Periodontal Therapy: Saving Your Gums and Teeth

Understanding Gum Disease

Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and bone that surround the teeth. It is the leading cause of adult tooth loss and is linked to serious systemic health issues, including heart disease and diabetes.

Warning Signs:

Gums that bleed easily
Swollen, tender, or red gums
Persistent bad breath or bad taste
Loose or separating teeth

Disease Progression

The goal of Periodontal Therapy is to halt the progression of the disease before it causes irreparable bone damage and tooth loss.

Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)

This is the primary non-surgical procedure used to treat periodontal disease by removing bacteria and tartar from below the gum line.

1. Scaling: Removing plaque, tartar (calculus), and bacteria from the tooth surface above and below the gum line.
2. Root Planing: Smoothing the root surfaces to remove bacterial toxins and make it difficult for plaque to reattach.
3. Medication (Optional): Applying localized antibiotics or medication directly into the deepest pockets to fight infection.

Long-Term Periodontal Maintenance

Controlling periodontal disease requires a partnership. After therapy, regular maintenance visits (often every 3-4 months) are critical to check pocket depths, monitor inflammation, and prevent recurrence.