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 planning (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 (planning).
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 planning, 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).