Treatment

The approach to treating periodontal disease varies depending on its type and severity. Your dentist and dental hygienist will conduct an assessment to determine the most suitable treatment for your condition.

Periodontal disease advances as the space between the tooth and gums, known as the sulcus pocket, becomes populated with bacteria, plaque, and tartar, leading to irritation of surrounding tissues. Prolonged presence of these irritants can inflict damage to the gums and the underlying bone supporting the teeth.

In the early stages, if the disease manifests as gingivitis without causing significant damage, one to two regular cleanings may be sufficient. Alongside, guidance on improving daily oral hygiene practices and scheduling regular dental cleanings will be provided.

For more advanced stages of the disease, a specialized periodontal cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing, or deep cleaning, may be recommended. This meticulous cleaning process targets removal of tartar, plaque, and toxins from above and below the gum line while smoothing rough spots on the root surfaces to facilitate gum tissue healing and reduction of pocket depths.

To aid in infection control and healing, your dentist may prescribe medications, specialized medicated mouth rinses, and recommend the use of an electric toothbrush.

In cases where scaling and root planing fail to yield desired results, periodontal surgery might be necessary to further reduce pocket depths, making teeth more accessible for cleaning. Your dentist may also refer you to a periodontist, a specialist in treating gum and bone issues.