Gum disease is caused from the bacteria in a patient’s mouth, also known as plaque. When the plaque is not frequently removed, it will cause an infection in the gums. If the infection is left untreated, the infection will spread to the bone causing bone loss. The hygienist will take radiographs and take measurements around your teeth to assess the overall health of your mouth. If you have bone loss, we will recommend you have periodontal therapy.
People who have irreversible damage will need a more in depth cleaning or periodontal therapy. Periodontal therapy, which is sometimes referred to as scaling and root planing, is the process of removing hard bacteria deposits from above and below the gum line and smoothing the root surfaces.