When you realize you have gum disease, your first instinct is likely to call your regular family dentist. While general dentists are fantastic for your biannual cleanings and fillings, treating an active infection in your bone and gums requires a different level of expertise.
At Chula Vista Periodontics, we often see patients who have been “managing” gum disease for years without real improvement. As the most sought-after specialist office in Chula Vista, we want to help you understand why the kind of doctor you choose is the single most important factor in saving your teeth.
What Kind of Dentist is Best for Gum Disease?
The short answer: A Board-Certified Periodontist. While all periodontists are dentists, not all dentists are periodontists. Think of it like the difference between your primary care physician and a cardiologist. You want the specialist when your heart—or in this case, the foundation of your smile—is at risk.
The General Dentist: The “PCP” of Oral Health
Your general dentist is your first line of defense. They are excellent for:
Identifying early stages of gum disease (Gingivitis).
Performing standard preventive cleanings.
Referring you to a specialist when pocket depths exceed 4mm.
The Periodontist: The Gum & Bone Specialist
A periodontist like Dr. Susan Nguyen undergoes three additional years of surgical residency after dental school. This time is spent exclusively studying the soft tissues and bone that support your teeth.
Expertise in Regeneration: Periodontists are the only dentists specifically trained to regrow lost bone and gum tissue.
Surgical Precision: They specialize in complex procedures like gum grafting and dental implant placement.
Managing Complications: If you have health issues like diabetes or heart disease, a periodontist is better equipped to manage the oral-systemic health connection.
Why Chula Vista Periodontics is the South Bay’s Top Choice
We aren’t just another dental office; we are a destination for those who want the gold standard of care. Here is why we are the most sought-after office in all of Chula Vista:
1. Board-Certified Leadership
Dr. Nguyen is a Board-Certified Periodontist. This “Diplomate” status is a distinction held by only a small percentage of periodontists, representing the highest level of academic and clinical achievement in the field.
2. High-Tech, Minimally Invasive Care
We believe that effective treatment shouldn’t be painful. We utilize:
LANAP® Laser Therapy: The “newest” and most effective gum disease treatment that regenerates bone without scalpels or sutures.
Holistic PRF Healing: We use your own growth factors to speed up recovery through PRF therapy.
3. A “No Judgment” Zone
Many patients delay seeing a specialist because they are embarrassed. We’ve built our reputation on empathy. Whether you’ve been away from the dentist for 10 months or 10 years, we provide a welcoming environment and IV sedation options to ensure you are comfortable throughout your journey back to health.
Benefits of Seeing a Specialist Today
Save Your Teeth: Stop the progression of bone loss before it’s “too late.”
Predictable Results: Higher success rates for scaling and root planing.
Comprehensive Screening: Our checkups include a TMJ screening to ensure your bite isn’t making your gum disease worse.
Affordable Options: We help you maximize your dental insurance and financing.
Experience the Specialist Difference
Don’t wait for a referral. You have the right to seek the best care for your health immediately. Join the thousands of San Diego families who have saved their smiles at Chula Vista Periodontics.
Schedule Your Specialist Consultation Today or call our office at (619) 425-9770.
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