Periodontal therapy is a comprehensive approach that includes both surgical and nonsurgical procedures designed to treat and manage gum disease.

These treatments help eliminate infection, repair damaged gum and bone tissues, and restore the overall health and stability of your teeth, ensuring long-term oral wellness and a strong foundation for your smile.

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What Causes Gum Disease? 

The bacteria present in the mouth accumulate on the surface of the teeth and form plaque. This plaque hardens when it is not removed. Bacteria in plaque release toxins when they are fed by sugars and other food particles. These toxins irritate the gums, causing gingivitis, which is the initial stage of gum disease. Gingivitis progresses to periodontal disease if not treated in time.

The periodontal disease slowly worsens and results in severe damage to your jawbones and gum tissues. The bacteria travel through the bloodstream and attack the supporting structures around your teeth, leading to tooth loss.

What Are the Common Treatments for Gum Disease?

  • Scaling

Scaling is a common periodontal therapy performed to treat gum disease. During this procedure, your dentist removes the plaque and tartar deposits from your teeth’s surfaces using an ultrasonic scaling device. The removed plaque is washed away using a water jet.

Inflammation caused by gum disease can be reduced by reshaping your tooth roots using an ultrasonic scaling device. It helps remove any rough growth around your tooth roots, thereby preventing further accumulation of plaque.

  • Grafting 

Grafting involves replacing lost gum tissues on the affected areas of your mouth with healthy tissues extracted from other parts of your mouth or donated tissues from animals. The donor tissues are stitched in place after removing any damaged tissues at the site of the grafted area through surgery.

During the surgical procedure, your dentist will remove the infected portion of tissue and bone from your mouth, place the grafts in their place, stitch them in position, and cover them with a temporary dental restoration that protects them while they heal. After healing, they will be covered with a permanent restoration like crowns or dental veneers.

  • Root Planing 

Root planing is the process of removing residual embedded calculus from the tooth roots to result in a smooth, clean surface. The procedure also involves using a root planing instrument to smooth any rough edges from the base and root surfaces of teeth to allow the gums to rest safely around them.

Root planing helps eliminate any gaps between the teeth and tooth roots that could be breeding grounds for bacteria. It also reduces any sharp edges caused by receding gums that could cut into healthy tissue during chewing or brushing.

Lowery Smiles, located in Cary, NC, has expert dentists and the latest amenities for treatment. Call Dentist in Cary, NC at (919) 468-5501 and schedule an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontal Therapy

What causes gum disease?

Gum disease is caused by the buildup of bacteria and plaque on the teeth. If plaque is not removed, it hardens into tartar. Bacteria in plaque release toxins that irritate the gums, causing gingivitis, which can progress to periodontal disease. Untreated gum disease can damage gum tissues and jawbones, potentially leading to tooth loss. Learn more about maintaining oral health on our Preventive Dentistry page.

What are the common treatments for gum disease?

Common treatments include scaling, root planing, and grafting. These procedures remove plaque and tartar, smooth tooth roots, and restore gum tissue to help prevent further damage. For related restorative options, see our Restorative Dentistry page.

What is scaling?

Scaling is a periodontal therapy procedure in which plaque and tartar are removed from the surfaces of your teeth using an ultrasonic scaling device. It helps reduce gum inflammation and prevents further accumulation of bacteria. Learn more about scaling on our Periodontal Therapy page.

What is root planing?

Root planing involves smoothing the surfaces of the tooth roots to remove embedded calculus and rough edges. This allows the gums to rest safely around the teeth, reduces bacterial breeding grounds, and promotes healing. See details on our Periodontal Therapy page.

What is grafting?

Grafting replaces lost gum tissue using healthy tissue from your mouth or donated sources. The graft is stitched into place after removing damaged tissue, and covered with a temporary restoration during healing. Once healed, a permanent restoration such as a crown or veneer may be placed. Learn more about advanced gum procedures on our Periodontal Therapy page.