<s>[INST] <<SYS>> This is a medical question of type : treatment <</SYS>> What are the treatments for Gum (Periodontal) Disease ? [/INST] Medications may be used with treatment that includes scaling and root planing. Depending on how far the disease has progressed, the dentist or periodontist may also suggest surgical treatment. Long-term studies are needed to find out if using medications reduces the need for surgery and whether they are effective over a long period of time. </s>