Treatment
Periodontal treatment methods depend upon the type
and severity of the disease. Your dentist and dental hygienist will evaluate for periodontal disease and recommend
the appropriate treatment.
Periodontal disease progresses as the sulcus
(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 the disease is caught in the early stages of
gingivitis, and no damage has been done, one to two regular cleanings will be recommended. You will
also be given instructions on improving your daily oral hygiene habits and having regular dental cleanings.
If the disease has progressed to more advanced
stages, a special periodontal cleaning called scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) will be
recommended. It is usually done one quadrant of the mouth at a time while the area is numb. 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. Medications, special medicated mouth rinses, and an electric tooth brush may be recommended to help
control infection and healing.
If the pockets do not heal after scaling and root
planing, periodontal surgery may be needed to reduce pocket depths, making teeth easier to clean. Your
dentist may also recommend that you see a periodontist (specialist of the gums and supporting bone).
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