If you have periodontal disease, your periodontist may suggest any of the treatments listed below.

These techniques remove plaque and tartar from teeth, above and below the gumline.   Scaling and root planing also help control gum and bone disease.  You may need follow-up visits every 3 to 4 months to make sure that your gum problem is under control.

Treatment methods depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed. In some cases, your dentist may recommend medications to help control infection, pain, or to encourage healing.  These medications can be given in various forms: a pill that you would swallow, a liquid mouthrinse, or in a form that the dentist could place directly in the periodontal pocket after scaling and root planing.

When deep pockets between teeth and gums (4 to 6 millimeters or deeper) are present, it is difficult for the dentist to thoroughly remove the plaque and tartar.  if the pockets do not heal after scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery may be needed. 

With surgery, the dentist can access hard to reach areas that require the removal of tartar and plaque.  The tooth root is cleaned and smoothed.  Sometimes the bone around the tooth also is smoothed to help remove these pockets.  The gums then are sutured back into place or into a new position that will be easier to keep clean at home.