Preventive Dentistry

In San Diego, CA

Every patient begins with a detailed periodontal assessment designed to identify signs of gum disease early. This includes measuring gum pocket depths, evaluating gum and bone health, and tracking changes over time. These evaluations allow us to diagnose periodontal conditions accurately and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

At OBPDI, Dr. Megan Smith believes preventive care goes beyond a typical cleaning. For patients with a history of periodontal disease, maintaining healthy gums requires specialized maintenance to protect teeth and supporting bone. These visits often include deep cleanings, thorough assessment of gum health, and monitoring for early signs of recurrence. Everything Dr. Smith and her team do is designed to keep your smile stable over the long term.

Dr. Smith typically sees patients every three months, often alternating with visits to your general dentist so your care feels connected and proactive. Good oral hygiene at home is just as important. Brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and using fluoride toothpaste, along with daily flossing, helps reinforce the health of your gums between visits. This combined approach, professional maintenance plus mindful home care, is the key to keeping your teeth and gums healthy for years to come.

When periodontal disease is present, scaling and root planing is often the first step in treatment. This non-surgical procedure removes plaque and calculus beneath the gumline and smooths root surfaces to help reduce infection and support gum reattachment. It is a foundational therapy for stabilizing periodontal health.

While the thought of oral surgery and periodontal care may seem daunting, laser dentistry has revolutionized the way in which these procedures are performed. Our soft-tissue laser utilizes a highly-focused beam of light to perform a wide variety of treatments and can be used in place of more invasive methods for more comfort and faster recoveries. Get in touch with us today to find out laser dentistry can benefit you!

LANAP® (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) is an advanced, minimally invasive treatment for gum disease. It targets diseased tissue with precision while leaving healthy tissue intact. Many patients seek it out because it typically means less discomfort, faster recovery, and a gentler alternative to traditional surgery.

After active treatment, ongoing periodontal maintenance is essential to help prevent recurrence of disease. These visits are more detailed than routine cleanings and focus on below-the-gumline care, monitoring periodontal stability, and maintaining long-term oral health. Frequency is customized based on your specific condition and response to treatment.