Periodontal Treatment


Gum treatment

Plaque that remains on the teeth for too long hardens into a rough substance called Tartar (also called calculus).

When it forms, not only on the teeth, but also on the root surface below the gumline, it's harder to remove and makes it more difficult to remove the new plaque forming, along with more bacteria. 

In this case, the first step, a special periodontal cleaning called scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) will be recommended.  It is usually done one quadrant of the mouth at a time while the area is numb.  In this procedure, tartar, plaque, and toxins are removed from above and below the gum line (scaling) and rough spots on root surfaces are made smooth (planing).  This procedure helps gum tissue to heal and pockets to shrink. 

If the pockets do not heal after scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery may be needed to reduce pocket depths, making teeth easier to clean.  

In cases where gum has been lost, simple gum grafts can be performed to help regain the lost gum.

But in more advanced cases where the gum pockets have deepened and bone loss has occurred then a Peridontist (specialist of the gums and supporting bone) may be consulted.