Periodontal disease (more commonly called gum disease) is an inflammatory disease that can worsen and eventually destroy the gums and other structures which support the teeth. This disease is dangerous to your oral health because it is a painless infection that silently attacks, unless you seek proper treatment.
Nonsurgical periodontal treatment is the least invasive approach for addressing periodontal disease. Conventional periodontal therapy is a two-part process called scaling and root planing, also referred to as “deep cleaning.”

Calculus is plaque that has hardened over time. Scaling is the process of carefully removing tartar from above and below the gum line. Root planing is a procedure in which the rough areas on a tooth are made smooth again. These rough spots are problematic, because bacteria tend to accumulate in those areas, contributing to the disease.

Sometimes nonsurgical periodontal treatment isn’t enough. There are conditions that require surgical periodontal treatment.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that half of Americans who are 30 years old or older have periodontitis, which is a more advanced form of periodontal disease. This amounts to more than 64 million Americans, so the detrimental effects of periodontal disease are potentially threatening to anyone.

For more information about periodontal treatment, call us at (414) 525-0300, and we’ll be happy to schedule an appointment with you.