Gum Treatment

The gums, ligaments, and bone around the teeth form the foundation for teeth.  All structures are also referred to as the periodontium.  When the periodontium is not healthy, it jeopardizes the teeth just as a bad foundation would threaten the stability of a house.  Signs of unhealthy periodontium (gum disease) may be as follows: gums that are red and bleed easily, persistent bad breath, gums that are pulled away from the tooth, loose teeth, and changes in the position or bite of the teeth.  Any of these signs may indicate gum disease.  But with the proper care, it may be possible to stabilize or maintain the condition of the teeth and gums.  Appropriate gum treatments involve a deep cleaning or root planing done under local anesthetic along with local antibiotic agents.  If the gum disease gets too severe it may need to be treated through surgery or extraction.  This is why it is important to get it treated at the first sign of a problem.

Root Planing-

The objective of root planing is to eliminate the sources of infection that cause periodontal disease.  The sources include plaque, tartar (calculus), and toxins that can form under the gums on root surfaces.  Root planing involves removing the plaque and calculus below the gumline in the deep pockets.  This procedure usually involves local anesthesia to reduce pain.  Scalers and ultrasonic instruments are the primary tools used to clean the pockets.  Usually several appointments are necessary in order to complete treatment.  After scaling and root planing, the gums begin to heal and tighten against the tooth again.  Good home care (brushing and flossing) is key in maintaining the health of the periodontium.