A dental healthcare professional is responsible for recommending appropriate treatment, which may vary considerably from person to person. Full patient cooperation is essential and will be stressed by the dentist or hygienist.
Treatment without good oral hygiene practices at home will not be successful. Depending on the stage of the disease, treatment can be as simple as cleaning, called prophylaxis, or as complex as periodontal surgery. In advanced cases, extraction of some or all teeth may be necessary.