Treatment

Periodontal treatment methods depend upon the type and severity of disease. Your periodontist and will evaluate you for periodontal disease and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Periodontal disease progresses as the sulcus, the pocket or space between the tooth and gums, gets filled with bacteria, plaque, and tartar, causing irritation to the surrounding tissues. When these irritants remain in the pocket space, they can cause damage to the gums and, eventually, the bone that supports the teeth!

If periodontal disease is caught in its early stages where little to no damage has been done, surgery may not be necessary. Regularly scheduled cleanings with a periodontist are recommended to keep periodontal disease from advancing. Personalized instructions on improving your daily oral hygiene habits should also be given.

If the disease has progressed to more advanced stages, a special periodontal cleaning called scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) will be recommended. In this procedure, tartar, plaque, and toxins are removed from above and below the gum line (scaling) and rough spots on root surfaces are made smooth (planing). This procedure helps gum tissue to heal and pockets to shrink by eliminating some of the bacteria causing inflammation.  Medications, including special medicated mouth rinses, and extra-soft toothbrushes may be recommended to help control infection and healing as well as prevent further erosion of gum tissue.

If deep pockets do not heal after scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery may be required to reduce pocket depths, making it easier for you to clean at home with toothbrush and floss.