Periodontal Services in Santa Monica, CA
Protect Your Gums and Preserve Your Smile
Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. At Smiles Santa Monica, Dr. Sanaz Khoubnazar, DMD, provides comprehensive periodontal services to help patients prevent, manage, and treat gum disease at every stage. Gum disease often develops gradually and without obvious symptoms, which is why regular evaluation and early intervention are so important.
Whether you are dealing with the early signs of gum disease or need more advanced treatment, our team is here to help you maintain strong, healthy gums for life. Call us at (310) 829-0808 or book your appointment online today.
If you have ever wished that your smile were whiter and brighter, teeth whitening might be right for you. Through professional teeth whitening, we can lighten staining and discoloration caused by various factors, such as:
- The natural aging process
- Poor dental hygiene habits
- Consumption of certain drinks and foods, including tea, wine, coffee, and soda
- Smoking and other forms of tobacco use
- Illness
- Certain medications
- Fluorosis
Our dentist will work with you to determine the right type of treatment and treatment length to achieve the smile aesthetic you desire. To learn more about professional teeth whitening and to set up your consultation at our office, please call us today.
Stages of Gum Disease
Gingivitis: The earliest and most reversible stage, characterized by red, swollen, or bleeding gums. At this stage, the bone and connective tissue are not yet affected.
- Mild to Moderate Periodontitis: Infection spreads below the gumline, causing the gums to pull away from the teeth and form pockets where bacteria accumulate. Early bone loss may begin.
- Advanced Periodontitis: Significant bone and tissue destruction occurs, leading to deep pockets, loose teeth, and, without treatment, potential tooth loss.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is an infection of the tissues that surround and support the teeth. It is caused primarily by the buildup of plaque and bacteria along and below the gumline. If left untreated, it can progress from mild inflammation to serious damage to the gums, bone, and surrounding structures that hold the teeth in place.
Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. Research also links it to a range of systemic health concerns, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory conditions. Treating and managing periodontal disease is essential not just for your oral health, but for your overall well-being.
Warning Signs of Gum Disease
Gum disease can progress silently, but there are often early signs that should prompt a dental evaluation. Contact Smiles Santa Monica if you notice any of the following:
- Gums that are red, swollen, or tender to the touch
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Receding gums, making teeth appear longer than normal
- Persistent bad breath that does not improve with brushing
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Tooth sensitivity or pain when chewing
- A change in the way your teeth fit together when biting
Certain patients are at higher risk for developing periodontal disease, including those with diabetes, people who smoke or use tobacco, individuals with a family history of gum disease, and patients on certain medications. Dr. Khoubnazar will assess your individual risk factors and recommend an appropriate course of action.
Our Periodontal Services
Dr. Khoubnazar offers a full range of periodontal treatments tailored to the severity of each patient’s condition and their long-term oral health goals.
Periodontal Evaluation and Diagnosis
Every patient receives a thorough periodontal assessment as part of their care at Smiles Santa Monica Dr. Khoubnazar measures the depth of the pockets between the gums and teeth, evaluates the health of the bone, and looks for signs of inflammation or infection. This evaluation is the starting point for any periodontal treatment plan.
Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
Scaling and root planing is the most common non-surgical treatment for gum disease. This deep cleaning procedure involves removing plaque and tartar from below the gumline (scaling) and smoothing the root surfaces to help the gum tissue reattach to the teeth (root planing). It is typically performed under local anesthesia and may be completed in one or more visits depending on the extent of the disease.
Periodontal Maintenance
After active gum disease treatment, patients transition to a periodontal maintenance program. These are professional cleanings that occur more frequently than standard checkups, typically every three to four months, and are designed to keep bacteria levels in check, monitor pocket depths, and prevent the disease from recurring. Consistent maintenance is critical to long-term periodontal health.
Antibiotic Therapy
In some cases, localized antibiotic therapy may be used alongside scaling and root planing to help eliminate persistent bacteria in periodontal pockets. These antibiotics may be applied directly to the affected area during treatment for targeted, effective results.
Gum Disease Monitoring and Ongoing Care
For patients with a history of gum disease, Dr. Khoubnazar provides ongoing monitoring and personalized care plans to help keep the condition stable over time. This includes regular assessments, patient education on at-home oral hygiene, and adjustments to the maintenance schedule as needed
At-Home Gum Care Recommendations
Professional treatment works best when paired with a strong at-home oral hygiene routine. Dr. Khoubnazar recommends the following practices to support your periodontal health between visits:
- Brush your teeth at least twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
- Floss at least once per day to remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and below the gumline
- Use an antibacterial or antimicrobial mouthwash if recommended by Dr. Khoubnazar
- Avoid tobacco products, which significantly increase the risk and severity of gum disease
- Maintain a balanced diet and limit sugary or acidic foods and beverages
- Attend all scheduled periodontal maintenance appointments
The Connection Between Gum Health and Overall Health
Research has established a strong connection between periodontal disease and a number of serious systemic health conditions. Chronic gum infections can contribute to inflammation throughout the body, which has been associated with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, poorly controlled diabetes, and pregnancy complications.
Adults over the age of 35 lose more teeth to gum disease than to cavities. Taking gum disease seriously and seeking timely treatment is one of the most important steps you can take for both your oral health and your overall quality of life.
Why Choose Smiles Santa Monica for Periodontal Care
- Experienced and skilled care from Dr. Sanaz Khoubnazar, DMD
- Comprehensive periodontal evaluation and individualized treatment planning
- Full range of non-surgical periodontal treatments available in one convenient location
- Patient-focused environment with a gentle, compassionate approach
- Ongoing maintenance programs designed to keep your gum disease under control
- Conveniently located at 2915 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 3, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Schedule Your Periodontal Evaluation Today
Do not wait for gum disease to become a bigger problem. Whether you have noticed early symptoms or simply want to stay ahead of potential issues, Smiles Santa Monica is here to help. Call us at (310) 829-0808 or book your appointment online. We are open Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 4 pm and Friday from 8 am to 2 pm.
Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontal Services
- What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gums and supporting structures that hold the teeth in place. It begins as gingivitis, a mild inflammation of the gums, and can progress to more serious forms that damage the bone and tissue around the teeth. Without treatment, it is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
Common signs include red, swollen, or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, receding gums, loose teeth, and discomfort when chewing. However, gum disease can develop without obvious symptoms, which is why regular dental evaluations are so important. Dr. Khoubnazar checks for signs of periodontal disease at every visit.
Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, is fully reversible with professional cleaning and improved at-home oral hygiene. More advanced stages of periodontal disease can be managed and stabilized with treatment, but any bone or tissue that has already been lost cannot be fully restored without additional procedures. Early intervention gives you the best possible outcome.
A standard dental cleaning removes plaque and tartar from the surfaces of the teeth above and just below the gumline. A deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, goes further below the gumline to remove buildup from the root surfaces and smooth them to help the gum tissue reattach. Deep cleanings are recommended when periodontal pockets are present and bacteria have accumulated below a depth that regular cleaning can address.
Scaling and root planing is performed under local anesthesia, so the treatment area is numb during the procedure. Patients may experience some tenderness or sensitivity in the days following treatment, which can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Most patients find the procedure far more comfortable than they expected.
After completing active gum disease treatment, most patients are placed on a periodontal maintenance schedule of every three to four months rather than the standard twice-yearly cleanings. This frequency is important for keeping bacteria levels low, monitoring pocket depths, and preventing the disease from progressing or returning.
Yes, periodontal disease can recur if bacteria are allowed to build up again over time. This is why regular maintenance appointments and consistent at-home oral hygiene are so essential after treatment. Patients who follow their recommended maintenance schedule significantly reduce their risk of the disease recurring or worsening.
Risk factors include smoking or tobacco use, diabetes, a family history of periodontal disease, hormonal changes such as those during pregnancy or menopause, certain medications that cause dry mouth or gum overgrowth, and poor oral hygiene habits. Dr. Khoubnazar will review your specific risk factors and tailor your care plan accordingly.
Yes. Research has found strong associations between periodontal disease and conditions such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, respiratory disease, and pregnancy complications. Chronic gum infections contribute to systemic inflammation, which can affect other areas of the body. Managing gum disease is an important part of protecting your overall health.
The most effective at-home prevention involves brushing at least twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, flossing once a day to clean between the teeth and below the gumline, avoiding tobacco products, eating a balanced diet, and attending all scheduled dental cleanings and periodontal maintenance appointments. Dr. Khoubnazar can also provide personalized recommendations based on your specific oral health needs.