Gum Disease Treatment

Bleeding while brushing or eating hard food, painful swollen gums and bad breath are signs that need dental assessment.

Root sensitivity can occur after periodontal therapy; the term describes tooth sensitivity associated with gum disease and its treatment.

Laser treatment can produce results similar to some non-surgical options, but an unsuitable wavelength or power level can damage periodontal tissues.

After scaling and root planing, many patients need no further treatment, but most need ongoing maintenance therapy to sustain periodontal health.

Scaling removes plaque and bacterial toxins from periodontal pockets beneath the gumline. Root planing then smooths the tooth root to discourage future deposits.

Care continues after the initial deep cleaning: maintenance therapy is commonly required to sustain periodontal health and control recurring plaque deposits.

Non-surgical options include scaling and root planing or laser treatment. Gum surgery may be used when non-surgical treatment does not achieve periodontal health.

Treatment starts with a check of the teeth and gums. Early care focuses on cleaning; serious disease can require deep cleaning, antibiotics, tooth removal or surgery.

The care needed can range from hygiene advice and professional cleaning to deep cleaning beneath the gums, antibiotics or surgery for serious disease.