Gum Therapy in Costa Mesa

If you need gum therapy (also known as periodontal therapy) in Costa Mesa or Newport Beach, we offer gentle, judgment-free care. Gum therapy is often required to treat cases of gingivitis, as well as more advanced forms of periodontal disease. At Brite Clean Smiles, we want our patients to know when to seek gum therapy, and how to notice signs of periodontal disease.

Understanding Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)

Gum therapy is designed to help resolve cases of gum disease. So, what is gum disease? Periodontal disease is a chronic infection of the gum tissue, which causes inflammation, decay, and deterioration of both the teeth and gums. In a healthy mouth, plaque and bacteria are removed regularly with proper brushing and flossing, and during oral hygiene checkups and cleanings.

If bacteria isn't removed, plaque will begin to build up on your gums and around your teeth, eventually hardening into tartar (calculus). The bacteria in tartar then begins to infect and attack your gum tissue. In minor cases of gum disease (also called gingivitis), symptoms usually include:

  • Sensitivity of the teeth and gums
  • Redness or discoloration of gums
  • Gum inflammation and swelling
  • Bleeding when brushing
  • Halitosis (bad breath)

However, as gum disease advances into later stages, it becomes harder to treat and the symptoms become much more severe. These symptoms can include:

  • Pockets of pus between the teeth
  • Shifting and loosening (or total loss of) teeth
  • Pain when chewing
  • Receding gums
  • Deterioration and weakening of the jaw, resulting in loss of multiple teeth

Gum Therapy Procedures

Gum therapy includes a number of different procedures. Here are some of the most common treatments for periodontal disease:


  • Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning) – Scaling and root planing involves advanced tools, which are used to scrape away plaque and tartar from the teeth, and reshape the roots to prevent further infections. It’s usually the first procedure performed, and can resolve minor cases of gingivitis.
  • Periodontal Flap Therapy (Pocket Reduction) – Gum disease leaves “pockets” behind when the tissue around the roots of your teeth are destroyed, and these pockets collect more bacteria. This treatment eliminates pockets and helps prevent infection recurrence.
  • Antibacterial Treatments – Antibiotics are administered with the above procedures to help fight back against infection and inflammation.
  • Gum Grafts and Reshaping – If your gums are seriously damaged by gum disease, grafts can be used to replace them, using tissue from a healthy area of the mouth. Your gums may also need to be reshaped after gum disease treatment, to ensure a pleasing appearance
  • Periodontal Maintenance – Serious cases of gum disease cannot be permanently cured. In these cases, periodontal maintenance is required every 3 months to control the bacterial infection and keep it from damaging the mouth further.
Dentures in front of white backgroundThree dentists smiling Two young females at a coffee shop smiling and talking

Get Help with Gum Disease

The longer you wait to get gum therapy, the more difficult your periodontal disease will be to treat. If you suspect you have even a minor case of gum disease, don't wait to seek treatment. The team at Brite Clean Smiles in Orange County can help keep your teeth and gums healthy. Call us at (949) 777-1005, or come to our office at 488 East 17th Street, STE A-101, Costa Mesa, CA, 92627.