Periodontal Disease Treatment

The severity and type of the disease determine the type of periodontal treatment methods. Your dental hygienist or dentist recommends the appropriate treatment after a periodontal disease evaluation.

Periodontal disease advances as the sulcus (space or pockets) between the gums and tooth gets filled with tartar, bacteria, and plaque, which causes the surrounding tissues to get irritated. These irritants can cause damage to the gums and the bone that supports the teeth if they stay in the pocket.

One or two scalings or cleanings might be all that you need if no damage is done and the disease is caught during the early stages of gingivitis. Instructions will also be given to help improve your dental hygiene routine and regular dental cleanings will be encouraged.

A special periodontal cleaning called root planning (deep cleaning) and scaling is recommended if the disease is in one of the more advanced stages. It is done one part of the mouth at a time and the area is completely numb. Plague, tartar, and toxins are removed from below and above the gum line (scaling). Rough spots on root surfaces are also made smooth (planning). Pockets shrink and gum tissue is able to heal thanks to this procedure. To help healing and control infections, special medicated mouth rinses, medications, and an electric tooth brush.

Periodontal surgery might be required to reduce pocket depths and make teeth easier to clean if the pockets don’t heal after root planning and scaling. Your dentist might also recommend that you see a supporting bone and gum specialist (Periodontist).