Gum treatments encompass a range of procedures to combat gum disease and maintain the health of the soft tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, involves infections that can deteriorate the gums, ligaments, and bones supporting teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and has been linked to other serious health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

The initial stage of gum treatment often begins with a non-surgical procedure called scaling and root planing. This deep-cleaning process removes plaque and tartar buildup both above and below the gum line and smoothens the root surfaces. This discourages further plaque buildup and helps to heal gum tissue. Antimicrobial washes or oral antibiotics may accompany scaling and root planing to reduce bacterial infection.

For cases where non-surgical treatments are insufficient, surgical options may be necessary. These include flap surgery (pocket reduction surgery), which involves lifting back the gums to remove tartar deposits in deep pockets or to reduce the pocket size to make cleaning easier. Another surgical option is gum grafting, which helps cover exposed roots, reduce gum recession, and protect vulnerable roots from decay.

Another standard treatment involves laser therapy, which can reshape unhealthy gum tissue and reduce the depth of pockets between the gums and teeth. Compared to traditional surgery, laser treatments are known for their precision and for relieving discomfort and bleeding.

Cosmetic procedures can also be part of gum treatments. Procedures such as crown lengthening (removing excess gum to expose more of a tooth) and ridge augmentation (filling in indents in the gums and jawbone) are often used to improve the aesthetic appearance of the gums and teeth.

Gum treatments aim to restore and maintain the health of gums and supporting structures, enhance the aesthetic appearance of the patient’s smile, and prevent the recurrence of periodontal disease.