We can use modern techniques to help rebuild lost bone support. The emphasis in Drs. Mackler, Lutins, and Knox’s practice is conservative periodontal therapy. Many times, the early stages of periodontal disease are best treated with non-surgical periodontal therapy called scaling and root planing. This usually consists of cleaning under the gum with a dental instrument to remove any plaque and calculus below the gum line. This procedure is called root planing. Four to six weeks later, periodontal pockets may be reduced due to gum shrinkage.

Even in severe cases of periodontal disease, non-surgical periodontal therapy most often precedes surgical therapy. This is done so that the overall tissue quality is improved prior to surgery and also may limit the areas of required surgery.