For the treatment of gums, both surgical and non-surgical methods like scaling and root planing are used. Generally, the gums get treated by non-surgical means. However, if the tissue around the teeth is unhealthy and cannot be repaired with nonsurgical options, surgery is needed. These treatments are recommended to remove the plaque that builds up on the teeth. If it is left untreated, the bone and surrounding tissues decay, resulting in loose teeth, or worse, tooth loss.