Gum Treatment

What is gum disease?
Gum disease is characterized by inflammation of the soft tissue (gingiva) and abnormal bone loss that surrounds and supports the teeth. The second most common cause of toothache is gum disease.

How is gum disease treated?
Early gum disease is treated with oral hygiene and the elimination of bacterial plaque. Gum disease that is mild to advanced normally necessitates "root planing" and "subgingival curettage," which involve a thorough cleaning of the teeth and roots. Root planing is the removal of plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from exposed tooth roots, while subgingival curettage is the removal of the inflamed gum tissue's surface. Both of these treatments are normally done under local anaesthesia and can include the use of antibiotics to treat a gum infection or abscess. Various forms of gum surgeries can be used as a follow-up procedure.