Periodontal Care in San Juan Capistrano

Girl brushing her teeth while reading

Gum disease basics — gingivitis vs. periodontitis

Gingivitis is reversible inflammation from plaque around the gums. Periodontitis is deeper infection below the gums that can damage bone and the ligament holding teeth. We diagnose with a gum-health chart (probing), clinical exam, and X-rays—then give you a plan to stop inflammation and protect bone.

Signs you shouldn’t ignore

  • Bleeding when brushing/flossing, puffy or tender gums

  • Bad breath that returns quickly

  • Gum recession or “longer” teeth, spaces opening up

  • Loose teeth or bite feeling different


    If swelling or fever is present, see Emergency Dental Care.

Treatment phases (how we get you healthy)

  1. Scaling & Root Planing (deep cleaning)
    After numbing, we gently remove build-up below the gumline and smooth root surfaces to reduce bacteria and help gums reattach. (Often done in 1–2 visits.)

  2. Re-evaluation (4–8 weeks)
    We re-measure gums, review home care, and decide next steps. Some areas may need site-specific meds or a specialist referral.

  3. Periodontal maintenance (every 3–4 months)
    To keep disease controlled, you’ll have maintenance visits focused on hard-to-reach areas, coaching, and monitoring. Skipping maintenance allows bacteria to repopulate and inflammation to return.

Comfort, anesthesia & adjuncts

You’ll be thoroughly numbed for SRP. We’ll discuss desensitizing pastes, medicated rinses, and whether localized antibiotics are helpful. You’ll leave with written at-home instructions and product tips that fit your routine.

Home care that actually works

  • Daily brushing (fluoride paste) + floss or water flosser for the gumline

  • Angle the brush toward the gums; gentle circles > scrubbing

  • Diet tweaks and saliva support (hydrate; limit frequent sugary/acidic snacks)


    Deep dive: Why Your Oral Hygiene Matters.

When teeth are already loose or missing

If a tooth has a poor prognosis or is non-restorable, we’ll discuss gentle extraction with a plan to keep chewing strong (implant, bridge, or partial denture).

Costs, insurance & payment

We verify your benefits and present an insurance-aware estimate before treatment. If multiple visits or medications are recommended, we’ll outline the total plan and timeline—no surprises.

South OC areas we serve

  • San Juan Capistrano

  • Dana Point

  • Aliso Viejo

  • Mission Viejo

  • San Clemente

Related guides

FAQs: Periodontal Care in San Juan Capistrano

  • A regular cleaning focuses above the gums; scaling & root planing treats infected areas below the gums to stop inflammation.

  • You’ll be thoroughly numbed. Mild tenderness is common for a few days; we’ll give you written after-care and check your progress.

  • Many patients do best at every 3–4 months to keep bacteria under control and protect bone.

  • Gingivitis can resolve with professional care and great home hygiene. Periodontitis is controlled, not reversed—we work to stop progression and protect the bone you have.

  • We’ll tailor your plan—these raise risk for gum disease and slower healing, so consistent maintenance and home care are especially important.

new patients welcome

new patients welcome

What patients are saying

  • Dr Kelly is awesome. Friendly, knowledgeable, and thorough with her examination. Impressed me with her read of my X-rays, which identified things I had forgotten (ie past tooth injuries) or never suspected. She takes her time and does all the work herself. You’re in good hands here.

    Jon E.

  • Dr. Kaban and the team were so welcoming and treated me with so care. They diligently walked me through my entire treatment and made me feel so comfortable. I'm so grateful to have found them!

    Daria J.

  • Dr. Kelly is incredible! A recommendation from a friend led me to this practice several years ago after visiting three other OC dentists in a year due to pain in my back molar. I was nervous about this dental visit, but Dr. Kelly … More

    Kristina R.

  • Always a pleasure, excellent service. I’ve had bad luck with dentist in the past and hate going but she always makes me feel comfortable and very conscious of my needs and fears.

    Amber H.

  • Dr. Kaban and her team are amazing! I’m usually not very comfortable at the dentist, but she made me feel at ease and really listened whenever I felt nervous. I highly recommend Kaban Dental Group to anyone!

    Erika M.