Gum disease is caused by bacteria (plaque).  In some individuals, plaque can lead to the loss of soft tissue and bony attachment of the tooth to the jaws causing the eventual loss of the tooth.  Risk factors such as smoking and diabetes can progress the rate of destruction at alarming rates.

The base of any treatment is combining professional removal of soft (plaque) and hard (tartar) deposits from below the gum line and ensuring that a patient can perform adequate oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) at home.  Without good home care, professional treatment will not work in the long term!

Once affected areas have been professionally cleaned and a patient is able to perform adequate home care with brushing and flossing, we can correct any significant bone or gum loss around the teeth.