Nancy
★★★★★
I have been coming here since the beginning of COVID. I like all the dental hygienists here and love that this office has all the specialties so I don’t have to shop around.
Gum Disease Treatment in Mission Viejo, CA
Gums that bleed when you brush are not normal, but they are common, and they are the earliest warning sign of gum disease. Caught early, gum disease can be reversed completely. At Vartanian Dental Group in Mission Viejo, an in-house periodontist treats every stage, from mild gingivitis to advanced periodontitis, so your gums get specialist care without a referral.
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Signs You May Have
Gum Disease
Gum disease is often painless in its early stages, which is why it gets ignored. Watch for:
- Gums that bleed easily, especially when brushing or flossing Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath that brushing does not fix
- A receding gum line, or teeth that look longer than they used to
- Loose or shifting teeth in later stages
One or two of these signs is reason enough to get your gums checked. The earlier we see you, the simpler and less expensive the treatment.
Dr. Vartanian in His Own Words
Gingivitis or Periodontitis: The Two Stages
These two words confuse a lot of patients, so here is the plain-English version. Gingivitis is the early stage: mild bleeding, redness, and irritation caused by plaque along the gumline. With proper oral care and professional treatment, gingivitis can be fully reversed. Periodontitis is what gingivitis becomes when it is ignored. The infection moves below the gumline, attacks the structures supporting your teeth, and can affect tooth stability. Periodontitis can be managed very effectively, but not entirely cured, which is why early detection matters so much.
The good news either way: both stages respond to treatment, and you do not need to know which one you have. That is what your exam is for.
Worried about your gums?
How We Treat Gum Disease
Your treatment starts with a comprehensive exam, including a gum assessment, pocket measurements, and digital X-rays, so the plan fits your actual condition rather than a guess. Depending on the stage, your personalized plan may include:
Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planning)
The foundation of gum disease treatment. We remove the plaque and tartar buildup below the gumline that regular cleanings cannot reach, then smooth the root surfaces so your gums can reattach and heal.
Laser Therapy
Dr. Lee uses laser therapy as part of treating gum disease, a technology that makes treatment more comfortable and more effective, with faster healing than traditional methods alone.
Gum Grafting
For receding gums, a gum graft (gingival graft) restores the tissue that protects your tooth roots, reducing sensitivity and improving the look of your smile.
Surgical Care for Advanced Cases
When periodontitis is advanced, Dr. Lee performs flap surgeries and bone grafts to clean deep below the gumline and rebuild lost support. If a tooth has already been lost to gum disease, dental implants can replace it in the same office.
Our Professional Affiliations
Gum Disease Treatment Cost & Insurance
Cost depends on the stage of the disease and the treatments your plan includes, from a deep cleaning to grafting. After your exam, you receive one written quote that covers everything, with no fees added later.
We accept most PPO and HMO plans and will verify your benefits before treatment begins. Monthly payment plans through CareCredit and Citi are available; see our financing options.
Confused About Dental Insurance?
We’ve Got You
A Periodontist on Staff, Not a Referral Away
Most dental offices refer gum disease cases out. Here, the specialist is in the building. Dr. Richard Lee earned his DMD from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, completed an in-depth implant training program at Loma Linda University, and returned to Tufts for a full post-graduate residency in periodontics. His priority is catching problems early and making sure you leave with the tools to keep your gums healthy long-term.
He works alongside Dr. James Vartanian and the hygiene team patients praise by name in our 1,300+ Google reviews (4.9 stars). You will find us on the first floor of Pacific Canyons Medical Center at 26302 La Paz Rd #203, off the I-5 at La Paz Road, serving Mission Viejo and nearby Rancho Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Laguna Niguel, Rancho Santa Margarita, and Aliso Viejo.
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Why People Love Vartanian Dental Group
Real stories from patients who trust our Mission Viejo team for comfortable, complete, and compassionate dental care.
Our Results Speak for Themselves
Check out some of our recent case outcomes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can gum disease be reversed?
Early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) can be fully reversed with proper oral care and professional treatment. Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) can be managed very effectively but not entirely cured, so regular checkups become part of keeping it controlled.
What are the early signs of gum disease?
Gums that bleed easily during brushing or flossing, red or swollen gums, persistent bad breath,
and a receding gum line. Early-stage gum disease often causes no pain at all, so do not wait for
pain to get checked.
Does a deep cleaning hurt?
Your comfort is managed throughout. The area can be numbed, and Dr. Lee’s use of laser therapy makes treatment more comfortable with faster healing. Some tenderness for a day or two afterward is normal.
Is gum disease connected to other health problems?
Studies suggest a connection between gum disease and conditions like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Treating your gums is one more reason regular dental care supports your overall health.
How do I prevent gum disease from coming back?
Brush twice daily, floss daily, eat a balanced diet, and keep up regular cleanings and exams. After treatment, we give you personalized hygiene guidance and monitor your gums at every visit.
How much does gum disease treatment cost in Mission Viejo?
It depends on the stage and the treatments involved, which is why we provide a written quote after your exam, before anything begins. We verify PPO and HMO benefits for you, and CareCredit and Citi payment plans are available.
Healthy Gums Start With One Exam
Bleeding gums do not fix themselves, but they are very fixable.
We will assess your gums, explain exactly what is going on, and map out the simplest path back to healthy.
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Visit Our Clinic
We’re a full-service dental office in the heart of Mission Viejo, CA. We can’t wait to make you smile!
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Hours
Monday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Fri: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Sat & Sun: Closed
