Traditional Therapy

The first step in treating gum disease is a professional cleaning that includes scaling and root planing.  Scaling is the cleaning of your tooth above and below the gum.  Root planing smoothes the outside of the root of the tooth so that they gum can heal.

Dr. Kazanowski may also suggest that you use certain medications to help kill the bacteria that may still exist after scaling and root planing.

Recently, dental professionals have started using a different kind of treatment after scaling and root planing.  A small product is fit right into your periodontal pocket after the procedure.  This product slowly dissolves in about a week, releasing an agent that kills bacteria in periodontal pockets.  Because it dissolves, it doesn't need to be removed later.

Even with the use of traditional or new therapies, an important part of therapy is daily removal of plaque at home with brushing and flossing.