Healthy gums are the foundation of a strong, lasting smile. At Smiles Dental Spa, your trusted Tracy dentist, Dr. Shirley Zhao, specializes in advanced periodontal care to treat and prevent gum disease, helping patients regain their gum tissue health and protect the supporting tissues and bone around their teeth. Using gentle, precise techniques such as scaling and root planing, alongside continual periodontal maintenance, we tailor treatments to your individual needs with the latest technology and compassionate care.
Your Trusted Tracy Dentist
Since 2013
Periodontics focuses on diagnosing, treating, and managing gum disease to prevent such complications and maintain your long-term oral health.
Gum disease—a common form of disease that affects the soft tissue and underlying structures supporting your teeth—can be silent until significant damage occurs. If left untreated, it can cause bleeding gums, gum recession, pocket formation, bone loss, and even tooth mobility or loss. Early intervention is critical. Periodontics focuses on diagnosing, treating, and managing gum disease to prevent such complications and maintain your long-term oral health.
Dr. Zhao emphasizes the importance of brushing and flossing every day, along with regular office visits, to detect early signs of disease and protect the tooth surface and surrounding gum tissue.
When gingivitis or periodontitis advances beyond routine care, scaling and root planing—often called a deep cleaning—becomes essential. This non-surgical procedure targets plaque and tartar buildup beneath the gum line, the root cause of infection and inflammation, and reduces the depth of periodontal pockets.
Deep cleaning reduces pocket depth, controls infection, and creates a healthier environment for gums and soft tissue to heal.
After initial treatment, ongoing periodontal maintenance is vital. These specialized cleanings occur more frequently than regular dental visits—typically every 3–4 months—to keep periodontal disease in check and reduce the risk of tooth loss.
During maintenance visits, Dr. Zhao and her hygienists:
This long-term commitment preserves your oral health, protects gum tissue from further damage, and helps maintain your natural teeth, tooth surface, and overall dental structure longer.
Early detection is key. Watch for symptoms of gum disease, a common form of gum disease, such as:
If you experience any of these signs, timely evaluation can protect your smile, prevent damage to tissues and bone, and, if needed, allow Dr. Zhao to perform pocket reduction surgery to restore gum health.
Many dental conditions develop quietly, without pain or obvious warning signs. Regular exams and modern diagnostic tools help detect subtle changes, including plaque and tartar buildup, so we can act early with effective dental cleaning and care.
At Smiles Dental Spa, your trusted Tracy dentist, prevention is at the heart of everything we do. We provide thorough evaluations, clear communication, and individualized care so you understand your oral health and feel confident in your treatment plan.
At Smiles Dental Spa, patient comfort is a priority. While deep cleanings can sometimes cause mild sensitivity or tenderness afterward, Dr. Zhao provides thorough aftercare guidance and pain relief solutions. Our team ensures that every office visit is smooth and convenient while maintaining your long-term oral health. Early detection and treatment are crucial, as disease refers to underlying health conditions that can affect your gums, teeth, and overall dental well-being.
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Arranging your dental care is straightforward and efficient. Contact us at (209) 585-1475 or book your appointment online instantly through NexHealth.
Your healthiest smile is just an appointment away.
1431 N Tracy Blvd
Tracy, CA 95376
