The area around the teeth is the gum tissue

Cleaning

The “prophy” or cleaning of the plaque and calculus that is above the tissue on the teeth is the most important part of prevention of periodontal disease.

Usually it is done every 6 months, but each patient is unique in his/her body chemistry so frequently prophylaxis is recommended every 3 months – and some lucky people only need a prophy and check-up yearly.

Periodontal Disease

The loss of the bone supporting the teeth means that the ability to chew will slowly be lost and eventually the tooth may be lost.

It is the major cause of tooth loss in adults.

Because early periodontal disease is painless and shows few symptoms, patients are often unaware that there is a problem.

For this reason, regular dental visits are essential for the early diagnosis and treatment of gum disease.

Scaling and Curettage

This is the most common and first step in periodontal treatment.

Scaling involves removal of calculus that has grown under the gum tissue.  When that rough, bacteria-laden material is removed, the gum tissues heal.

Curettage means that the therapist usually also removes the swollen gum tissue that lies next to the plaque-calculus.