Conservative Periodontal Treatment

Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the gums and bone that hold teeth in place. When plaque accumulates on teeth, it hardens into calculus (tartar) and irritates the gum tissue and bone. The bone recedes away from the tartar, creating a larger pocket for plaque and tartar to invade. This cycle continues until teeth have little to no bone support left and they become loose or fall out.

Periodontal therapy (or treatment) is also called a deep cleaning. Anesthetic is give and only half of the mouth is cleaned at a time. After the initial deep cleaning, regular cleanings and check-ups may be needed in shorter intervals to keep tartar from building up on the teeth again.