When one mentions the words “periodontal therapy,” most people automatically assume it means a surgical treatment is necessary. However, this is not always the case. Surgery is only necessary when the non-surgical treatment fails to provide the targeted outcome for potential health.
Non-surgical Periodontal Therapy
The main cause of periodontal disease is the human body's inflammatory system's response to the presence of bacterial plaque. Non-surgical periodontal therapy can remove and if possible, completely eliminate the etiologic agents that are responsible for inflammation. These are dental plaque along with its toxins and hardened dental plaque known as tartar.
However, many people do not seek treatment until they are experiencing the worst of the symptoms. In those situations, we will need to use more intensive treatments. If people seek treatment early, then there is a better chance that we will only need to use less intensive treatment.
Non-surgical Gum Treatment: The Deep Cleaning
Non-surgical periodontal therapy requires a deep cleaning with scaling and root planing. This procedure is a precise cleaning of the root surfaces to eliminate plaque and tartar from those deep periodontal pockets. It smooths out teeth roots to eliminate bacterial toxins and make it that much more challenging for plaque to build up at root surface points.
Scaling and root planning ultimately decrease gingival inflammation. Sites that do not respond well to scaling and root planing might require further treatment as time progresses. In some instances, several appointments are necessary for a thorough scaling and root planing.
Antimicrobials
We may have the patient use antibiotic medications, known as antimicrobials, to treat the periodontal pockets, reducing or even eradicating periodontal bacteria. We use local antimicrobials with comprehensive scaling and root planing for optimal benefit.
The Tray Delivery System and Combating Gum Disease
The tray delivery system involves the use of a customized tray from impressions of the patient's unique mouth. We may use this system to deliver medications. They are quite similar to the fluoride tray that we may use to combat tooth decay.
The dentist might also suggest placing medication beneath the gum line to combat bacteria. Studies show patients with the advanced periodontal disease can benefit from using antimicrobial medications after scaling and rooting.
Reevaluation
The patient is subsequently reevaluated after enough time is provided to respond to the active course of treatment. Additional therapy might be necessary for sites that continue to show signs of periodontal disease.
Periodontal Maintenance
Periodontal maintenance is a specialized program for each individual patient that commences as soon as periodontal health improves. These appointments are typically more thorough than the cleanings that occur every six months. These procedures will help stop the periodontal disease from occurring in those who receive treatment for periodontitis or dental implant therapy.
The ongoing treatment phase allows the dentist to continue to assess periodontal health and ensure the infection remains under control. Keep in mind periodontal diseases are chronic. If they do not go through careful treatment, then there is a greater chance of the disease recurring.
Contact Us
If you are interested in non-surgical periodontal therapy or another oral health solution, reach out to us today to schedule an appointment.
Are you wondering if you have periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease? It is essential for you to know the warning signs of this common dental issue. This way, you will have a better chance of addressing the issue without needing excessive dental treatment.When gum disease is addressed in its beginning stages, it…
In spite of regular brushing and flossing, periodontal health appears to be in jeopardy for many American adults. The reason is that even when a good oral hygiene routine is established, people can still suffer from gum infections. Treatment options and preventative care are essential for anyone who wishes to keep gum disease and its advanced…
If you have a problem with your gums and do not want to undergo surgery, do not panic. There are numerous non-surgical gum treatments available that will improve the condition of your gums.Visit with the dentist for a checkup and you will enjoy a professional dental cleaning. This cleaning includes the teeth as well as…
Periodontics is something we specialize in at Gables Exceptional Dentistry in Coral Gables, FL. This area of dentistry has to do with the care of your teeth when it comes to their actual structure. This includes the periodontium, the gingiva, the alveolar, and the periodontal ligament, to name a few. Our goal is to make…
A great smile can improve your confidence, but a poor one can have the opposite effect. Dental veneers may be the answer if you are struggling with the quality of your smile. Read on to learn how they can transform not only your smile but your confidence as well.People avoid smiling altogether when they do…
Having a broken tooth can be a stressful situation, but it does not need to permanently alter your smile. Knowing what to do immediately after a tooth breaks or if it cracks can mean the difference between needing an implant later and saving the original tooth.A broken tooth is an urgent matter, and in many…