Gum disease is a category of oral disease that can include varying degrees of severity. The most common and milder form of gum disease is called gingivitis. This means the patient is developing inflamed gum tissue and possible infection in their gums. Gingivitis can be controlled and treated with proper oral health care and regular dental checkups. It is usually noticed when you have swollen gums, the gums become irritated, and they may bleed when you brush or floss. Gingivitis happens when you get plaque buildup on your teeth and isn’t properly removed through brushing or flossing. Eventually, it turns into tartar, which will require a dental professional to remove. The plaque and tartar trap food particles and bacteria, which lead to infection and tooth decay.
The more severe form of gum disease is called periodontitis (periodontal disease) and means the inflammation and infection extends into the gum tissue below the gum line and may also be affecting teeth and bone tissue in the area. Left untreated, periodontitis leads to receding gums, damage to the bone and connective tissue around teeth, tooth infections, and in severe cases, possible tooth loss.
The Monterey Peninsula Dental Group serves periodontal patients from across the Monterey Peninsula. We’ve been providing our patients with expert, personal periodontal care since 1972, from identifying gum disease all the way to helping damaged bone tissue regenerate. Our team of general dentists, specialty dentists, and periodontists brings a comprehensive care approach to our patients. We treat your gum disease as part of an overall care plan to improve long-term oral health and focus on giving you a healthy, beautiful smile.
Our periodontic services include scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), bone regeneration and gum grafting, and laser-assisted periodontal treatment, or LANAP, which allows our patients to take advantage of the most cutting-edge and least invasive technologies for gum health. Learn more about our periodontal services below, or contact our office for answers to your questions.
Periodontal Services
Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling & root planing is therapy that deep-cleans plaque and tartar build-up around the teeth and below the gums.
Learn more.LANAP Periodontal Treatment
LANAP improves gum health & promotes tissue regrowth without surgery.
Learn more.Bone Regeneration
If you've lost bone to periodontal disease, regeneration can help you regain a healthy smile.
Learn more.Gum Grafting
In advanced cases of gum recession, gum grafting is an option to restore healthy tissue and prevent further degeneration.
Learn more.See what our happy patients are saying:
Charles P.
Dr. Falkel is an outstanding practitioner. The procedure was remarkably easy and I felt absolutely no pain. Yesterday evening, at 9 PM, Dr. Falkel called me at home to make sure that I was doing fine. I think he goes well beyond what one would expect.
Jeanette N.
It's so nice to be back in Carmel Valley after a five year absence and back to MPDG and the excellent care of Dr. Falkel. It is always a professional, caring experience.
Jennifer S.
I so appreciate the service I receive when I go to Dr. Lehr's Office for my checkups. I think the practice as a whole is much improved by technology and process improvements.