Periodontal (Gum) Treatments

Periodontal treatment methods depend upon the type and severity of the disease. Periodontal disease, aka periodontitis, progresses as the sulcus (pocket or space) between the tooth and gums gets filled with bacteria, plaque and tartar, causing an infection and irritation to the surrounding tissues. When bacterial irritants remain in the pocket space, they can cause damage to the gingiva (gums) and eventually the bone that supports the teeth. If the disease is caught in the early stages of gingivitis, and no permanent damage has been done, one to two regular cleanings per year will be recommended. You will also be given instructions on improving your daily oral hygiene habits and having regular dental cleanings, specific to your individual needs.

If the disease has progressed to more advanced stages, a special periodontal cleaning called scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) will be recommended. A more frequent interval of regular maintenance cleanings will be recommended, depending on the patients individual needs. If the pockets do not heal after scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery may be needed to reduce pocket depths.

As with all of our treatments, we will educate you on what is happening, why we are doing certain treatments and what can be done to prevent and address problems.

Scaling and Root Planing