Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. Your gum tissue is not attached to the teeth as high as it may seem. There is a very shallow v-shaped crevice called a sulcus between the tooth and gums. Periodontal diseases attack just below the gum line in the sulcus, where they cause the attachment of the tooth and its supporting tissues to break down. As the tissues are damaged, the sulcus develops into a pocket: generally, the more severe the disease, the greater the depth of the pocket.
Periodontal diseases are classified according to the severity of the disease. The two major stages are gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a milder and reversible form of periodontal disease that only affects the gums. Gingivitis may lead to more serious, destructive forms of periodontal disease called periodontitis.
Periodontal surgery can also be used in cosmetic dentistry, together with veneers or crowns, for the correction of esthetic problems. It is often useful in correction of a "gummy" smile or in crown lengthening procedures.
When possible, Dr. Sugar prefers to choose the most conservative treatment modalities. Sometimes it is necessary to perform gingival surgery to correct existing problems. However, in more advances cases, referral and consultation with a Periodontist (gum specialist)is advised.