness of this staff was an order of magnitude better than my previous dentist. I came away not only with a set of sparkling clean teeth but a whole new understanding of dental health and what I need to be aware of to maintain my health. The staff works together in harmony, providing an outstanding customer experience. It's rare to find a health care provider these days that takes such care and manages an office so effectively. First-class experience.
Susan B., Yelp Review
