Periodontal Therapy

Periodontal therapy encompasses a range of treatments, and the recommended approach depends on how far the disease has progressed. At our Monterey office, the most common starting point is scaling and root planing, which is a deeper cleaning that goes below the gumline to remove bacteria, tartar, and buildup that regular cleanings can't reach.

For patients with more advanced disease, we also offer laser therapy, which targets infected tissue with precision and typically results in less discomfort and faster healing than traditional approaches. In some cases, a series of appointments is needed to address the full mouth in sections.

Whatever the treatment, we explain each step before we start. You won't be left guessing about what's happening or why.

Gum disease doesn't always announce itself loudly. A lot of patients are surprised to learn they have it because the early stages are easy to overlook or write off as normal. Signs that periodontal therapy may be worth looking into include:

Any one of these is worth mentioning at your next visit. Caught early, gum disease is manageable. Left alone, it leads to bone loss and eventually tooth loss, which is a much harder problem to fix.

This is something a lot of patients don't hear enough: the health of your gums has real implications for your overall health. Research has established links between untreated gum disease and increased risk for heart disease, complications in patients with diabetes, and systemic inflammation more broadly.

The bacteria responsible for periodontal disease don't stay contained to your mouth. They can enter the bloodstream and contribute to inflammation elsewhere in the body. Treating gum disease isn't just about keeping your teeth; it's a meaningful investment in your long-term health.

Dr. Lois Lagier and Dr. Tala Eftekhari stay current on the research connecting oral and systemic health, and that perspective shapes how we approach periodontal care at every appointment.

Your first visit, focused on gum health, will include a thorough exam. We measure the depth of the pockets around each tooth, which indicates how far the gum has separated from the tooth surface and provides a clear picture of where disease is present and how advanced it is. X-rays help us assess bone levels.

From there, we talk through what we found and what treatment makes sense. If scaling and root planing are recommended, we typically numb the area to make the process more comfortable. Depending on the extent of the disease, we may divide treatment across two appointments to address one side of the mouth at a time.

Periodontal therapy in Monterey at our office is thorough but not intimidating. We pace visits in a way that works for you, and nitrous oxide is available if anxiety is a factor.

Once active gum disease has been treated, the goal shifts to maintenance. This typically means coming in for periodontal maintenance cleanings every 3 to 4 months rather than the standard 6-month schedule. These visits are more focused than a regular cleaning because we're specifically monitoring the affected areas and making sure the disease doesn't recur.

The other half of maintenance is what happens at home. Consistent brushing, daily flossing, and any additional tools we recommend, like an electric toothbrush or water flosser, make a significant difference in long-term outcomes. We'll give you specific, practical guidance based on your situation rather than generic advice.

Periodontal therapy is often covered at least partially by dental insurance, depending on your plan. We accept Delta Dental Premier and several payment options, including Apple Pay. Our team is happy to walk you through what to expect cost-wise before treatment begins.

If you've been noticing signs of gum trouble or just want to know where you stand, come in for an evaluation. Call our Monterey office to schedule a visit, and let's take a look together. Early action makes everything easier, and we'll give you a clear picture of what's going on and what it takes to fix it.