What does periodontal treatment involve?
In the early stages of gum disease, the gums bleed on brushing and may appear puffy and swollen. Most treatment involves a special cleaning process called scaling and root planning, which removes plaque and tartar/calculus around the tooth and smoothes the root surfaces of the teeth.
Antibiotics or antimicrobials may be used to supplement the effects of scaling and root planing but a more commonly reserved for more advanced conditions. In most cases of early gum disease, called gingivitis, scaling and root planing and proper daily cleaning achieve a satisfactory result.
More advanced cases may require surgical treatment, which involves cutting the gums and removing the hardened plaque build-up. Surgery is required to allow access to the entire root surface which otherwise is covered but the irritated gums. Some recontouring of the damaged bone may be required. The procedure is also designed to smooth root surfaces and reposition the gum tissue so it will be easier to keep clean.
