Unbiased oral health information

Procedures

Scaling & root planing

Consequences of no treatment

Deciding not to undergo treatment for a dental problem is always an option, although it may not be in your best interest.

Chronic periodontal disease has been positively linked to coronary artery disease (heart disease), peripheral vascular disease (blood vessels of the body), strokes, poor control over blood sugar among diabetics, pre-term labor, intrauterine growth restriction, and low birth weight. There is little question that poor oral health and poor general health are closely related.

Untreated periodontal disease results in the loss of teeth and tooth supporting bone. Complications from the loss of teeth include improper chewing and digestion of food; weight loss or gain as the patient's dietary habits change; change in the shape and proportions of the face; shortening of the chewing muscles; irregular force distribution into the jaw joints, and possible development of temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD).

Periodontal disease causes bad breath and an unattractive smile.

Failure to treat periodontal disease may result in infections, pain and swelling.