Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is the leading cause of lost teeth for adults. Gum disease results from untreated bacterial infection of the gums, which causes inflammation in the tissues that support the teeth. The inflammation and infection gradually break down this tissue until it can no longer support your teeth.
Gum disease can be prevented by proper dental hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleaning. Treatments depend on the severity and location of the infection. As with any health issue, prevention is key and the best way to avoid gum disease is to take good care of your teeth and gums.
The bond between the roots of your teeth and the surrounding supportive tissue can be weakened by inflammation. Two common sources of inflammation are plaque buildup and imperfections in the surface of the root. We treat these issues with scaling and root planing, respectively.
Scaling is the removal of tartar building around the gum line of your teeth. We use a special instrument to remove the tartar off your teeth. Root planing is a technique we use to 'smooth' rough or imperfect areas of your roots, again using a special instrument.