Periodontics

Gum disease, or periodontal disease is a chronic inflammation and infection of the gums and surrounding tissue. It is the major cause of about 70 percent of adult tooth loss, affecting three out of four persons at some point in their life. Periodontal diseases include gingivitis and periodontitis.
In the early stages of gum disease, most treatments involve a special cleaning called scaling and root planning, which removes plaque and tartar around the tooth and polishes the root surfaces. Antibiotics or antimicrobials may be used to supplement the effects of scaling and root planning. In most cases of early gum disease, called gingivitis, scaling and root planning and proper daily cleaning achieve a satisfactory result. More serious cases may require surgical treatment, which involves cutting the gums – sometimes with the assistance of a laser – and removing the hardened plaque and restoring the damaged bone. The procedure is also designed to smooth root surfaces and reposition the gum tissue so it will be easier to keep it clean.