HOW IS GUM DISEASE TREATED? The main goal of treatment is to control the infection. The number and types of treatment will vary, depending on the extent of the gum disease. Any type of treatment requires that the patient keep up good daily care at home. The doctor may also suggest changing certain behaviors, such as quitting smoking, as a way to improve treatment outcome. Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing) The dentist, periodontist, or dental hygienist removes the plaque through a deep-cleaning method called scaling and root planing. Scaling means scraping off the tartar from above and below the gum line. Root planing gets rid of rough spots on the tooth root where the germs gather, and helps remove bacteria that contribute to the disease. In some cases a laser may be used to remove plaque and tartar. This procedure can result in less bleeding, swelling, and discomfort compared to traditional deep cleaning methods. Medications Medications may be used with treatment that includes scaling and root planning, but they cannot always take the place of surgery. Depending on how far the disease has progressed, the dentist or periodontist may still suggest surgical treatment. SM-CL2038255 Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave., Suite 130, Downers Grove, IL 60515 630-663-0554 HOW IS GUM DISEASE TREATED ? The main goal of treatment is to control the infection . The number and types of treatment will vary , depending on the extent of the gum disease . Any type of treatment requires that the patient keep up good daily care at home . The doctor may also suggest changing certain behaviors , such as quitting smoking , as a way to improve treatment outcome . Deep Cleaning ( Scaling and Root Planing ) The dentist , periodontist , or dental hygienist removes the plaque through a deep - cleaning method called scaling and root planing . Scaling means scraping off the tartar from above and below the gum line . Root planing gets rid of rough spots on the tooth root where the germs gather , and helps remove bacteria that contribute to the disease . In some cases a laser may be used to remove plaque and tartar . This procedure can result in less bleeding , swelling , and discomfort compared to traditional deep cleaning methods . Medications Medications may be used with treatment that includes scaling and root planning , but they cannot always take the place of surgery . Depending on how far the disease has progressed , the dentist or periodontist may still suggest surgical treatment . SM - CL2038255 Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave. , Suite 130 , Downers Grove , IL 60515 630-663-0554