Treatment of Periodontal Disease

The treatment of periodontal disease depends on the severity and type of disease. After evaluating your periodontal disease your dentist and dental hygienist will recommend the appropriate treatment.
 
As periodontal disease progresses as the pocket or space between the tooth and gums becomes filled with bacteria, plaque, and tartar, causing irritation to the surrounding tissues. Irritants that remain in the pocket space can cause damage to the gums and eventually, the bone that supports the teeth!
 
If periodontal disease is caught in the early stages of gingivitis, before any damage has been done, one to two regular cleanings will be recommended. Your dentist will also give you instructions on improving your daily oral hygiene habits and encourage you to have regular dental cleanings.
 
Periodontal disease that has progessed to advanced stages requires a deep cleaning called scaling and root planning. This deep cleaning is usually done while the area is numb, one quadrant of the mouth at a time. Tartar, plaque, and toxins are removed from above and below the gum line and rough spots on root surfaces are made smooth (planning) during this procedure. This procedure works to heal gum tissue and shrink pockets. An electric tooth brush, medications, and special medicated mouth rinses may be prescribed to help control infection and encourage healing.
 
Pockets that do not heal after scaling and root planning may require periodontal surgery to reduce pocket depths, making teeth easier to clean. a Periodontist (specialist of the gums and supporting bone) may also be recommended by your dentist. 

FACT

If the disease is caught in the early stages of gingivitis, and no damage has been done, one to two regular cleanings will be recommended. You will also be given instructions on improving your daily oral hygiene habits and having regular dental cleanings.