Periodontics (Gum Therapy)

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. Plaque and its toxin by-products irritate the gums, making them tender, inflamed and more likely to bleed.

If left untreated, plaque will harden into tartar. As tartar and plaque continue to build up, they cause the gums to begin to recede from the teeth. Eventually, pockets form between the gums and teeth, which become filled with bacteria and pus. The gums become irritated and inflamed and bleed easily. Patients may also experience light to moderate bone loss in the jaw.

Advanced Periodontitis

The teeth lose more support as the gums, bone and periodontal ligament continue to deteriorate. Unless treated, the affected teeth will become loose and may even fall out. Patients may also experience moderate to severe bone loss in the jaw.

Non-surgical gum therapy (scaling and root planning) may be sufficient to reverse milder forms of gum disease.

Dental scaling is the removal of plaque from the tooth’s surface just below the gum line. 

Root planning reaches deeper under the gum line to smooth the surface of the tooth's roots. This process makes it possible for the gums to reattach properly.

For patients with more advanced forms of gum disease (periodontitis and advanced periodontitis), more invasive surgical treatments may be necessary. 

There is a variety of surgical gum therapies, including gum grafting and bone grafting.