Treatment of periodontal disease depends upon the type and severity of the disease.  We will evaluate for periodontal disease at your new patient visit and your regular recall visit and, if necessary,  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 permanent damage has been done, one to two very thorough cleanings will be recommended.  You will also be given instructions on special home care techniques and a schedule of regular maintenance visits will be suggested.

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 quarter 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, more aggressive treatment may be needed to reduce pocket depths and make the teeth easier to clean. In many cases, a referral to a periodontist (a specialist who treats the gums and supporting bone)will be made.

For more information about specialized gum treatment, click here.