Periodontics
Periodontics is the study of things affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. Our periodontal care covers implant placement and periodontal (gum) disease management. Dr. Choi of Pelican Dental is a board-certified periodontist, ready to help patients in the Redondo Beach, LA, and South Bay areas in CA.
Call us to learn more about how we can help your health.
Understanding Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease—or gum disease—is very common in adults. It is caused by all of the bacteria in our mouth that form plaque on our teeth. Without routine brushing and flossing, it continues to build up, forming tartar.
People with periodontal disease can have red and swollen gums that often bleed quite easily. It may be hard to eat because their teeth are so sensitive. They may be missing teeth. Some people with periodontal disease can develop chronic bad breath, called halitosis.
Why Treat Your Periodontal Disease
Treating periodontal disease isn’t just about improving your oral health—it’s about protecting your overall well-being. When gum disease goes untreated, it can silently affect more than just your smile. Taking steps to manage and treat it can lead to lasting benefits for your health, comfort, and confidence.
The benefits of treating periodontal disease include:
By treating periodontal disease early, you protect your smile and your long-term health—ensuring your teeth and gums stay strong and comfortable for years to come.
How Do We Diagnose Periodontal Disease?
We combine traditional exam methods with our advanced scanning technology to diagnose your periodontal concerns. Our oral scanner helps us detect problem spots in your mouth, and guides our treatment plan, while a regular exam conducted by Dr. Choi allows her to assess the health of your smile, and the toll periodontal disease has had on your teeth.
If you are suffering from the symptoms of periodontal disease, we encourage you to make an appointment. You don’t have to wait for a regular exam during a 6-month cleaning to get help.
Our Periodontic Treatments
Dental Implant Placement
Dental implants are one of dentistry’s longest, most reliable forms of treatment used to replace teeth that have been lost or damaged with a lifelike replica. Dental implants are durable screw-shaped mounts securely embedded into your bone, just as your natural tooth roots are. The implants then support a replacement tooth, bridge, or denture for a fully restored tooth. Dr. Koo will place the implants using advanced imaging technology, so your implant will look, feel, and function just as natural teeth do.
Once embedded, dental implants generally take between 2–6 months to fuse completely to the bone. Once this process has been completed, your restorative tooth may be placed. Unlike dentures, which can move around and need to be replaced, dental implants are a long-term, dependable means of replacing missing teeth.
To learn more about implants and implant restoration, visit our dental implant page.
Why Dental Implants from a Periodontist?
When it comes to dental implant placement, the skill and precision of your provider make all the difference. Choosing a periodontist ensures that your treatment is guided by a specialist with advanced training in the structures that support your teeth: your gums and jawbone.
Dr. Song Hoe Koo of Pelican Dental is a board-certified periodontist with extensive expertise in both the surgical and biological aspects of implant placement. His advanced knowledge allows him to carefully evaluate bone quality, gum health, and bite alignment to create an ideal foundation for long-term implant success.
A periodontist like Dr. Koo not only focuses on the stability of your implant but also on the health and appearance of the surrounding tissues. This comprehensive approach ensures your implant looks natural, feels comfortable, and lasts for years to come.
Pinhole Surgery
Here at Pelican Dental, we are proud to offer pinhole gum surgery as one of our services. This technique is used to treat receding gum lines without having to undergo any tissue grafting, incisions, or sutures. Pinhole gum surgery allows the natural gum tissue to cover the exposed root structure of your teeth rather than relying on donor tissue. The procedure is a minimally invasive, safe, and effective way to treat the issue of receding gums.
Gum recession can be caused by a variety of factors, such as:
- Poor dental hygiene
- Periodontal disease
- Grinding or clenching teeth
- Genetics
- Tobacco use
- Misaligned or crowded bite
- Oral piercings
Gum recession can be dangerous if left untreated, as exposed roots can become easily infected and are more prone to sensitivity and tooth decay.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.
Gum Grafting
Gingival grafting, more commonly referred to as gum grafting, refers to procedures that aim to cover and protect an exposed tooth root by means of grafting oral tissue. Gum grafting is needed for patients who suffer from receding gums or have a particular area lacking gum tissue.
Benefits of gingival grafting include:
We offer minimally invasive gum grafts, and we are here for you post-op.
TwinLight Laser
The TwinLight Fotana laser is a laser we use for periodontal disease treatment. We see how big a difference this comfortable technology makes for treating periodontal disease, so we don’t charge extra during periodontal treatment to use our laser.
The procedure itself is performed with the help of a local anesthetic to reduce any discomfort. A tiny laser fiber is then inserted between the tooth and gum, ridding the area of bacteria and infection. Your dentist will then clear away any tartar or plaque and apply the laser once more for a more thorough cleaning, and finally seal the pocket.
As only local anesthetics are used, you may experience slight discomfort and numbness following the procedure, but you can otherwise return to your daily activities.
The Benefits of Laser Periodontal Treatment
Laser dentistry offers a gentle, precise way to treat periodontal disease while protecting healthy tissue.
Because it reduces inflammation and targets only affected areas, patients experience quicker recovery and a cleaner, healthier gumline. This modern approach helps restore oral health and comfort while minimizing the need for traditional surgical procedures.
Sedation Dentistry for Periodontics
We value your comfort, and we understand that dental anxiety may be an issue. We offer a variety of sedation dentistry options to help you feel comfortable during your periodontal treatment. Don’t let your anxiety get in the way of necessary dental care.
Call Us for Periodontal Care
We care for your gums and for your overall wellness. If you are ready to enhance your health and treat your periodontal concerns, we invite you to schedule an appointment with us in Redondo Beach, CA.