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Gum Disease Treatment in Bakersfield, CA
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, yet most people don’t realize they have it until it has already caused significant damage. Our seasoned periodontists, Dr. Huzefa Saifee, offer specialized gum disease treatment in Bakersfield, CA, to protect your oral health.
If your gums bleed when you brush, your teeth feel loose, or you’ve been told by your general dentist that you need to see a specialist, our team is ready to help you stop the infection, restore your gum health, and protect your teeth for the long term.
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What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection that destroys the gum tissue and supporting bone that hold your teeth in place. It starts when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, forms along and under the gumline.
If left untreated, this infection can progress and destroy the supporting structures that hold your teeth in place. There are two main stages:
- Gingivitis: This is the first stage and only involves the gum tissue. The damage is reversible with professional treatment and improved home care. Most people have red, swollen, or bleeding but painless gums, so gingivitis often goes unnoticed.
- Periodontitis: By this point, gum disease has advanced below the gumline and infected the bone. Pockets develop between the teeth and gums, holding bacteria and accelerating the loss of bone and tissue. Without treatment, teeth can become loose and may eventually need extraction.
Gum Disease Treatments We Offer in Bakersfield, CA
Dr. Saifee tailor every treatment plan to the stage and severity of your condition. No two cases are alike, and our goal is always to start with the most effective, least invasive approach. Our gum disease treatments include:
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is the primary nonsurgical procedure for treating early and moderate periodontitis. By utilizing specially designed tools, our periodontists scrape off bacterial deposits and calculus from above and below the gums.
The root surfaces are then smoothed to discourage bacteria from reattaching and to help the gum tissue heal and reattach to the tooth.
Most patients are surprised by how comfortable this procedure is with local anesthesia. It’s typically completed over one or two appointments and is highly effective when caught at the right stage.
Periodontal Endoscope Therapy
For cases where bacteria are hiding deep beneath the gumline, Dr. Saifee use the PerioView Dental Endoscope, a small fiber-optic camera that allows them to see inside the periodontal pocket in real time without cutting the gums.
This technology allows for enhanced visualization of deep periodontal pockets and may help reduce the need for more invasive surgical procedures in selected cases, but without incisions or sutures.
LANAP® Laser Therapy
In addition to being FDA-cleared, LANAP® is a state-of-the-art laser treatment procedure for gum diseases ranging from moderate to severe. This specific type of laser technology targets the diseased gum tissues without harming healthy ones.
LANAP® therapy is designed to remove diseased tissue while preserving healthy tissue and may support the body’s natural healing response. In some cases, regeneration of periodontal structures may occur.
With the use of this technology, we can perform treatment without making any cuts or using stitches like conventional surgery. Many patients experience less discomfort, swelling, and downtime as compared with traditional periodontal surgery, although individual experience varies.
Periodontal Surgery
When periodontal disease has reached the point where it can no longer be treated effectively with non-surgical therapy alone, Dr. Saifee may suggest surgical procedures of the osseous (bone) tissue. This procedure is used to reshape infected bone, decrease pocket depths, and eliminate hiding places for bacteria.
Our periodontists with decades of combined surgical experience are highly skilled in performing these procedures with precision and care.
Periodontal Maintenance
Once active gum disease has been treated, maintenance is needed to prevent recurrence. We provide specialized periodontal maintenance visits, typically at 3-4 month intervals.
These are specifically targeted to patients with a history of periodontal disease and have a greater level of monitoring and cleaning than a standard preventive dental cleaning.
Dr. Saifee clean deep beneath the gumline, monitor pocket depths, and catch any early signs of reinfection before they become a problem.
Warning Signs of Gum Disease
Many patients are surprised to learn they have advanced periodontal disease because the early stages are often painless. Watch for these warning signs:
- Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing
- Red, swollen, or tender gum tissue
- Persistent bad breath that doesn’t go away with brushing
- Gums that appear to be pulling away from your teeth
- Teeth that feel loose or have shifted position
- Visible pus between the teeth and gums
- A change in how your teeth fit together when you bite
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t wait. The earlier gum disease is caught, the more conservative and successful the treatment can be.
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Why Choose Gum Disease Treatment Specialists in Bakersfield, CA
General dentists provide excellent routine care, but periodontal disease is a specialty condition requiring advanced training to treat effectively. Dr. Saifee have each completed years of postgraduate education beyond dental school, specifically in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease.
Our board-certified periodontist, Dr. Saifee earned his specialty training at Harvard School of Dental Medicine, where he also completed a Master of Medical Sciences in oral biology with a focus on advanced surgical techniques and full-mouth reconstruction.
What People Say About Us
Trusted by Families, Praised in Reviews
Based on Google Reviews
Definitely the best dental work i have ever received. I highly encourage many people to get their work done here. I no longer live in Bakersfield California but live 3 hours away and still till this day i rather get my dental work done here. Everything is done with perfection.
G Guti
Amazing job very pleased with the results ,only needed one pain pill and everything was good.happy with the results .really nervous at first.it wasn’t too bad. Dr and staff was great.
Leona M.
It was a very pleasant experience. I would recommend this dentist office to anyone.
Johnny M.
Great first time experience everything is fairly simple and the Doctor and Hygienist both had good character and were great at explaining things and asked me what my main concern before starting to look inside of my mouth
Erik D.
I had a great experience with Dr Saifee. He explained everything in detail. The staff was very nice and helpful.
Sylvia G.
Family friendly ! Very professional and mindful of the patient at all times !
Diego C.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does gum disease treatment take?
It depends on the severity of your condition. Gingivitis may be resolved in one or two appointments. Moderate to advanced periodontitis typically requires a series of appointments for deep cleaning, followed by a re-evaluation, and then ongoing maintenance visits every three to four months.
Will my gums grow back after treatment?
Treatment can stop the progression of bone and tissue loss and, in some cases (particularly with LANAP® therapy), stimulate regeneration of lost bone. However, gum tissue that has significantly receded typically does not grow back on its own. If gum recession is a concern, Dr. Saifee also offers gum recession treatment to restore coverage and protect exposed roots.
Does gum disease affect the rest of my body?
Yes. There is a link between untreated gum disease and heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, respiratory disease, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Treating gum disease is an investment in your overall health, not just your oral health.
How often should I come in for periodontal maintenance after treatment?
Most patients who have been treated for gum disease need periodontal maintenance every three to four months rather than the standard six-month cleaning schedule. Your periodontist will recommend a frequency based on your specific history and how well your condition is being maintained.
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
Gum disease won’t go away on its own, but with the right specialist and the right treatment, it can absolutely be controlled. We offer highly effective gum disease treatment in Bakersfield, CA, to help you protect your teeth. Call us at (661) 230-9674 today!