Gum disease (Periodontal Disease) is responsible for about 70 percent of adult tooth loss. It is characterized by swollen, inflamed gums surrounding the teeth. Plaque, a sticky substance that forms in the mouth from food, saliva and bacteria gets inside the space between the gum line and the tooth. If not removed, plaque hardens into a substance called calculus or tartar that is very difficult to remove. Eventually, the bacteria in the plaque and tartar eat away at the fibers that hold the gums to the teeth, creating deep pockets. As bacteria spread, the pockets become deeper until the bacteria finally eat away the bone that holds the tooth in place.

Diagnosis
Gum disease is diagnosed through a process that measures the depth of the pockets around each tooth. Pockets that are greater than 3 millimeters in depth are considered hazardous and will generally require treatment.
The early detection and prevention of gum disease is another reason to see your dentist regularly.

Treatment
Treatment of gum disease varies between patients and will depend on how far the disease has progressed. We want to first control any infection and stop progress of the disease. Then, after careful evaluation of damage to surrounding tissues and bone, we are able to determine what treatment strategy is best for you.

In the early to moderate stages of periodontal disease, dental prphylaxis is very effective. This is accomplished by scaling and root planing, a thorough cleaning of root surfaces to remove tartar and plaque (calculus) that has accumulated under the gum. Along with using antimicrobials or antibiotics, the goal is to bring your gums back to their optimum health by reducing, or eliminating any pockets around the teeth which might harbor infection.

In case of advanced periodontal disease  a surgical procedure may be required to eliminate the periodontal pockets around the teeth. 

Long-Term Care
We believe your periodontal health should be achieved by the most cost-effective and least invasive means. Therefore it's important that your treatment is followed by sensible home care and regular professional cleaning programs. Without proper maintenance and checkups, and especially if the patient's immune system becomes compromised (a poor state of health), periodontal disease can recur -- thus requiring additional treatments and more expense
Periodontal disease can reappear even after the very best treatments and home care -- and for no apparent reason. This is why we recommend an aftercare maintenance schedule shared between your oral hygiene efforts at home, regular visits to our office,. By working together, and by giving you the best aftercare advice available, we can help you achieve and maintain an optimum level of oral health.