Periodontal diseases (also known as gum diseases) are infections of the gum tissue and bone that hold teeth in place. Periodontal disease can be painless, and you may not be aware that you have a problem until your gums and the supporting bone are seriously damaged. The good news is that periodontal disease often can be treated in the early stages with scaling and root planing.

During your routine prophylaxis (tooth cleaning) appointment at the Dental Center, the registered dental hygienist may measure the depth of the spaces between your teeth and gums. This will allow your dentist to evaluate your mouth for the presence of gum disease.

At the edge of the gum line, healthy gum tissue forms a very shallow, V-shaped groove (called the sulcus) between the tooth and gums. The normal sulcus depth should be 3 millimeters or less. With periodontal diseases, the sulcus develops into a deeper pocket that collects more plaque bacteria and is difficult or impossible to keep clean.

If gum disease is diagnosed, your dentist may provide treatment, or you may be referred to the Dental Center periodontist, a dentist who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases. Treatment often depends on how far the condition has progressed and how well your body responds to therapy.

Scaling and root planing is a method of treating periodontal disease when pockets between the teeth and gums are greater that 3 millimeters deep. This treatment can be provided by one of the Dental Center's registered dental hygienists. Scaling is used to remove plaque and sulcus (tartar) from beneath the bum line. A local anesthetic may be given to reduce any discomfort. Using an instrument called a small scaler or an ultrasonic cleaner the plaque and calculus will be removed down to the bottom of each pocket. The root surface of the tooth is then smoothed or planed. This allows the gum tissue to heal and makes it more difficult for plaque to accumulate along the root surface.

At follow-up appointments you will be examined to determine how the gum tissue has healed and whether the pocket depth has decreased. When pocket depths greater than 3 millimeters persist, an additional measures may be necessary.

You will be given instruction on how to care for your healing teeth and gums. Maintaining good oral hygiene and consistent follow-up by your dentist are essential to help prevent periodontal disease from becoming more serious or recurring.