If you have gum disease, your dentist may do a procedure called root planing and scaling. Root planing and scaling is one of the most effective ways to treat gum disease before it becomes severe. Root planing and scaling removes plaque and tartar buildup between the gums and the teeth down to the roots.

Your dentist may give you antibiotics to speed healing after root planing and scaling.

If your dentist can remove all the plaque and tartar from the roots of your teeth, and if you follow treatment with good dental care, your gums should heal and reattach to the teeth. You must brush and floss daily after root planing and scaling. Without proper dental care, your gum disease may get worse.

Other nonsurgical procedures that may be done to cure or prevent gum disease are:

• Gingival curettage, which removes the inner lining of the gums if it becomes damaged or infected.
• Splinting, which uses wire to secure loose teeth to one another to make them more stable.