Gums form the soft tissue that covers your jaw bone and holds your teeth into place. Your gums must be healthy in order to function properly, and yet, most people are unaware that they have gum disease. Gum disease screening will be performed at the time of your examination and teeth cleaning appointments.

Unfortunately, if gum disease is already present (gingivitis, periodontitis, receding gum line), treatment is of the utmost importance to prevent the condition from worsening and degenerating into more serious conditions.

After a complete assessment of your gum health, our dentists and oral hygienists will discuss the best treatment plan for you, and teach you how to take care of your teeth and gums. Possible treatments include:

Also called deep cleaning, your dentist will first scale your tooth to remove accumulated plaque and tartar. The root of the tooth will then be scraped and polished to remove any roughness that could trap bacteria and plaque, creating infected pockets below the gum line. In some cases, special medication may be placed directly at the site of infection, if present.

When gum disease is too advanced, surgery may be necessary.

1. SOFT TISSUE GRAFTS. This surgery is used for a receding gum line. Skin from your palate, or synthetic tissue, will be attached to your gum to cover the exposed root.
2. BONE GRAFTS. Used when bone regeneration is needed.
3. FLAP SURGERY. When deep pockets are still present after scaling and root planing, flap surgery will be performed. Your gum will be cut to clean the root and reduce the periodontal pockets. Your gum will be stitched back so that it fits more tightly around your tooth.

Learn more about gum grafts

Do not leave gum disease untreated. It will not get better on its own. Please call our clinic for a gum health assessment and your personalized treatment plan.