Gum Disease

Bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, or loose teeth can be signs of periodontal disease. Pannu Dental Group provides evaluation and treatment for gum disease, along with periodontal care for patients at its Fremont, Cupertino, and Sunnyvale offices. Care is based on the condition of your gums, periodontal pocket depths, bone support, medical history, and individual risk factors.

Treatment may include professional dental cleaning, scaling and root planing, periodontal maintenance, or laser-assisted periodontal therapy when appropriate. The goal is to control infection, protect the tissues and bone supporting your teeth, and help you maintain healthier gums over the long term.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an infection and inflammation of the gums and tissues supporting your teeth. It often starts when plaque builds up along the gumline and hardens into tartar.

Gum disease generally develops in two main stages:

Gingivitis: The early stage, which may cause red, swollen, or bleeding gums. It can often be reversed with professional cleaning and good oral hygiene.

Periodontitis: A more advanced stage that can damage the gums and supporting bone. Without treatment, it may lead to loose teeth or tooth loss.

Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease

Periodontal disease can progress without significant pain. Some patients do not realize there is a problem until changes are identified during a dental examination.

Consider scheduling a periodontal evaluation if you notice:

Bleeding when brushing or flossing
Red, swollen, or tender gums
Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste
Gums pulling away from the teeth
Teeth that appear longer because of recession
Sensitivity around exposed tooth roots
Pus or swelling near the gumline
New spaces developing between teeth
Loose or shifting teeth
Discomfort while chewing
Changes in the way your teeth fit together

Smoking or tobacco use, diabetes, dry mouth, certain medications, family history, and inconsistent oral hygiene can also increase periodontal risk.

How Is Gum Disease Diagnosed?

Gum disease is diagnosed through a periodontal evaluation that checks the health of your gums and the tissues supporting your teeth.

Step 1: Examine the Gums

The dental team checks for redness, swelling, bleeding, gum recession, and plaque or tartar buildup.

Step 2: Measure Periodontal Pockets

A periodontal probe is used to measure the spaces between your teeth and gums. Deeper pockets may indicate periodontal disease.

Step 3: Evaluate Tooth Stability

Your dentist checks for loose or shifting teeth and other signs of reduced periodontal support.

Step 4: Review Dental X-Rays

X-rays may be used to assess the bone supporting your teeth and identify bone loss related to periodontitis.

Step 5: Determine the Appropriate Care

Your findings help the dental team determine the stage of gum disease and recommend the appropriate level of periodontal care.

Gum Disease Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the stage of gum disease, the areas affected, and the health of the supporting tissues. Pannu Dental Group may recommend one or more of the following options.

Professional Dental Cleaning

For early-stage gingivitis, a professional cleaning may be enough to remove plaque and tartar and help reduce gum inflammation.

Regular preventive visits also help the dental team monitor your gum health and identify changes early.

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing, or deep cleaning, is commonly recommended for periodontitis. Scaling removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline, while root planing smooths the tooth roots to reduce areas where bacteria can collect.

Treatment may be completed over one or more visits, depending on how many areas need care. Local anesthetic may be used for comfort.

Periodontal Maintenance

After active treatment, periodontal maintenance helps control bacterial buildup and monitor previously treated areas.

These visits are designed for patients with a history of gum disease and may be recommended every three to four months, depending on your periodontal health and risk factors.

Laser Gum Therapy

For selected cases, Pannu Dental Group may use LANAP with the PerioLase dental laser as part of periodontal treatment.

Laser-assisted therapy may help manage infected periodontal tissues when clinically appropriate. Your dental team will determine whether it is suitable based on the condition of your gums and overall treatment needs.

People Love Pannu Dental Group

4.8/5.0

300+ 4.8 Star Reviews

"Everyone on front desk are so warm and welcoming as soon as you walk in. They are super helpful with answering any questions you might have"

"Dr Pannu is the best! Their office always treats us like family and makes us feel at home. I was always scared of the dentist but they help me feel so relaxed and at ease"

Benefits of Gum Disease Treatment

Periodontal treatment helps control infection and protect the gums, bone, and tissues that support your natural teeth.

Depending on your condition, treatment may help:

Reduce gum inflammation and bleeding
Remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline
Control harmful bacterial buildup
Improve persistent bad breath linked to gum disease
Make periodontal pockets easier to maintain
Limit further damage to the gums and supporting bone
Support better daily oral hygiene
Help preserve natural teeth for as long as possible

Results vary based on the severity of gum disease, medical history, smoking status, home care, and continued periodontal maintenance.

Cost of Gum Disease Treatment

The cost of periodontal treatment varies based on the type of care needed, the number of areas involved, diagnostic requirements, and the severity of gum disease.

Treatment	Estimated Cost
Scaling and root planing	$200–$450 per quadrant
Periodontal maintenance	$180–$350 per visit
Laser gum therapy	Based on individual treatment needs

Note: These ranges are general estimates and are not guaranteed treatment fees. Your dental team can provide a personalized cost estimate after evaluating your periodontal health and determining which services are appropriate.

Payment Options and Affordable Plans

Cash

Check

Debit &
Credit

FSA

Accepted Payments

We accept cash, personal checks and major credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express.All fees are presented in writing and explained thoroughly so you can make informed decisions.

Financing Plans

Our partnerships with CareCredit and Unicorn Financial allow you to finance treatments with interest‑free options and extended payment terms up to 48 months.

Insurance Processing

We accept most insurance plans and handle claim submissions. Our staff works to maximize your benefits and reduce out‑of‑pocket expenses.

Why Choose Pannu Dental Group for Periodontal Care?

Effective periodontal care requires accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and continued monitoring. Pannu Dental Group combines these stages of care within a multidisciplinary dental practice.

Decades of Dental Experience

Dr. Dalvir S. Pannu has practiced dentistry since 1995 and founded Pannu Dental Group in California in 2003. The practice provides preventive, restorative, surgical, and specialty dental care.

Experienced Hygiene Team

The hygiene team has experience with professional cleanings, scaling and root planing, periodontal maintenance, implant hygiene, and patient education for long-term gum health.

Personalized Periodontal Treatment

Treatment plans are based on your periodontal findings, pocket depths, medical history, risk factors, and response to care.

Advanced Periodontal Technology

Pannu Dental Group uses digital diagnostics, periodontal measurements, ultrasonic and precision instruments, and laser-assisted treatment when clinically appropriate.

Comprehensive Dental Support

If gum disease affects other areas of your oral health, the team can coordinate additional care such as restorative dentistry, dental implants, endodontics, or oral surgery when needed.

Convenient Care Across Four Locations

Pannu Dental Group provides periodontal care at its San Jose, Fremont, Cupertino, and Sunnyvale offices, giving patients convenient access to evaluation, treatment, and ongoing maintenance.

Schedule Your Gum Disease Evaluation

Bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, swelling, or loose teeth should not be ignored. Early evaluation can help determine whether you need preventive care, deep cleaning, or ongoing periodontal treatment.

Schedule your gum disease evaluation with Pannu Dental Group at the location most convenient for you: San Jose (408-272-3330), Fremont (510-573-6083), Cupertino (408-725-2610), or Sunnyvale (408-752-0684).

FAQs

What happens if gum disease is left untreated?

Untreated gum disease can progress from mild inflammation to periodontitis, which may damage the gums and bone supporting your teeth. Over time, this can lead to gum recession, loose teeth, and eventual tooth loss.

Can gum disease be treated without surgery?

Yes. Many cases can be managed with non-surgical treatment such as professional cleaning, scaling and root planing, and periodontal maintenance. More advanced cases may require additional therapy depending on pocket depth, bone loss, and treatment response.

When should I see a dentist for bleeding gums?

Schedule a dental evaluation if your gums bleed regularly, feel swollen or tender, or if you notice persistent bad breath, gum recession, or loose teeth. Early evaluation can help identify gum disease before it progresses.

How do I know if I need a deep cleaning for gum disease?

A deep cleaning may be recommended if you have periodontal pockets, tartar below the gumline, bleeding gums, or signs of bone loss. Your dentist will confirm this through a periodontal examination and X-rays when needed.

Can gum disease cause loose teeth?

Yes. Advanced periodontitis can damage the bone and tissues that support your teeth, which may cause teeth to become loose or shift. Early treatment can help control the disease and reduce further damage.