Non-Surgical Gum Care

What is gum disease?

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a degenerative condition that may lead to tooth loss and bone loss if not properly treated. This condition begins when plaque and tartar accumulate on the teeth; the bacteria in these substances cause irritation and inflammation the gum tissues. Eventually this may result in an infection in the gums that causes them to recede. When not treated, gum disease may lead to bone loss as well; with decreased support from the gums and bone, the teeth may fall out. In addition, untreated periodontal disease has been linked to several serious health problems, including:

• Heart disease

• Stroke

• High blood pressure

• Pregnancy complications

• Respiratory conditions

• Diabetes

To improve your oral health and help to prevent these complications, our dentist provides treatment for gum disease.

What is gum treatment?

When possible, Dr. Scott Pettinato  favors a non-surgical approach to periodontal treatment. One of the most common non-surgical treatments is a deep cleaning process called scaling and root planing. During this treatment, we clean the teeth all the way down to the roots, removing bacteria and infected tissues. The aim of this treatment is to halt the progress of the disease and encourage the growth of healthy gum tissues. For more information about non-surgical gum treatment, we welcome you to contact us today at Pettinato Dental Care.