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Periodontal Surgery in Sunnyvale, CA

Gum Disease Treatment, Scaling & Root Planing, and Periodontal Care

Smile Craft Dental provides comprehensive periodontal care in Sunnyvale — from early gum disease evaluation to scaling and root planing, antibiotic therapy, and coordinated referrals for advanced surgical cases, helping protect your gums, teeth, and overall health.

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Periodontal Surgery & Gum Disease Treatment Provider · Sunnyvale, CA

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, starts when bacteria collect along the gum line, triggering inflammation. It begins as gingivitis, where gums become red, swollen, and prone to bleeding during brushing or flossing. Left untreated, gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, a more serious form that affects the bone and connective tissues supporting your teeth. Periodontitis is the top cause of tooth loss among adults and has been linked to systemic health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes.

"Think of gingivitis as your body's early warning system, like a smoke detector that alerts you before a fire spreads."

Close-up of woman wearing orthodontic silicone trainer. Invisible braces aligner.

Signs You May Need Periodontal Treatment

Recognizing the warning signs of gum disease allows for earlier intervention and better outcomes. Additional symptoms requiring periodontal evaluation include:

Bleeding Gums

Blood when brushing or flossing signals inflammation that needs attention, even if it seems minor.

Persistent Bad Breath

Chronic halitosis that doesn't improve with regular brushing often indicates bacterial buildup below the gum line.

Receding Gums

Gums that pull away from teeth expose sensitive root surfaces and create pockets where bacteria accumulate.

Loose or Shifting Teeth

Advanced gum disease weakens the bone supporting your teeth, causing them to feel unstable or change position.

Swollen or Tender Gums

Inflammation makes gums sensitive to touch and causes visible puffiness or discoloration, and can also lead to changes in bite alignment as teeth shift.

Pus Between Teeth and Gums

Discharge between the teeth and gums indicates active infection requiring immediate professional treatment.

Some patients develop significant periodontal disease without obvious pain — regular dental examinations remain essential for catching problems before they advance.

Our Approach to Gum Disease Treatment in Sunnyvale

At Smile Craft Dental, we begin every periodontal treatment with a comprehensive evaluation of your gum health. Dr. Chou examines the depth of periodontal pockets, assesses bone levels, and identifies areas of inflammation or infection to create a treatment strategy tailored to your specific situation. We believe in educating our patients throughout the process, explaining what we’re seeing and why certain treatments will benefit their long-term oral health.

Our Periodontal Treatment Process

Treatment is tailored to the severity of your condition — here's what that typically looks like.

1

Comprehensive Evaluation

Dr. Chou examines the depth of periodontal pockets, assesses bone levels, and identifies areas of inflammation or infection to determine the severity of your condition.

2

Professional Cleaning & Home Care

For patients with early-stage gum disease, professional cleanings combined with improved home care often reverse the condition.

3

Scaling and Root Planing

When periodontitis has developed, we provide this deep-cleaning procedure to remove bacteria and tartar under the gum line and smooth root surfaces so gums can reattach to teeth.

4

Antibiotic Therapy (When Needed)

Our practice uses antibiotic therapy when needed to control bacterial infections and support your body's natural healing process.

5

Specialist Referral for Advanced Cases

We work closely with trusted specialists when complex periodontal surgery becomes necessary, ensuring coordinated care throughout your treatment journey.

Insurance & Payment Options for Periodontal Care
We accept most major PPO insurance plans, and most PPO plans help cover periodontal treatment. We do not accept Delta Dental, but our team is happy to help you understand your coverage. Our Spanish-speaking staff can walk you through your benefits and payment options in the language you’re most comfortable with.

How We Protect Your Smile With Preventive Care

Prevention is the most effective strategy for maintaining healthy gums throughout your life. Professional care enhances what you can accomplish at home, and routine visits allow our team to monitor your gum health and catch early changes before they become serious problems.

Daily Oral Hygiene Tips

Daily brushing for two minutes twice a day clears plaque before it hardens into tartar, while flossing reaches areas between teeth where toothbrushes can't reach. Patients who maintain consistent six-month checkups typically experience better gum health and require less intensive treatment over time. Smoking greatly increases your risk of developing gum disease and reduces the effectiveness of treatment, and managing conditions like diabetes helps protect your gums.

Scaling and Root Planing vs. Routine Cleaning: What's the Difference?

Not every cleaning is the same — here's how scaling and root planing compares to a routine cleaning.

Factor Routine Checkup & Cleaning Deep Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing) Purpose Maintains healthy teeth and gums Treats early to moderate gum disease below the gumline Frequency Recommended every six months As needed, based on gum health findings Comfort Generally quick and comfortable May involve local anesthesia for comfort

Your Care Team in Sunnyvale

At Smile Craft Dental, your checkup and cleaning is handled by a dedicated team who knows your history and takes the time to explain what they find.

Dr. Janice Chou, DDS — Lead Dentist at Smile Craft Dental Sunnyvale

Dr. Janice Chou, DDS

Lead Dentist · Smile Craft Dental Sunnyvale

Dr. Chou leads Smile Craft Dental Sunnyvale with a focus on thorough, unhurried checkups and preventive care. She works alongside Dr. Brendon Nguyen to make sure every patient’s exam and cleaning is comprehensive, and that any findings are explained clearly before any treatment is recommended. Her approach is straightforward: listen carefully, explain everything in plain language, and never recommend care that isn’t the right fit.

Preventive Care FocusAdvanced Continuing EducationServing Sunnyvale Since 2012Spanish-Speaking Staff

What Sunnyvale Patients Say

See what patients say about their experience at Smile Craft Dental.

Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontal Treatment

Answers to the questions patients ask most about periodontal disease and treatment.

Will dentures change my appearance?

What causes periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease starts when bacteria collect along the gum line, triggering inflammation. It’s usually caused by poor oral hygiene that allows an excess of plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) to build up on the teeth. When plaque hardens under the gumline into tartar, it becomes more difficult to remove.

Is periodontal disease painful?

Not always. Some patients experience noticeable discomfort, while others develop significant periodontal disease without obvious pain. This asymptomatic progression explains why regular dental examinations remain essential for catching problems before they advance.

What is scaling and root planing?

Scaling and root planing is a deep-cleaning procedure that removes bacteria and tartar under the gum line and smooths root surfaces to help the gums reattach to the teeth. This is often recommended when periodontitis has developed.

How can I prevent gum disease?

Daily brushing for two minutes twice a day clears plaque before it hardens into tartar, while flossing reaches areas between teeth where toothbrushes can’t reach. Routine visits allow our team to monitor your gum health and catch early changes. Patients who maintain consistent six-month checkups typically experience better gum health.

Does smoking affect gum disease?

Yes, smoking greatly increases your risk of developing gum disease and reduces the effectiveness of treatment. Lifestyle factors influence your periodontal health, and making informed choices about your overall health creates positive effects that extend to your mouth.

Is there a link between gum disease and other health conditions?

Yes, periodontitis is the top cause of tooth loss among adults and has been linked to systemic health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes. Managing conditions like diabetes helps protect your gums, as elevated blood sugar creates an environment where oral bacteria thrive.

Ready to Schedule Your Periodontal Evaluation?

Dr. Chou brings extensive training and experience to every patient interaction, combining technical skill with genuine care for your comfort and well-being. Smile Craft Dental is a family dental practice serving Sunnyvale and the surrounding South Bay. We accept most major PPO insurance plans, with Spanish-speaking staff available to assist patients who prefer communicating in Spanish. If you're noticing signs of gum disease, we make it easy to get started — contact us to schedule your periodontal evaluation.

Sunnyvale, CA
Serving the South Bay and surrounding communities

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