Comprehensive gum disease treatment to save your natural teeth and stop bone loss progression
When periodontal disease is diagnosed, the goal of treatment is to control the infection, reduce pocket depths, and stop the progressive loss of bone around your teeth. Dr. Chanook David Ahn, a Board-Certified Periodontist, creates an individualized treatment plan for every patient based on the type and severity of disease, your overall health, and how your body responds to initial therapy.
Periodontal treatment in Costa Mesa at The Loft Dental Studio ranges from conservative non-surgical approaches to advanced surgical and laser-based therapies. The right option for you depends on how far the disease has progressed. Below is a detailed overview of each treatment so you know exactly what to expect.
Scaling and root planing is the foundation of periodontal treatment and the first step for most patients with gum disease. Often referred to as a deep cleaning, this procedure goes well beyond a standard dental cleaning by targeting the bacterial deposits that have formed beneath the gum line on the root surfaces of your teeth.
For many patients with mild to moderate periodontitis, scaling and root planing combined with improved home care is enough to bring the disease under control. Dr. Ahn uses digital periodontal charting to measure pocket depths before and after treatment so both you and your care team can track your progress with precision.
When non-surgical treatment is not sufficient to eliminate deep pockets, osseous surgery may be recommended. Also called pocket reduction surgery or flap surgery, this procedure allows Dr. Ahn to access the root surfaces and bone beneath the gum tissue to remove disease-causing bacteria and reshape damaged bone.
The goal of osseous surgery is to create a shallower pocket environment that you can keep clean with daily brushing and flossing. Reducing pocket depth makes it much harder for bacteria to re-colonize and cause further damage.
The Loft Dental Studio offers LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure), an FDA-cleared laser protocol for treating moderate to severe periodontal disease. LANAP uses a specialized PerioLase MVP-7 laser to selectively remove diseased tissue and bacteria without cutting or suturing the gums.
LANAP is especially well-suited for patients who prefer a minimally invasive approach, those who take blood-thinning medications, or anyone who wants a faster, more comfortable recovery compared to traditional surgery. Learn more on our dedicated LANAP laser therapy page.
Periodontal disease destroys the bone that supports your teeth. Once bone is lost, it does not grow back on its own. Bone grafting is a procedure that places bone graft material into areas where bone has been lost. Over several months, your body replaces the graft material with your own natural bone, rebuilding the foundation that holds your teeth in place.
Dr. Ahn evaluates each case individually to determine whether bone regeneration is possible and which grafting approach will provide the best long-term outcome for your teeth. Visit our bone regeneration page for more details.
Periodontal disease and aggressive brushing can cause the gums to recede, exposing the tooth roots. Exposed roots are more vulnerable to decay, sensitivity, and further bone loss. Gum grafting restores lost gum tissue by placing a small piece of soft tissue over the exposed root area.
Gum grafting not only protects your roots and reduces sensitivity but also improves the appearance of your smile. Read more about your options on our gum grafting page.
After your active periodontal treatment is complete, you will transition into a periodontal maintenance program. Unlike standard dental cleanings, periodontal maintenance appointments are specifically designed for patients who have been treated for gum disease. These visits typically occur every three to four months and include:
Consistent periodontal maintenance is the single most important factor in keeping your gum disease from returning after treatment. Skipping these visits significantly increases the risk of disease progression and tooth loss.
While general dentists can perform basic scaling and root planing, moderate to advanced periodontal disease requires the specialized training and surgical expertise of a periodontist. Dr. Chanook David Ahn earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and completed his periodontal residency at Yale-New Haven Hospital, where he received advanced training in surgical and non-surgical periodontal therapy, bone regeneration, laser treatment, and dental implant placement.
A periodontist completes three additional years of residency training beyond dental school, focusing exclusively on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the gums, bone, and connective tissues around the teeth. This means Dr. Ahn has treated thousands of cases ranging from early gingivitis to severe periodontitis with extensive bone loss.
At The Loft Dental Studio, your periodontal treatment in Costa Mesa is supported by advanced diagnostic tools including digital periodontal charting, 3D cone beam imaging, and laser technology. These tools allow Dr. Ahn to plan your treatment with a level of precision that leads to more predictable results and better long-term outcomes.
Your first visit begins with a thorough periodontal examination. Dr. Ahn will measure the pocket depths around each tooth, evaluate the condition of your gum tissue, review dental X-rays or 3D scans, and assess any risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, or medications that may affect healing. Based on this evaluation, he will explain his findings, discuss your treatment options, and answer all of your questions before any treatment begins.
All periodontal procedures are performed with local anesthesia so you remain comfortable. For non-surgical scaling and root planing, the area being treated is numbed, and the procedure typically takes 45 to 60 minutes per appointment. Surgical procedures are scheduled as dedicated appointments and usually take one to two hours depending on the number of teeth involved. Sedation options are available for patients who feel anxious about dental procedures.
Recovery varies depending on the type of treatment you receive. After scaling and root planing, most patients return to normal activities the same day. Your gums may feel slightly sore for a day or two, and you may notice some sensitivity to hot and cold that resolves within a week.
Surgical procedures and gum grafting typically require a few days of rest. Dr. Ahn will provide detailed aftercare instructions that include:
Most patients feel significantly better within one to two weeks after surgical treatment. LANAP laser therapy patients often experience an even faster recovery, with many returning to their normal routine the next day.
Dr. Ahn specializes in personalized periodontal treatment plans tailored to your unique needs.
Book Your ConsultationPeriodontal disease begins when bacteria form a sticky biofilm on tooth surfaces. This biofilm is different from regular plaque -- it is organized, protective, and resistant to antibiotics. The bacteria within the biofilm release toxins that trigger an inflammatory response in your gums, marking the beginning of tissue destruction.
Your immune system responds to these bacterial toxins by sending inflammatory cells to the area. While this response fights the infection, chronic inflammation also damages the periodontal ligament and the alveolar bone that support your teeth. This inflammatory response can be amplified by factors such as smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, stress, genetic predisposition, and certain medications.
When tartar and bacteria are removed from below the gum line through scaling and root planing, the inflammatory stimulus is eliminated. Your body can then begin to heal, and the gum tissue reattaches to the clean, smooth root surface. Pocket depth typically reduces by 1 to 3 millimeters within four to six weeks as inflammation decreases and healing occurs. Deeper initial pockets often show the most dramatic improvement.
The timeline depends on the severity of your gum disease. Non-surgical scaling and root planing is typically completed in two to four visits over a few weeks. Surgical procedures such as osseous surgery or LANAP laser therapy are usually completed in one to two sessions. After active treatment, you will transition to a periodontal maintenance schedule with visits every three to four months to keep the disease under control.
Most periodontal treatments are performed under local anesthesia, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. After treatment, you may experience mild soreness or sensitivity for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually sufficient for managing any discomfort. Laser-based treatments like LANAP tend to cause less post-operative soreness than traditional surgery.
A periodontist completes an additional three years of specialty training beyond dental school focused exclusively on the gums, bone, and supporting structures of the teeth. This advanced training includes surgical techniques, bone regeneration, laser therapy, and dental implant placement. For moderate to advanced gum disease, a periodontist has the specialized skills and technology to deliver more predictable outcomes and preserve teeth that might otherwise be lost.
Periodontal disease is a chronic condition that can be managed but not permanently cured. Without consistent home care and regular periodontal maintenance visits, the disease can return. That is why ongoing maintenance appointments every three to four months are essential. These visits allow your periodontist to monitor pocket depths, remove bacterial buildup, and catch any recurrence early before it causes additional bone loss.
Most dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for periodontal treatment, including scaling and root planing, periodontal maintenance, and some surgical procedures. Coverage amounts and limitations vary by plan. Our team at The Loft Dental Studio will verify your benefits before treatment and explain your estimated out-of-pocket costs so there are no surprises.
Delaying treatment allows the infection to continue destroying the bone and tissue that support your teeth. Over time, pockets deepen, more bone is lost, and teeth become loose. Advanced periodontal disease can eventually lead to tooth loss and may require more invasive and costly procedures like dental implants to restore function. Early treatment is always simpler, less expensive, and more effective.
Call (714) 549-7030 or book online to meet with Dr. Ahn at The Loft Dental Studio.
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