Gum Disease Treatment

During your initial appointment, and then annually, our hygienist will perform a periodontal examination.

An instrument called a periodontal probe is used to gently measure the space or pocket depth between each tooth and the gum. A pocket depth up to three millimeters is considered normal unless gum recession is present. Greater pocket depth is an indication of periodontal disease and generally the greater the depth the more severe the disease.

Treatment recommendations are based on the results of this thorough customized approach to treating and preventing periodontal disease.

Together the gums and the bone make up the periodontal tissue. Gum disease is ultimately a localized infection that causes the gum tissue to be irritated and inflamed and the supporting bone tissue to be destroyed and shrink away. In advanced cases of Periodontal disease the teeth can become mobile because the supporting foundation of the teeth is so compromised.

Scaling is the process of removing plaque and tartar deposits from above and below the gum line. The root surfaces may also be smoothed to allow the gum tissue to heal and re-attach to the tooth. Often irrigation is used to flush out the bacteria in the pockets to aid in the healing process

As you can only reach to three millimeters below the gum line, it is essential that patients with periodontal disease continue on a 3 month maintenance program to ensure proper healing and prevent bone loss.