Non Surgical Treatments

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Many times, the early stages of periodontal disease are best treated with non-surgical periodontal therapy. This usually consists of placing a fine ultrasonic cleaning tip in between the tooth and gum tissue to remove any plaque and calculus below the gum line. This procedure is performed during root planing and in less advanced cases, shrinking these infected gum pockets can eliminate diseased sites. Then the patient can personally maintain these areas with routine brushing and flossing.

In our practice, 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.

Non-Surgical Treatment Methods

Treatment methods depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed. The first step is usually a thorough cleaning that may include scaling to remove plaque and tartar deposits beneath the gum line. The tooth roots may also be planed to smooth the root surface allowing the gum tissue to heal and reattach to the tooth. In some cases, the occlusion (bite) may require adjustment.

Special antibiotics or irrigation with anti-microbials (chemical agents or mouth rinses) may be recommended to help control the growth of bacteria that create toxins and cause periodontitis. In some cases, the doctors may use time-released antibiotic gels or chemically treated chips, which are quick, easy and painless. Since they aren’t taken internally and can be placed exactly where needed, the effect is more powerful. They do not require removal once in place and will be resorbed by the body. This may be done to control infection and to encourage normal healing.

When deep pockets between teeth and gums are present, it is difficult for the doctors to thoroughly remove plaque and tarter. Patients can seldom, if ever, keep these pockets clean and free of plaque. Consequently, minor surgery may be needed to restore periodontal health.