Some people find that after periodontal treatment (scaling, scraping), the gap between their teeth becomes bigger and their teeth become sensitive. They think that the doctor has broken their teeth. In fact, it is not. Periodontitis is caused by bacterial buildup, tartar formation, periodontal tissue infection, and the bone that supports the teeth has become either lightly or heavily resorbed. In layman’s terms, the bone of the tooth has declined, the flesh should recede downward and the roots are exposed. However, prior to periodontal treatment, the gums swell and tartar builds up and takes over, creating the illusion of “no gaps, no exposed roots”. When the tartar is removed during treatment, the gum swelling is relieved or eliminated, the gum margin is restored to where it should be, the gap appears, and the roots are exposed. The teeth are sensitive because the roots are poorly able to resist physical stimuli.