Periodontal treatment involves establishing the health of the gums and jawbone. Many
people unknowingly have periodontal disease- a common, painless gum infection caused by
dental plaque* and tartar. In fact, it affects more than half of all adults during their
lifetime.
If untreated, the disease destroys the gum tissue and damages the jawbone, eventually
causing the teeth to loosen and even fall out. With early diagnosis and treatment, almost
all teeth can be saved. We also teach patients how to control plaque through daily care of
their gums and teeth. We believe in creating a partnership with patients to recognize,
eliminate and control the causes of gum disease.
*
Plaque is a film of mucus that
collects bacteria. When plaque gets under the gums, it results in infection that causes
gum swelling and may eventually destroy the jawbone. Tartar is a hardened form of plaque
that can form above or below the gum line.
