Gum Disease Therapy

Periodontal (Gum) Disease shows no symptoms in its early stages. We perform a thorough examination using x-rays and a periodontal probe to measure bone levels around the teeth.

When bone levels fall, the gums pull away from the tooth, forming a pocket. Early periodontal disease will cause pockets to form. Healthy gums are tight against the teeth, and there aren't any pockets.
In general, the deeper the pockets, the greater the spread of periodontal disease. X-rays tell us a lot about periodontal disease. In a healthy mouth, the bone comes up high around the necks of the teeth and it's even throughout the mouth. In advanced periodontal disease, the bone level is much lower than in the healthy mouth.

Bleeding is a sign of infection—healthy gums don't bleed! We will examine the colour and shape of your gums to ensure they look and feel healthy.

This is how we diagnose periodontal disease:

  • Probe readings greater than three millimeters
  • Bleeding upon probing
  • Swollen and red gums, especially between the teeth
  • Bone loss or tartar on the x-rays

Periodontal Therapy

If you have been diagnosed with periodontal (gum) disease, we can help you control the disease and prevent it from progressing in many cases. Treatment involves a combination of root planing, new homecare techniques, more frequent dental cleanings, and in severe cases, surgery.

Delaying treatment will never make periodontal disease go away. Periodontal disease is an ongoing, degenerative condition. Bone lost never grows back. If too much bone is lost, teeth get loose and have to be removed. This means you may end up wearing partial dentures, or even full dentures. You don't have to lose your teeth to periodontal disease! Treatment removes the infection and keeps the disease under control.