Non-surgical therapy removes plaque and calculus by controlling the growth of harmful bacteria and by treating conditions that encourage gum disease. Along with effective personal oral hygiene allows the gum tissue to heal and reattach to the tooth. Four to six weeks later, periodontal pockets are notably reduced due to gum shrinkage (if the disease is in its earliest stage), then the patient can personally maintain these areas with routine brushing and flossing (and any other recommended homecare routines).
The number one factor to healthy gums is how effectively a person cleans their teeth daily, and we can help teach you this.
This type of treatment may be all that’s needed, especially when periodontal disease is caught early. You may also need to have certain procedures taken care of before periodontal therapy can begin, such as replacing worn fillings or crowns with overhanging margins that can accumulate plaque.
Even in most severe cases of periodontal disease, non-surgical periodontal therapy most often precedes surgical therapy. This is done so that the active periodontal infection is reduced and the overall tissue quality is improved prior to surgery. Non-surgical therapy may also limit the areas requiring surgery.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling is a type of cleaning that removes plaque and calculus from the teeth at and below the gumline. Root planing smooths root surfaces so the supportive tissues can better reattach to the tooth surface. Often this will be done with local anesthesia so you can relax and feel little as we rehabilitate your gums.
Antibiotics
Periodontal disease is a bacterial disease and the key to controlling or eliminating it is the effective reduction or elimination of the harmful bacteria. There are times when an antibiotic prescription is necessary to fight the infection.
Bite Adjustment
An unbalanced bite may increase bone loss. We may recommend to adjust your bite so that your teeth fit more harmoniously and function better, braces, or construct a custom bite guard to protect teeth surfaces and relax tense jaw muscles.
