Periodontics Point Richmond, CA

Dr. Robert Pearce has several ways to treat periodontal (gum) disease, which is infection to gums or surrounding soft tissue. Caused by a buildup of bacteria, the best way to prevent such infections is to practice good brushing, flossing, and nutrition every day. However, when the infection is too deep more extensive measures are needed. Beginning in small crevices where the tooth meets gum, these infections can appear as only minor swelling or bleeding. As the infection progresses however, it moves deeper below the gum line where it forms large pockets of bacteria in and around the roots of the tooth. Left untreated they will decay the bones of the tooth and jaw, which may require extractions. Point Richmond Dental Studio, in Point Richmond, CA, will do everything possible to keep this from happening by performing one or more of the following procedures.

Our Periodontic Services

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During any regular appointment to our Point Richmond, CA office you will receive periodontal scaling and root planing. This procedure is done to remove excess plaque and bacteria that has formed on the teeth and around the gum line. Using an ultrasonic scaler, periodontal hand scalers, or curettes, a dental hygienist will carefully scrape along the visible surface of the tooth, which removes any plaque and also helps to smooth the tooth surface so it is more resistant to build up in the future.

Depending on the exact condition of the teeth, such as if infection has set in below the gums, the patient may require a deep cleaning. This involves performing scaling and planing on the root of the tooth below the gum line. At Dr. Pearce’s dental practice we always take care to ensure your dental hygienist is very gentle while they perform this, and many patients feel no pain as the tools gently slip between the tooth and gum, but a mild anesthetic is sometimes used if it helps to relieve patient stress. For scaling and root planing in Point Richmond, Richmond, or San Pablo contact our office today.


At Point Richmond Dental Studio in Point Richmond, CA our office is equipped with ultrasonic tooth cleaning technology to accompany scaling and root planing. Dr. Pearce is always watching for new dental technology that can help improve their patient’s oral health, and this is just one of those examples. This equipment is basically a scaler with a special tip that vibrates at a high rate and flushes out bacteria below the gum with water. As the tip glides over the tooth surface it is much more effective at removing hard buildup and calcium deposits than hand scaling alone. It will smooth out bumps and divots in the surface to prevent buildup. For ultrasonic cleaning in the Point Richmond, Richmond, and San Pablo areas contact Point Richmond Dental Studio for an expertly performed procedure.

A pocket reduction is designed to remove one of the areas where bacteria most often collect. When gums deteriorate, either due to age or infection, the supportive tissue around the teeth becomes loose, forming enlarged pockets around the base of the teeth. These pockets are a breeding ground for infection and must be closed to prevent decay. As your dentists in Point Richmond, CA, Dr. Pearce will carefully perform a pocket reduction procedure by first pulling back your gum to clean out the pockets of bacteria. Then they will suture the gum into place so it fits more tightly around the teeth. Dr. Pearce is one of the best doctor in the Point Richmond, Richmond, and San Pablo areas to perform pocket reduction surgery. Their patients report excellent results and decreased occurrence of infection, so if you are experiencing problems with the health of your gums, contact our office today for a consultation.

At Point Richmond Dental Studio, located in Point Richmond, CA, crown lengthening is a procedure that can be performed as a preventative measure against periodontal infections, and is usually implemented in response to repeated infection. The procedure is an effective option for those patients who have oversized gums covering a large portion of the crown. They often have problems maintaining their oral health because the extra gum tissue makes many more tight spaces that can trap food, breeding bacteria and infection. The procedure is quite simple, and the patient is sedated as the excess gum tissue is surgically removed. As this is happening Dr. Pearce shapes a smooth and symmetrical gum line with significantly less space so that it will be resistant to infection. For experienced performers of crown lengthening in Point Richmond, Richmond, and San Pablo contact Dr. Pearce at Point Richmond Dental Studio.

Periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease, is a bacterial infection affecting the gums. This is brought on by plaque buildup on the teeth, as well as food particles left by improper brushing. While they may start as a relatively minor irritation, these infections can quickly become more serious as they deteriorate the gums and other supporting tissues. For this reason it is vitally important to prevent these infections from forming, and the best way is by scheduling six months cleanings at Point Richmond Dental Studio. When the infections are too deep, they cannot be treated with regular brushing. In these cases the gums must be opened and the infection removed via periodontal surgery.

To avoid this intensive procedure, a new technology using laser therapy is available. During this procedure Dr. Pearce will use a special laser to penetrate the gums and kill the infection. This has a dramatically reduced healing period since there is no physical cutting of gum tissue, and is therefore very beneficial to the patient. For laser treatment of periodontal disease, contact Dr. Pearce, your dentist in Point Richmond, Richmond, and San Pablo.