Treatment of Periodontal Disease
What does periodontal treatment involve?
In the early stages, most treatment involves scaling and root planning - removing plaque and calculus around the tooth and smoothing the root surfaces. Antibiotics may be used to supplement the effects of scaling and root planning. In most cases of early gum disease, called gingivitis, scaling and root planning and proper daily cleaning achieve a satisfactory result. More advanced cases may require specific surgical treatment.
How do you prevent gum disease?
Removing plaque through daily brushing, flossing and professional cleaning is the best way to minimize your risk. Your dentist can design a personalized program of home oral care to meet your needs.
Is maintenance important?
Sticking to a regular oral hygiene regimen is crucial for patients who want to sustain the results of therapy. Patients should visit the dentist every 3-4 months (or more, depending on the patient) for spot scaling and root planning and an overall exam. In between visits, they should brush at least twice a day, floss daily.
Fortunately, periodontal infection can now be detected and treated early!. With early detection of the infection it can be controlled non-surgically. If the infection has progressed, surgical intervention may be necessary to control it.
We are excited about our ability to detect this infection early and to be able to offer you non-surgical therapy.The main goal of treatment is to stop the infection. The number and types of treatment will vary, depending on the extent of the gum disease. Any type of treatment requires that the patient keep up good daily care at home. Additionally, modifying certain behaviors, such as quitting tobacco use, might also be suggested as a way to improve treatment outcome.
