What Is Non Surgical Periodontal Therapy?

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.