If our Torrance dentist notices that you are at the early stages of gum disease, they will advise you to increase your at home dental care. If this is not successful, they can perform a scaling and root planing, or SRP. This involves using a sharp tool to remove plaque and tartar from at and just below the gum line.
Pocket reduction surgery is performed next, if necessary. Periodontal pockets, or gaps between the tooth roots and gums, develop if plaque continues to build up. We can clean the gums and eliminate the pockets, allowing the gums to fit against the teeth properly. If we cannot access enough of the plaque, or the procedure is not successful, a gum flap surgery can then be performed. This involves lifting the gums away and stitching then back into place after plaque and tartar are removed.