Periodontal disease should not be taken lightly and cannot, in general, be self treated without professional help. Most of the "wonder cures" sold over the counter are ineffective for anything but the mildest form of the disease.

Frequently, these self-treatments only treat the symptoms while the disease progresses deeper.

The disease is treated by general dentists in the simpler form and advanced disease should be treated by a specialist periodontist. If the disease is diagnosed early and the supporting bone is not involved, non-surgical treatment by a dentist or periodontist is often enough.

If there is significant gum or bone loss, surgical treatment can result in regeneration of some or all of the lost gum and bone.

In advanced disease several specialists from different fields often work together to get a good result. If the bone loss is too advanced to save the tooth, implants can be used to replace missing teeth.

Treatment is generally not painful if skilfully performed.

Examples below:

Non-surgical treatment for gingivitis, the gums were swollen due to calculus (calcified plaque) below the gum line. Several visits of deep calculus removal over some months solved the problem.

Surgical treatment to regenerate gum over an exposed root surface. This can be done predictably by a specialist.

The patient had periodontal treatment and implants*, as well as orthodontic (tooth movement) and restorative treatment. A combined team was necessary (Interdisciplinary dentistry) to get the best result.

* see section on Implants

For details, please see Implants section.