Will a Deep Cleaning Reverse Gum Disease? And What is the Best Way to Tighten Pockets?

Most conventional approaches to periodontal (gum) disease treat the symptoms and not the cause. While deep cleaning, scaling and root planing, and even periodontal surgery are indicated when disease is present, they do little to deal with the underlying causes which a great deal of research has focused on. Often gum disease will return and continue to propagate. However, we are beginning to understand that complex communities of bacteria (known as biofilms) exist in and on our bodies in an... more

Periodontal or 'gum' disease is nonreversible. Once you are diagnosed with it, you have it for life. Its progression, however, can be arrested. Depending upon the severity of your disease (from gingivitis to advanced bone loss), a deep cleaning may be the ideal treatment. It will not reverse the existing effects of your disease, and the future prognosis of your disease will depend upon your commitment to follow-up and home care. Severe periodontal disease is... more