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 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 bone or permanent damage has been done, one to two regular hygiene appointments will be recommended. A special dental laser may be used to help painlessly reduce the number of toxic bacteria in the gum pocket to help the healing process.  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 more involved special periodontal cleaning will be recommended.  It is usually done in one portion of the mouth at a time.  In this procedure, the pockets are decontaminated with a dental laser to reduce bacterial levels, tartar, plaque, and toxins are removed from above and below the gum line  and rough spots on root surfaces are made smooth. This procedure helps gum tissue to heal and pockets to shrink.  Medications, special medicated mouth rinses, and an electric tooth brush or other aids 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.