Many times, the early stages of periodontal disease are best
treated with non-surgical periodontal therapy. This usually consists
of good oral hygiene training, scaling and root planning and
antibiotic therapy. Scaling and root planning is done under local
anesthesia and involves the use of special instruments which
go beneath the gum line to effectively remove calculus, debris
and diseased root surface. These procedures are performed by
our hygiene team of dental professionals. 4 to 6 weeks or later,
the areas are reevaluated for changes such as decreased bleeding,
tissue swelling, probing scores and has there been any reattachement
of the tissues to the tooth. In some cases, the occlusion (bite)
may require adjustment.
Even in most severe cases of periodontal disease, non-surgical periodontal therapy
most often precedes surgical therapy. This is done so that the overall tissue
quality is improved prior to surgery and also limits the areas of required surgery.
When deep pockets between teeth and gums are present, it is difficult for you
as a patient to thoroughly remove plaque and tarter. Patients can seldom, if
ever, keep these pockets clean and free of plaque. Consequently, surgery may
be needed to restore periodontal health
Antibiotics may be recommended to help control the growth of bacteria that create
toxins and cause periodontitis. In some cases, our doctors may place antibiotics
locally in the periodontal pockets after scaling. This may be done to control
infection and to encourage normal healing.
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