When you live in Tracy, you spend a lot of time thinking about your house or your commute, but how often do you think about the foundation of your smile? Finding a Periodontist in town is just as important as finding a good mechanic or a reliable school for the kids. We see so many neighbors from the Redbridge and Ellis areas who come in because their gums are red, puffy, or bleeding when they brush. They’re worried they might lose their teeth. As a local Dentist, we want to make sure your gums are strong enough to hold your teeth for a lifetime. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee near the Tracy Transit Center or heading to a game at Kimball High, you shouldn’t have to worry about a “toothy” smile or bad breath that won’t go away.
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.
A Periodontist is basically a gum specialist. While a regular dentist looks at the teeth, we look at the bone and the soft tissue that keeps everything in place. We’ve helped folks all over Tracy, from the quiet streets of Hidden Lake to the busy homes near West Valley Mall, deal with gum disease. It’s way more common than you think. If you’ve noticed your gums are pulling away from your teeth, or if your teeth feel a little loose, it’s time to see a specialist.
We use a gentle touch to check the “pockets” around your teeth. If those pockets are too deep, bacteria can hide where your toothbrush can’t reach. We explain everything in plain English so you don’t feel lost. No scary medical talk here—just honest advice on how to save your smile. We’ve seen it all, and we’ve helped people who thought they were going to lose all their teeth get back to eating steak and apples without any fear.
If we find that you have some gum trouble, the first thing we usually do is scaling and root planing. Think of this like a super-deep cleaning for your mouth. Last spring, we had a lot of patients from the Southwinds area come in with heavy tartar buildup. During this process, we go way down under the gum line to scrape away the junk that causes infections.
Then, we smooth out the roots of your teeth. This makes it harder for new bacteria to stick. It’s a very common way to treat gum disease before it gets out of hand. Some people call it a “deep cleaning,” and it really is the best way to get your mouth a fresh start. We make sure you’re nice and numb so you don’t feel a thing. It’s amazing how much better your mouth feels once all that gunk is gone. Your gums will start to turn a healthy pink again instead of that angry red color.
Once we get your gums healthy, we have to keep them that way. That is where periodontal maintenance comes into play. If you’ve had gum disease in the past, a regular cleaning every six months might not be enough. Most of our Tracy patients who have had deep cleanings come back every three or four months for these special visits.
During periodontal maintenance, we check those pockets again and clean out any new bacteria that started to move back in. It’s like regular weeding in a garden; if you stay on top of it, the weeds never take over. We see a lot of busy commuters who love these quick visits because it prevents them from needing big, expensive surgeries later. Staying consistent is the secret to keeping your natural teeth as you get older. We make it easy to schedule around your life, whether you’re working over the hill or staying right here in town.
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:
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.
We thrive on patient feedback! See what your neighbors in Tracy have to say about their experience, and if you have a moment, please leave us a review—we appreciate you taking the time!
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
