The main goal of periodoncal therapy is to control the infection. The number and types of treatment will vary, depending on the extent of the gum disease. Any type of treatment requires that the patient keep up good daily care at home. The doctor may also suggest changing certain behaviors, such as quitting smoking, as a way to improve treatment outcome.

 

Dental health is a life-long need for everyone. A very important step towards this is keeping your gums healthy. This is exactly why we stress the importance of  hygiene therapy appointments with your periodontal therapist.

 

Gum Disease: also called Periodontal disease

 

If you have been told you have periodontal (gum) disease, you are not alone. An estimated 80 percent of American adults currently have some form of the disease.

 

Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)Your dental hygienist removes the plaque through a deep-cleaning method called scaling and root planing. Scaling means scraping off the tartar from above and below the gum line. Root planing gets rid of rough spots on the tooth root where the germs gather, and helps remove bacteria that contribute to the disease.

 

Medications:  Medications may be used with treatment that includes scaling and root planing, but they cannot always take the place of surgery. Depending on the severity of gum disease, the dentist or periodontist may still suggest surgical treatment. Long-term studies will be needed to determine whether using medications reduces the need for surgery and whether they are effective over a long period of time.