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Gum disease, or periodontitis, is caused by rampant bacterial growth around the teeth and gum line.  If left untreated, periodontitis will cause your gums to become inflamed and irritated, eventually leading to tooth decay and destruction of tissue and bone around the teeth. According to the Center for Disease Control, half of American adults have some form of periodontal disease, and the American Academy of Periodontology recommends yearly periodontal evaluations to prevent and treat the disease. With training in periodontics, our dental team provides comprehensive West Covina gum disease treatment. Our goal is to help patients maintain healthy gums and teeth for a lifetime of beautiful smiles.
What Is Periodontics?
Periodontics is the area of dentistry focused on the health of your gums and the bone that supports your teeth. Gum disease, also called periodontitis, starts with bacterial buildup along the gum line. Left untreated, it inflames and irritates your gums, and can eventually destroy the tissue and bone that hold your teeth in place.
Here's why gum health matters so much:
- It protects your teeth. Healthy gums and bone keep your teeth firmly anchored.
- It supports your overall health. Gum disease has been linked to other health concerns throughout the body.
- It's often preventable. With good hygiene and regular checkups, you can stop gum disease before it starts.
The American Academy of Periodontology recommends a yearly periodontal evaluation to catch problems early. At Covina Smile, our goal with periodontics in West Covina is simple: help you keep your natural teeth and a confident smile for a lifetime.
The Three Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease is progressive, which means it worsens over time if untreated. Understanding the three stages helps you know when to act. Dr. Khavaran treats every stage right here in our office.
Stage 1: Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the earliest and most common stage, and the best news is that it's fully reversible. At this point, the disease hasn't yet affected the bone or connective tissue.
Common signs include:
- Red, swollen gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss
- A receding gum line
- Persistent bad breath
How we treat it: Gingivitis usually responds well to professional cleanings that remove plaque and tartar buildup. Paired with solid at-home oral hygiene, regular cleanings can reverse gingivitis and stop it from advancing.
Stage 2: Periodontitis
When gingivitis goes untreated, it can progress to periodontitis. Now the soft tissue and tooth roots start to suffer damage.
At this stage, you may notice:
- Gums that are swollen and tender to the touch
- Spaces or pockets forming between the teeth
- Signs of infection
How we treat it: Periodontitis calls for a deeper approach. Along with professional cleanings, Dr. Khavaran uses scaling to remove tartar and bacteria from tooth surfaces and beneath the gums. Root planing smooths and cleans the root surfaces to clear away buildup. We may also apply an antimicrobial wash and a localized antibiotic like Arestin to knock out infection-causing bacteria. Maintenance cleanings, scheduled up to four times a year, help keep the disease from returning.
Stage 3: Advanced Periodontitis
Advanced periodontitis is the most severe stage. Here, significant amounts of the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth have been lost.
How we treat it: This stage requires the treatments above plus laser-assisted gum therapy, which uses a precision laser to eliminate up to 99% of the harmful bacteria hiding in deep periodontal pockets. In some cases, patients lose teeth at this stage or need to consider extraction to rebuild their oral health. Our team works closely with you to restore your smile and stop further damage.
Why Early Periodontal Care Matters
The single most important thing to know about gum disease is this: earlier treatment means easier treatment. Gingivitis can often be reversed completely, while advanced periodontitis may require more involved procedures.
Your first line of defense is proper oral hygiene at home, brushing and flossing every day. Your second is regular professional cleanings and periodontal evaluations at Covina Smile. Together, they give your gums the best chance to stay healthy.
If your gums bleed when you brush, don't brush it off. That's your cue to book an appointment for periodontal care in West Covina before the problem grows.
Why West Covina Patients Choose Covina Smile
Families and individuals across West Covina and the greater San Gabriel Valley trust Covina Smile for gentle, thorough gum care. Our office at 127 N Lang Ave sits right in the heart of the community, an easy drive whether you're near the Plaza West Covina mall or traveling along the Interstate 10 corridor.
We proudly welcome patients from Covina, Baldwin Park, Glendora, and surrounding neighborhoods. Here's what sets us apart:
- In-house periodontal care. No outside referrals needed. Dr. Sima Khavaran treats every stage of gum disease right here.
- Advanced technology. From laser-assisted therapy to targeted antibiotics like Arestin, we use modern tools for better results.
- A prevention-first mindset. We focus on catching problems early and keeping your gums healthy long-term.
- A welcoming environment. Our friendly team keeps you comfortable and informed at every step.
That reputation for warm, dependable service is why so many neighbors call Covina Smile their dental home.
Schedule Your West Covina Periodontal Consultation Today
Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile, and it's never too early or too late to take care of them. Whether you're dealing with mild gingivitis or a more advanced concern, the caring team at Covina Smile is ready to help you get back on track.
Call Covina Smile at (626) 722-5269 or visit us at 127 N Lang Ave, West Covina, CA 91790 to schedule your West Covina periodontal consultation with Dr. Sima Khavaran. Your healthiest smile starts right here!
Frequently Asked Questions
1.  What are the early signs of gum disease?
The earliest signs are red, swollen gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss, along with a receding gum line and bad breath. These point to gingivitis, the reversible first stage. If you notice any of them, schedule an evaluation at Covina Smile so we can treat it before it advances.
2. Is gum disease reversible?
It depends on the stage. Gingivitis, the earliest stage, is fully reversible with professional cleanings and good home care. Once gum disease progresses to periodontitis, it can be managed and controlled but not fully reversed. That's why early treatment matters so much.
3. What is scaling and root planing?
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning used to treat periodontitis. Scaling removes tartar and bacteria from your teeth and below the gum line, while root planing smooths and cleans the tooth roots to prevent bacteria from building back up. Dr. Khavaran may also use Arestin, a localized antibiotic, to fight infection.
4. How often should I get a periodontal evaluation?
The American Academy of Periodontology recommends a periodontal evaluation once a year. If you've already been treated for gum disease, Dr. Khavaran may schedule maintenance cleanings up to four times a year to keep the disease from returning.
5. Where is Covina Smile located?
We're located at 127 N Lang Ave, West Covina, CA 91790, convenient for patients across West Covina, Covina, Baldwin Park, Glendora, and the greater San Gabriel Valley. Call (626) 722-5269 to book your appointment.