What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal (gum) disease is an inflammatory condition that affects the gums and supporting structures around the teeth. It begins with gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, where plaque buildup causes the gums to become red, swollen, or prone to bleeding during brushing or flossing. If left untreated, this inflammation can progress beneath the gumline, damaging the bone and connective tissue that hold your teeth in place. At Hearthstone Dentistry, Dr. Monica Chau and our team have extensive experience diagnosing and treating periodontal disease at every stage, from early gingivitis to advanced periodontitis. Our approach is tailored to your symptoms, oral health history, and goals. Whether you need a deep cleaning or more involved periodontal therapy, reach out to our dental office in Houston, TX to learn how periodontal treatment can help restore the health of your gums and protect your long-term oral function.
How Is Periodontal Disease Treated?
The approach we take for your periodontal disease treatment will depend on how far the condition has progressed. The early stages of gum disease can often be managed with at-home care and regular professional dental cleanings at our Houston, TX practice. For patients in the more advanced stages of gum disease, we recommend scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning technique that removes plaque and calculus from below the gumline and smooths the roots to prevent further bacterial buildup. For severe cases, we may need to incorporate antibiotics to fight infection and surgery to eliminate gum pockets where bacteria accumulate. Throughout your treatment, we'll schedule regular cleaning and exams so that Dr. Chau can monitor your healing and make adjustments based on how your gums respond.
What Are the Benefits of Periodontal Disease Treatment?
Unlike cavities, which affect isolated areas of a tooth, gum disease affects the entire foundation of your smile. Even if the disease has progressed, timely care can slow or stop further loss of bone and tissue. The benefits of treatment for periodontal disease include:
- Reduces inflammation, swelling, and gum tenderness
- Removes bacteria and hardened deposits below the gumline
- Helps prevent bone loss and tooth mobility
- Can reverse early-stage symptoms before permanent damage occurs
- Improves breath and reduces infection-related odor
- Supports long-term oral stability and tooth retention
Hearthstone Dentistry Reviews
I absolutely loved the patient experience in the this office. I am new in the area and so l just did a goggle search and several dental offices pulled up. My spirit lead me to this office. From the moment l walked into the office l felt welcome. I had spoken with Tabitha earlier that morning to confirm my appointment and I recognized the voice when l walked in. She made sure my paperwork was completed and then introduced me to Pascha. She took all my X-rays and pictures of my teeth.. she was so gentle and kind, asking me if l was okay throughout the procedure. That is huge in my books because it showed she cared/cares. Dr. Chau and Pascha were amazing; they work so well together. They were engaging, as well as reassuring. They made me feel comfortable and safe in their care. Dr. Chau explained and reviewed all the X-rays and pictures. She stopped periodically to ask if I had questions. Dr. Chau and her crew on 10/24/2023 were phenomenal. I highly recommend you checking out Hearthstone Dentist . It’s full of joy.
Everyone is very pleasant. She has quite the uplifting and bubbly personality. Thorough in explaining what the procedure is and ask if I have any questions. Checks that you are doing ok while procedure is being done. Great dentist!
My first time at the dentist and this office made it such a joyful experience. The receptionist at the front desk was helpful and very kind. The dental assistant was patient and informative and the dentist was very thorough, answered all my questions and funny/witty. Great experience!
Very professional and courteous. Always professional, and always taking care of the patient.
I have been coming here for many years. The original dentist retired and I have been seeing Dr Chau since 2021 and she does an excellent job. She takes time to explain all she does and asked for me to ask any questions or concerns I have.
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Average Rating
Manage Gum Disease and Save Your Smile
Bleeding gums, persistent inflammation, or changes in how your teeth feel can all point to underlying periodontal disease. Left untreated, these symptoms can lead to bone loss or tooth mobility, but early care can prevent that outcome. Schedule a personalized exam with Dr. Chau at Hearthstone Dentistry in Houston, TX to identify the stage of gum disease you may be facing and explore a treatment plan tailored to preserve your health, comfort, and long-term stability.