Scaling and ‘root planing’ is a common non-surgical treatment for gum disease and is often referred to as “deep cleaning.” Using special instruments, the dentist removes bacteria and infection from the unhealthy deep pockets around the teeth below the gum line.

The mouth is divided into four quadrants and up to any two quadrants can be cleaned in one session.

Where more than two quadrants or quadrants on either side of the mouth must be treated, treatment is usually carried out in sessions no more than one week apart.

Prescription mouth rinse may be prescribed by your Periodontist for use between visits. This mouth rinse reduces the redness, swelling and bleeding of gums caused by gingivitis.

When gum disease has been present for some time the gums may recede. This makes teeth look longer, exposing tooth that should be protected by gum tissue and ages the appearance of a smile.

In these cases a gum graft can be carried out.
Gum tissue can be taken from an area in the palette and stitched over the area missing gum tissue. This then integrates with the gum tissue remaining in that area to for a new gum line. 
This will greatly improve the appearance of a smile and protect the teeth.

Where the area of missing gum tissue is too large for a graft to be taken from another part of the palette an artificial gum graft can be used. There are several options, your Periodontist will be happy to discuss these options with you to find the right treatment for you.

Patients should note that grafts can only be done once the underlying gum disease has been fully treated.

Bone augmentation is carried out for a number of reasons:
•    Bone loss due to untreated gum disease.
•    Bone damage due to trauma
•    Bone loss due to poorly designed and fitted dentures
•    Strengthening an area of jawbone before an implant is placed.

Non surgical periodontal treatment is often carried out before bone augmentation to ensure the bone augmentation site is healthy.

In most instances bone loss has occurred due to gum disease going untreated for a length of time, the bone loss normally occurs around the roots of teeth. Untreated, this leads to the loss of teeth. Bone augmentation is carried out to replace or reshape the bone supporting teeth.

Bone augmentation is also often necessary before dental implants are placed. The new bone allows the implant a secure bonding point within the jaw. This type of augmentation can be carried out at the same time as placing an implant but where the bone loss has been severe it may need to be done in advance of placing an implant and given some months to fully heal.