

About the service
What is periodontal therapy?
Periodontal therapy is gum disease treatment that reaches below the gumline, where bacteria settle and quietly weaken the tissue that holds your teeth in place. At our Sonoma, CA office, gum disease treatment is sophisticated care for a disease which is commonly left untreated, and we give it the time and attention it deserves. No lectures, no judgment, just a clear plan to get your gums healthy again.
Signs you may need periodontal therapy
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Gums that look puffy, red, or tender
- Gums that seem to be pulling back from your teeth
- Bad breath that won't go away
- Teeth that feel loose or have started to shift
What to expect during gum disease treatment
- A careful look. We measure your gum pockets and check digital X-rays read with Overjet AI, then show you exactly what we see.
- Numbing first. We numb each area with local anesthetic, so you'll feel some pressure and not much else.
- Scaling and root planing. We clear buildup and bacteria from below the gumline one section (quadrant) at a time and smooth the root surfaces so your gums can heal.
- Laser support. Our periodontal laser helps reduce bacteria and supports healing in the areas that need it most.
- Your home plan. We build a personalized routine with you and go at your pace the whole way.
Home care that works as hard as we do
Healing continues between visits, so we set you up well. That may include Perio Protect trays, which deliver medication right where your gums need it, and pH-balancing rinses and toothpastes from Caries Free, which are only available through dental offices. We'll also coach you on brushing and flossing in a way that fits your mouth. If you ever need more advanced care, we'll connect you with a trusted periodontist.
Why Sonoma patients treat gum disease early
Gum disease rarely goes away on its own. Left alone, it can lead to receding gums, loose teeth, and eventually tooth loss. Treating it early protects your smile and makes everything easier from here. Once your gums are stable, periodontal maintenance keeps them that way, and our post on gum disease basics and home care covers more everyday tips.
Gum care with a whole lot of heart

About us
Gum disease treatment at Sonoma Springs Dental
To us, boutique dental care means you matter: personal, cozy, unhurried, and held to an exceptionally high standard. That's the kind of gum disease treatment you'll find at Sonoma Springs Dental, Dr. Riley Oliver's boutique dental home in Sonoma.
- Unhurried by design. One patient at a time, so we can treat each section of your mouth thoroughly and explain what's happening as we go.
- A space that feels like home. Our standalone office is built around a green, light-filled atrium, with easy parking right outside and a calm pace inside.
- A team that knows you. Our small, all-female team is warm, bilingual in English and Spanish, and completely judgment-free about how long it's been.
- A genuinely high bar. Carefully chosen, never compromised: a periodontal laser, Perio Protect trays, and Caries Free products you won't find on store shelves. Only the treatment you actually need, never more.
Meet the team
“What I love most about working with this team is the ladies themselves. They all have sparkling personalities, and they're all really fun.”
Chelsie, office manager
“My favorite part is the positive atmosphere and being able to help the Spanish-speaking community get access to care.”
Monsé, patient care coordinator
“I love that I can be myself in the office and with my patients, and I show it by wearing crazy colored scrubs each day.”
Cindy, registered dental assistant
“The office isn't a sterile medical atmosphere. It's homey, it's comfortable, it's an enjoyable place to be.”
Mandy, registered dental assistant
Hear it from our patients
“I don't normally associate a dentist's office with being cozy and comforting, but this is. The work has been absolutely exemplary.”
Karen, patient
“This place is definitely not judgmental at all. You can open up about your past dental experiences, and there will be no judgment.”
Jocelyn, patient
“Ever since I was young, I dreaded going to the dentist, but I never expected to actually like coming here. They really treat you like family.”
Jahaziel, patient
Book your gum disease treatment in Sonoma, CA
"It feels more like visiting a friend at their house than going to the dentist."
Gum disease treatment FAQs
What is periodontal therapy, and who needs it?
Periodontal therapy treats active gum disease, when bacteria have settled below the gumline and started to affect the gums that hold your teeth in place. It clears those areas thoroughly so your gums can heal. It's for anyone whose gums need more care than a regular cleaning can give.
What are the signs of gum disease?
The most common signs are gums that bleed when you brush or floss, bad breath that won't go away, and gums that look puffy or seem to be receding. As it progresses, teeth can start to feel loose. If any of this sounds familiar, there's no judgment here, just a careful look and a clear explanation. Our post on gum disease basics covers more.
What happens during periodontal therapy?
We use scaling and root planing to clear buildup and bacteria from below the gumline and smooth the root surfaces so your gums can heal. We work one section (quadrant) of your mouth at a time. We also use a periodontal laser to help reduce bacteria and support healing.
Does periodontal therapy hurt?
Most people find it very manageable. We numb each section with local anesthetic before we start, so you'll feel some pressure and not much else. Your gums may feel a little tender afterward. If you're nervous, just tell us, and we'll go at your pace.
Is periodontal therapy the same as a regular cleaning?
No. Both are valuable, but each is right for a different stage. A regular cleaning keeps healthy gums healthy, while periodontal therapy goes below the gumline to treat active gum disease. Once your gums are stable, you'll move to periodontal maintenance to keep them that way.
What can I do at home to help my gums heal?
Quite a lot, and we'll build a personalized home-care plan with you. It may include Perio Protect trays and pH-balancing rinses and toothpastes from Caries Free, which are only available through dental offices. We'll also coach you on brushing and flossing in a way that works for your mouth, no lecture included.
Does insurance cover periodontal therapy?
Most dental plans cover part of periodontal therapy, since it treats an active health condition. We accept all major insurances and will walk you through your estimate before we begin, so there are no surprises. For any remaining balance, you can pay monthly with Cherry or CareCredit.
How do I book periodontal therapy in Sonoma?
Call us at (707) 935-8200 or visit our contact page for more options. We're in a standalone office at 17776 Sonoma Hwy, with parking right outside. At your first visit, we'll take a careful look at your gums and talk through a plan that makes sense for you.