Treatments for gum disease

Non-surgical procedures

Scaling and Root Planning: Scaling and root planning is a special cleaning that removes plaque and tartar from  under the gumline and smoothes the root surfaces to promote healing while a regular dental cleaning is for the visible portion of teeth. A scaling procedure is the only way to remove calculus from this area.

In some cases, antibiotics or antimicrobials may be used to supplement the effects of scaling and root planing.

Periodontal maintenance/supportive periodontal therapy: Following a scaling and root planning, specialized deep cleanings can be applied to minimize the recurrence or progression of gum disease.

Surgical Procedures

Pocket depth reduction procedures: Your dentist will open up the affected gum tissue region so that disease-causing bacteria and calculus build-up can be removed safely. Some cases may require smoothing and recontouring the damaged bone and root surfaces to allow the gum tissue to reattach to healthy bone during healing process. The procedure also repositions the gum tissue so that it is easier to maintain in the future.

Regeneration: Your dentist will treat the affected gum tissue in the same way as in pocket depth reduction procedures, with the additional procedure of using membranes, bone grafts or tissue-stimulating proteins to aid the body’s natural ability to regenerate healthy bone and gum tissue.

Soft tissue grafts: Your dentist will take healthy gum tissue from the palate (roof of the mouth) or other areas of the mouth and use it to repair receding gums and cover exposed root surfaces.