Periodontics in Santa Monica
Santa Monica Advanced Periodontics
Covers an initial consultation with X-ray and full assessment.
Book an AppointmentExtensive Experience in Treating Complex Dental Problems
Periodontics is the dental specialty focused on preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases of the gums and supporting bone structures that hold the teeth in place. Dr. Richard Haber DDS offers comprehensive periodontal care - from routine preventive cleanings to advanced surgical intervention - for patients throughout the Santa Monica area.
In our office, we offer preventive care to help patients maintain healthy gums. Good dental hygiene and routine dental cleanings are among the best ways to keep our gums healthy.
Warning signs of gum disease include:
- Gums that are swollen, inflamed, or bleeding
- Receding gums (teeth appearing longer than normal)
- Persistent bad breath not resolved by brushing
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Pain or sensitivity when chewing
Higher-risk groups include patients with diabetes, smokers, and individuals with a family history of periodontal disease. Dr. Haber will evaluate each patient's smile to determine the extent and severity of gum disease along with the most appropriate treatment methods.
1. Non-Surgical Therapy
- Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)
- Gingival Curettage
- Periodontal Maintenance
- Oral Hygiene Instruction
- Dental Prophylaxis
- Antimicrobial Therapy
2. Surgical Therapy
- Gingivectomy & Gingivoplasty
- Gum Grafting
- Periodontal Flap Surgery
- Bone Augmentation / Grafting
- Pocket Reduction Surgery
- LANAP Laser Treatment
- Dental Implants
Deep Cleaning - Scaling and Root Planing in Santa Monica
Professional Gum Disease Treatment by Dr. Richard Haber DDS
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical periodontal procedure that removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria from beneath the gum line and smooths root surfaces to help healthy gum tissue reattach to the teeth. It is the standard first-line treatment for gingivitis and periodontitis.
If you're noticing signs of gum disease such as bleeding gums, bad breath, or gum recession, you may benefit from scaling and root planing. Dr. Richard Haber DDS offers advanced, non-surgical periodontal therapy to help restore your gum health.
This procedure is recommended when:
- Gum pockets measure 4mm or deeper
- Tartar buildup is present below the gumline
- Gums bleed regularly or show signs of infection
- Bad breath persists despite good home hygiene
Gingival Curettage in Santa Monica
Advanced Periodontal Treatment by Dr. Richard Haber DDS
Gingival curettage is a non-surgical periodontal procedure that removes infected or inflamed soft tissue from inside gum pockets, reducing pocket depth and stimulating the healing of healthy gum tissue.
This treatment targets inflamed gum tissue caused by gingivitis or early periodontitis and is often performed alongside scaling and root planing for optimal results.
Benefits of gingival curettage:
- Reduces gum pocket depth without surgery
- Removes the source of bacterial infection
- Promotes regeneration of healthy gum tissue
- Typically performed with local anesthetic for comfort
Gingivectomy in Santa Monica
Restore Healthy Gums with Expert Care
A gingivectomy is a surgical procedure that removes excess, overgrown, or diseased gum tissue to improve both oral function and the appearance of the smile. This improves both function and aesthetics, making brushing and flossing easier while enhancing your smile's appearance.
Common reasons for a gingivectomy:
- Deep periodontal pockets from chronic gum disease
- Enlarged gums due to medications (gingival hyperplasia)
- Uneven or "gummy" smile affecting aesthetics
- Gum tissue overgrowth making cleaning difficult
Gum Grafting & Periodontal Flap Surgery
By Dr. Richard Haber DDS - Santa Monica, CA
Gum grafting is a surgical procedure that replaces lost gum tissue by transplanting tissue to cover exposed tooth roots, reducing sensitivity and protecting the underlying bone. Periodontal flap surgery is a procedure in which gum tissue is folded back so the root surfaces can be deeply cleaned and infection removed, reducing pocket depth and promoting healing.
These procedures address:
- Gum recession exposing tooth roots
- Root sensitivity from exposed dentin
- Deep periodontal pockets not resolved by non-surgical treatment
- Risk of bone loss and tooth mobility from advancing disease
Early treatment with these procedures can help prevent serious complications such as bone loss and tooth loss.
Bone Grafting
Rebuilding Your Jawbone for a Healthy, Stable Smile
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that rebuilds lost or damaged jawbone by transplanting bone material, restoring the structural foundation necessary for dental implants and long-term oral stability.
Bone loss can compromise dental treatments like implants. Dr. Haber offers expert bone grafting to restore jawbone structure, providing a solid foundation for long-lasting restorations.
Bone grafting is commonly recommended when:
- Jawbone has deteriorated due to tooth loss or advanced gum disease
- Preparing the jaw for dental implant placement
- Restoring bone after tooth extraction
- Treating bone defects caused by infection or injury
Frequently Asked Questions
About Periodontal Care at Santa Monica Advanced Periodontics
What is a periodontist, and how is one different from a general dentist?
A periodontist is a dental specialist who has completed 3 additional years of post-dental school training dedicated to preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum disease. Periodontists are also the primary specialists for dental implant placement. While general dentists can treat mild gingivitis, a periodontist is the appropriate provider for moderate-to-advanced gum disease, complex implant cases, and surgical gum procedures.
What are the warning signs of gum disease?
Warning signs include: bleeding gums during brushing or flossing; swollen, red, or tender gums; persistent bad breath; receding gums; loose or shifting teeth; and pain when chewing. Many patients have gum disease without obvious pain, which is why regular periodontal evaluations are important.
What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?
Gingivitis is the early, reversible stage of gum disease - the gums are inflamed but the underlying bone is not yet affected. Periodontitis is the advanced stage in which infection has spread to the supporting bone, causing bone and tissue destruction. Periodontitis is not reversible but can be managed and stabilized with expert periodontal care.
Is scaling and root planing painful?
Scaling and root planing is performed under local anesthesia, so patients feel little to no discomfort during the procedure. Some tenderness and sensitivity are normal in the days following treatment and typically resolve quickly. Dr. Haber and his team prioritize patient comfort throughout all procedures.
How do I book an appointment, and what does the $99 new patient package include?
You can book online at drhaber.net/santa-monica/contact.html or call (310) 393-7766. The $99 new patient package includes an initial consultation with Dr. Haber, a full periodontal assessment, and an X-ray - everything needed to understand your gum health and discuss a treatment plan.
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