What Causes Periodontal Disease?

The first stage, known as gingivitis, can be cured with regular periodontal treatment and better oral health habits. If it progresses to the more serious stages, the only thing that can be done is to treat the symptoms of the disease.

Certain environmental and genetic factors can increase or decrease patient susceptibility to the types and amounts of bacteria present in your mouth. Even patients who demonstrate excellent home care may be susceptible to developing periodontal disease, which underscores the importance of maintaining regular hygiene visits. Our expert team of clinicians will use the latest technology to comprehensively evaluate your status, and develop an appropriate treatment plan to optimize your periodontal health.

What Happens During Periodontal Therapy?

Then, we create a treatment plan based on what we find. We typically recommend periodontal maintenance several times a year in the form of a deep-cleaning procedure to slow the progression of gum disease.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Non-surgical treatments are most effective at the initial stage of gum disease, gingivitis. The most common treatment is root-scaling, which involves scraping away bacteria, plaque, and tartar that build up on the surfaces of the teeth. Root planing smooths the tooth roots so bacteria have a harder time adhering to the surfaces.

Surgical Treatments

Surgical options become the only available treatment once the disease moves into the latter stages. Pocket reduction surgery, gum grafts, and bone grafts can be used to treat gum disease and its side effects. Visit our ORAL SURGERY page to learn more about the surgical services our practice offers.