If periodontal disease is diagnosed in the early stages of gingivitis, it can be treated with a thorough professional cleaning. If the disease has progressed beyond gingivitis to periodontitis the treatment may involve a process called deep cleaning or root planning which involves cleaning and smoothing the root surfaces of the teeth to remove calculus and bacterial deposits below the gumline so that the gums can heal around them. This procedure may require several appointments, depending on the extent of your periodontal disease.
In cases of advanced periodontitis, when deeper pockets have formed between the teeth and gums, surgery may be required to allow the dentist to thoroughly clean the roots of the teeth and eliminate the pockets. When there’s not enough existing gum, a gum graft might be recommended as well.