Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss. Gum disease has two primary stages. If diagnosed and treated in the first stage, the condition can be reversed and tooth loss can usually be prevented. In order to prevent gum disease, practice good oral hygiene and visit your dentist for cleanings and check-ups twice a year.
This stage only affects the soft tissue of the gums, and the patient may not experience any discomfort. Although the symptoms may be very mild, it is important to diagnose gum disease in this early stage before it progresses to periodontitis.
Periodontitis is the name for more advanced periodontal disease and if permitted to progress to this point, not only the gums are affected but the bone structures supporting the teeth will be compromised.
A build-up of bacteria causes Gingivitis. In its early stages, inflammation around the gums is observable, with gum tissues appearing red and swollen. Gums that are easily irritated or that bleed during tooth brushing indicate the presence of Gingivitis. Removal of the plaque buildup is necessary to prevent the development of gum disease.
As the gums become more inflamed, they start to pull away from the teeth, forming spaces known as periodontal pockets. Food, bacteria, and plaque begin to collect in the pockets, leading to infection. The surrounding bone becomes damaged both by bacterial toxins and by the immune systems response to infection.
Hi. I am Dr. Sachi Fujita and I am so grateful to be able to serve the people of the South Bay. The people of this community make this place a gem in a busy city. I have been practicing in the South Bay for over 15 years and I am proud to be the leader of an amazing group of talented professionals. I believe it is special and important that our community have a place where they can trust the team to take care of them as though they were family.
I am a Los Angeles native and I hopped around the country for my education and returned back here to settle down near my family. I left Los Angeles to attend preparatory school at Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, NH, then to college at University of California at Berkeley. I then continued on to dental school at UCSF in San Francisco and, after graduation, started a small practice in the South Bay. Much of my traveling now is tied to continuing education which allows me to expand my experience and knowledge so that I can better care for my patients.
The most rewarding part of my career is connecting with people and making a difference in their lives, however large or small. My patients best interests are at the heart of my practice and I appreciate all of the support I have received from my patients who have put their trust in this local dental office.
Dr. Izumi is very dedicated to dentistry because she knows first-hand the difference that professional dental care can make. Growing up, I was not confident or happy with my smile, she says. Crooked teeth, an open bite, a lower jaw that was poorly positioned these were just some of the issues I had. However, with the help of a team of dentists and the support of my parents, I eventually saw an amazing transformation! I could not be happier with my smile now.