Periodontal disease is an infection of the tooth-supporting tissues with certain pathogenic bacteria that ultimately leads to the loss of tooth-supporting structures (bone, periodontal ligament), swelling of the gums and creation of gum pockets. These pockets encourage the accumulation of more bacteria, and as the disease progresses and more bone is lost, it gets deeper. Untreated, periodontal disease will eventually lead to tooth loss.

Nonsurgical treatment of periodontal disease is managing gum disease with deep cleaning. Occasionally antibiotics may be used either systemic or as a topical application.

The primary goal of this treatment is to eradicate the disease process from all tooth-supporting tissues and eliminate the gum pockets. A non-surgical approach is the most conservative method of treating periodontal disease and typically the first line of treatment. It is sufficient for patients with mild to moderate periodontal disease. In more severe cases, it has to be followed with surgical treatment.