Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that destroys the attachment fibers and supporting bones that hold the teeth in the mouth.
Symptoms include:
- Red, swollen or bleeding gums
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
- Bad breath
- An unpleasant taste in the mouth
In most cases periodontal disease can be treated with non-surgical periodontal therapy. This procedure consists of removing the plaque and calculus from the roots of your teeth and smoothing the roots making it more difficult for the bacteria to cling to them. After removing the calculus a laser is used to selectively remove diseased or infected tissues lining the pockets around your teeth. At the same time the laser will kill the bacteria that cause your gum disease and promote healing of your gums.