If you’ve developed gum disease you may need to undergo periodontal therapy. These therapies are an important part of restoring health to your teeth and gums now, as well as preventing tooth loss in the future. There are both surgical and non-surgical treatments for gum disease. Your best option will depend upon your individual case, but generally, the least invasive procedures are preferred whenever possible.  

The first line of defense against gum disease is a unique type of cleaning called “SCALING AND ROOT PLANING.” In this procedure, an ultrasonic cleaning device and hand scalers are used to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and around the root. Then, the rough surface of the tooth and the root are smoothed out (planed). This provides a healthy, clean surface that makes it easier for the gum tissue to reattach to the tooth. 

If the tissue or bone surrounding your teeth is too damaged to be repaired with non-surgical treatment, several surgical procedures are available to prevent severe damage and to restore a healthy smile. We will recommend the procedure that is best suited to the condition of your teeth and gums, including possible referral to a Periodontist.  

A frequent symptom of gum disease is gum RECESSION. As the gums recede, more of the roots are revealed. This can make teeth appear longer, create sensitivity to hot or cold, and expose the tooth to increased damage from gum disease.  Your Periodontist may do a connective tissue or soft-tissue graft.  A graft involves using tissue from another source to cover the roots and restoring the gum to its original state.