At Foundation Dental Specialists, we take gum health seriously. Early detection and intervention are key to preventing the progression of periodontal disease.
Periodontal care focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease — an infection that damages the soft tissue and bone supporting your teeth. Without proper care, gum disease can progress silently, leading to gum recession, tooth mobility, and even tooth loss.
Maintaining healthy gums is essential for overall oral health. Healthy gums act as a barrier that protects your teeth and jawbone from harmful bacteria. When bacteria accumulate below the gum line, inflammation develops, and the risk of systemic health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke increases. Early detection and professional care can restore gum health and prevent further complications.
Recognizing the warning signs of gum disease early can help you prevent more serious complications later on. You may benefit from periodontal care if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Even if these symptoms seem mild, early treatment can prevent more serious oral health problems. If you’re unsure, our specialists can evaluate your gums and recommend the most effective care plan.
At Foundation Dental Specialists, we take gum health seriously. Early detection and intervention are key to preventing the progression of periodontal disease.
Here are some reasons why you shouldn’t delay seeking periodontal care:
We offer a full spectrum of periodontal treatments designed to target disease at every stage. Each procedure is customized to your specific needs for optimal results and long-term gum health.
Perioscopy, also known as dental endoscopy, is a less invasive option to traditional periodontal surgery for some patients. It uses a tiny camera to visualize and treat periodontal pockets, the spaces between teeth and gums where plaque and tartar can accumulate. This magnification allows for more precise cleaning and treatment and may prevent surgical intervention and tooth loss.
Every patient’s journey to healthier gums begins with a thoughtful, step-by-step plan. We take the time to ensure your comfort, carefully treat affected areas, and support your long-term oral health.



Investing in your gum health today can save you time, money, and discomfort in the future. Periodontal care provides lasting benefits that go beyond your smile.
With laser technology, we are able to offer soft tissue treatments in a way that is more comfortable than ever before. Laser therapy is a non-surgical treatment that is used for the removal of excess tissue, treatment of painful ulcers, uncovering of impacted teeth, frenectomies, and smile makeovers.
We are proud that the majority of our doctors are board-certified in the field of Periodontics or Endodontics. They have undergone extensive education and training to receive this title and are dedicated to helping patients regain their oral health.
Perioscopy is a non-surgical technique that uses a small fiber-optic camera to visualize and magnify the treatment area during periodontal cleanings. This allows for more accurate, and even less invasive periodontal therapy.
Airflow polishing is an innovative method of removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria both above and below the gum line, It uses a stream of highly compressed air, water, and fine particles instead of traditional hand instruments. This allows for more effective and more comfortable periodontal therapy.
We’re proud to combine expert care with leading-edge technology to deliver better outcomes and more comfortable treatments. Our commitment to innovation helps patients achieve healthier gums with less discomfort and downtime.
Foundation Dental Specialists proudly provides exceptional Pasadena periodontal care to patients throughout the region. Our convenient location allows us to serve individuals and families across Pasadena, Altadena, Eagle Rock, Glendale, and the greater San Gabriel Valley.
At Foundation Dental Specialists in Pasadena, we believe everyone deserves a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. Don’t let gum disease compromise your oral health or confidence. Our compassionate experts are ready to restore your gums with gentle, personalized care.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward healthier gums and a brighter smile with trusted periodontal care in Pasadena, CA.
Gum disease is typically caused by the buildup of plaque — a sticky film of bacteria — that irritates and inflames the gums. Factors such as poor oral hygiene, smoking, hormonal changes, and certain medical conditions like diabetes can increase your risk. Regular cleanings and good at-home care can help prevent it.
Gum disease is commonly split into three different stages. The first stage is called gingivitis. In this stage, there is usually no permanent damage to your teeth or gums. This means your dentist will likely be able to reverse and eliminate gum disease with proper care. Common symptoms of gingivitis include bleeding when brushing, inflamed and discolored gums, and chronic bad breath.
If left to worsen, gingivitis will advance to the second stage of gum disease, known as periodontitis. This stage of gum disease is unfortunately not reversible but can be controlled with proper intervention. Symptoms of periodontitis usually include gum recession, increased sensitivity or sore teeth and gums, excessive gum bleeding, and very swollen or puffy gums.
The final stage is advanced periodontitis. In this stage, permanent damage to your teeth, gums, and jawbone occurs. Common symptoms include pus forming between the teeth and gums, shifting of the teeth, changes in your bite, or the loosening of one or more teeth. Surgical intervention is usually necessary to treat advanced periodontitis. In very severe cases, your teeth may even need to be extracted and replaced with a dental prosthetic like dentures or dental implants.
No, gum disease is not contagious. This is because it is caused by bacteria that are already present in all of our mouths. In a healthy mouth, these bacteria are not found in a high enough quantity to cause gum disease. These bacteria become an issue when they are left to reproduce and grow uncontrollably. Gum disease occurs when poor oral hygiene allows bacteria to reproduce, or if a patient is genetically predisposed to gum disease.
Gum disease is caused by large quantities of bacteria flourishing in the mouth. This can be caused by poor oral hygiene. Failing to brush and floss properly allows the bacteria that are present in your mouth to reproduce and form plaque and tartar between your teeth and your gums. Over time, these bacteria begin to attack and infect your gum tissue. Over time, this infection can result in permanent, irreversible damage to your oral health unless you seek out proper treatment.
Some patients are also genetically predisposed to developing gum disease. This is why it is important to discuss with your doctor if there is a history of gum disease in your family. You and your doctor will work together to employ the best at-home care and in-office treatments to protect against it.
Periodontal disease forms when there is inflammation in the gums. This inflammation can lead to infection caused by an abundance of harmful oral bacteria. The goal of the scaling and root planing therapy is to remove this buildup of harmful bacteria, however in some cases, your dentist may prescribe you antibiotics to help kill and control this harmful bacteria, allowing your gums to heal. If you are prescribed antibiotics to help control your periodontal disease, be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions to a tee to ensure the harmful bacteria is eradicated. If you fail to complete the full prescription of antibiotics, the bacteria could become resistant to subsequent treatments with the medication.
No one plans to have a dental emergency, and that’s why we offer emergency dental exams, so you don’t need to wait to get the care you need to relieve your dental pain.
Toothaches are painful and can distract you from living your best life. They can also be a sign of a serious infection. Fortunately, root canal therapy can provide you with the relief you need, and with modern techniques, you will be kept comfortable during the procedure. Root canals can help restore the health of your tooth, and save you from a tooth extraction down the road.
Don’t let a toothache hold you back from enjoying life. Contact Foundation Dental Specialists in Pasadena today to schedule a consultation and explore the benefits of root canal therapy!
Root canal therapy is a commonly performed dental procedure to save a damaged or decayed tooth. At Foundation Dental Specialists in Pasadena, we offer comprehensive and personalized endodontic treatments, including root canal therapy, to help patients maintain their oral health. Root canal therapy is often misunderstood and unfairly maligned, but in reality, it is a crucial procedure that can effectively alleviate pain and save a natural tooth from extraction.

For your comfort and peace of mind, we offer a variety of sedation options to ensure your root canal therapy is a pain-free experience.
Advanced digital imaging techniques, such as our high-resolution CBCT scanner, have taken the guesswork out of root canal therapy. This results in a quicker, more efficient procedure with less pain or discomfort than ever before.
At our practice, we take imaging to the next level. With our advanced oral microscopes, we can see a highly detailed view of your tooth's structure, which makes endodontic treatment more effective and less invasive.
Cracked teeth are more susceptible to infection, and are more likely to take on more damage when left untreated. Root canal therapy along with a dental crown can help save and reinforce the affected tooth, and stop the crack from spreading.
No one plans to have a dental emergency, and that’s why we offer emergency dental exams, so you don’t need to wait to get the care you need to relieve your dental pain.
Instantly alleviate your toothache by clearing out any infected or decayed material.
Left untreated, infection can spread to other parts of your mouth, or even cause serious infection in other parts of the body.
Restore the health of your tooth, and avoid the need for a more drastic procedure like an extraction.

To find the source of your dental pain, your endodontist in Pasadena will begin by performing a comprehensive exam and review of your x-rays to get a complete picture of your oral health. A 3D x-ray, called a cone beam CT scan, may be used to assess more challenging cases. If your tooth is infected, your endodontist in Pasadena will determine the extent of the infection to decide if root canal therapy will be an effective treatment. If you end up needing a root canal, your dentist will begin the therapy by numbing the treatment site, all the way down to the nerves. Your endodontist in Pasadena will discuss sedation options with you before starting the procedure.

Once you’re comfortable and fully numbed, your endodontist in Pasadena will begin the process of removing any decayed or infected material. Beginning with the enamel, your endodontist in Pasadena will move inwards, toward the pulp. Once the infected pulp has been cleared out, the canals will be cleaned and the area will be flushed with a special disinfectant to eliminate any remaining infection.

Once your tooth has been completely cleaned and sanitized, the interior will be filled with a rubber-like material called “gutta-percha.” An inert material, gutta-percha replaces the extracted pulp and helps to support the tooth and maintain its structure. Once the interior of the tooth has been filled, it will be restored with either a filling or a dental crown, depending on the extent of the decay, and how much healthy enamel remains.
Are you experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity in Pasadena? A root canal might be necessary to save your tooth from infection.
Root canal therapy is required if your tooth becomes infected, which most often happens one of two ways:
If left untreated, either situation will lead to the infection, decay, and eventual death of your tooth’s pulp. When the infection starts to take hold, you’ll likely begin experiencing an array of symptoms like a toothache, inflamed gums near the tooth, and tooth sensitivity.
No! Although it’s a common myth that root canal therapy hurts, it’s actually the toothache caused by infection that is painful. With modern dental techniques and technology, a root canal is no more uncomfortable than getting a dental filling.
Not only will your mouth be numbed completely, but you can also opt to be sedated during the procedure. Overall, root canal therapy is the best way to alleviate the pain and discomfort of an infected tooth.
Although it’s rare, root canal treatment can fail. If there is any remaining bacteria or decay left behind that wasn’t removed during the initial root canal, the tooth infection may return. If this happens to you, you may need a retreatment or another approach to root canal therapy, called an Apico surgery, to help rid the tooth of infection.
After root canal treatment, the tooth is no longer “vital” and will become more brittle as a result. The best way to protect the the tooth, especially posterior teeth which take heavier forces, is to have your dentist place a crown on the tooth after your root canal treatment is completed.
Root canal therapy is usually covered, at least in part, by most dental insurance plans. However, it’s always a good idea to get in touch with your insurance provider to gain a thorough understanding of your benefits, and to find out what type of treatments are covered.
Our approach to root canal therapy prioritizes patient comfort and long-term oral health. We understand the anxiety surrounding this procedure and take every measure to ensure a stress-free experience. Our team of expert endodontists utilizes advanced techniques and technology to provide efficient and gentle root canal therapy, offering relief from toothaches and promoting the preservation of natural teeth. With our dedication to comprehensive care and patient well-being, you can trust us to restore your smile and alleviate your discomfort with expertise and compassion.
Our experienced team of Pasadena endodontists has the expertise to provide outstanding root canal therapy Pasadena residents can trust. Our specialists understand the unique dental needs of each patient and use the latest technology to ensure safe and successful outcomes.
At Foundation Dental Specialists, our priority is to reduce dental anxiety and provide comfortable and stress-free root canal therapy to our patients. Our pain management protocol, combined with sedation options offers patients a personalized and comfortable root canal therapy experience.
Root canal treatment Pasadena patients require involves the removal of the tooth’s infected pulp, cleaning, and disinfecting the canal area before filling it to restore its function. We make the process even less invasive but highly effective with the use of high-resolution CBCT scanners and advanced oral microscopes for diagnosis and treatment.
Root canal Pasadena is an effective way of saving a damaged or decayed tooth by removing the infected pulp, thoroughly cleaning the canal area, and restoring the tooth’s function. At Foundation Dental Specialists, we guarantee our patients quick, efficient, and less painful root canal treatment that will prevent the spread of infection and save their natural teeth.
While root canal therapy is highly effective in saving damaged teeth, endodontic microsurgery in Pasadena may be recommended for complicated root canal challenges. It is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that aims to remove any residual infected tissues and rid the tooth of the infection.
Our team of specialists at Foundation Dental Specialists is highly experienced in performing the delicate endodontic microsurgery Pasadena residents may require. Patients can opt for this advanced surgical procedure if a previous root canal therapy fails or a cracked tooth is detected.
Whether it’s root canal therapy, endodontic microsurgery, or any other endodontic procedures, Foundation Dental Specialists in Pasadena is renowned for providing top-quality, personalized, and compassionate dental treatments to patients. Our advanced technology and experienced team of specialists guarantee that your every dental need is met efficiently, quickly, and with minimal discomfort. Call us today at (626) 796-5361 to schedule a consultation.