Periodontal therapy is necessary to treat hardened plaque or other contributing factors to various types of gum disease. Essentially, periodontal therapy removes the cause of the inflammation or infection in the gums, which aids the elimination of the condition. This general dentistry treatment is not used for mild cases of gum disease. Periodontal therapy is normally considered when gum disease has progressed to the point where brushing, flossing or medicinal treatments are no longer effective.

Gum Infection Treatment

There are various stages of gum disease, each of which requires different treatment options. Milder forms of gum disease can be treated using noninvasive measures. Changes to your brushing and cleaning regime, with the aid of medication and mouthwash, are often all that is needed to reverse the effects of gum disease. We will carry out a comprehensive exam to assess the damage before deciding on a course of treatment for you.

There are a number of advantages to using a comprehensive dental exam. As gum disease can affect the gums, teeth and roots, a comprehensive exam will allow us to determine the extent of infection. With a full picture of exactly what is going on with your gums, we can choose the most appropriate type of treatment.

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing are procedures that smooth the tooth roots so the gums can reattach as they heal from gum disease. The dentist will use special tools to remove plaque and bacteria from the periodontal pockets and roots and allow the gums to reattach to the teeth. Removing the infection will ensure that the teeth and gums are safeguarded from irreparable damage.