The gums are often overlooked, but it is important to recognize that they are the foundation for optimal oral health. Even if you don’t have a single cavity, untreated or undiagnosed periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss and, eventually, dentures!

Healthy gums should fit snugly around each tooth, but with periodontal disease, plaque buildup can lead to bacteria spreading beneath the gum line, damaging the tissue and forming pockets between the gums and teeth. If you show signs of advanced gum disease, such as heavy tartar buildup and deep pockets, scaling and root planing is typically the first line of treatment. Without this procedure, bone loss around the teeth can occur, potentially leading to tooth loss.

At SRQ Dental, we offer scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth and their root surfaces. After numbing the area, the hygienist carefully cleans the root surfaces to eliminate plaque, bacterial toxins, and tartar, then smooths any rough spots to prevent further buildup, and to help the gums heal and reattach. If non-surgical treatments don't reduce pocket depths sufficiently, surgical intervention may be required to address the issue.

Dr. Wootton and Dr. Davis aim to resolve periodontal issues through non-surgical, regenerative treatments to minimize the need for more invasive procedures in the future. Our focus is on healing and maintaining your oral health through personalized care, so you can continue to care for your teeth at home and maintain regular dental visits!