Periodontal Care and Treatment for Optimal Gum Health

The best way to protect
your teeth and gums

The primary goal of periodontic therapy is to eliminate or control the infection by removing plaque and tartar buildup through a process called scaling and root planing. This non-surgical procedure involves deep cleaning of the tooth roots to remove bacteria, toxins, and calculus from below the gumline. In some cases, adjunctive therapies like antimicrobial agents or local antibiotics may be used to enhance treatment outcomes.

Periodontal therapy is a type of dental treatment that is used to treat gum disease. Gum disease is a serious condition that can cause the gums to recede, the bones to lose support, and teeth to become loose. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss. It emphasizes the importance of good oral hygiene practices and regular dental check-ups. Patients are often educated on proper brushing and flossing techniques, as well as the significance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and managing risk factors such as smoking and diabetes.

Benefits

There are many benefits to periodontal therapy. Some of the most common benefits include:

Reduced risk of tooth loss: Periodontal therapy can help to reduce the risk of tooth loss by stopping the progression of gum disease.

Improved gum health: Periodontal therapy can help to improve gum health by reducing inflammation and plaque buildup.

Reduced pain and discomfort: Periodontal therapy can help to reduce pain and discomfort caused by gum disease.

Improved oral health: Periodontal therapy can help to improve overall oral health by reducing the risk of other dental problems, such as cavities and infections.

Procedure

Assessment and Diagnosis:
The first step in periodontal therapy is a comprehensive assessment of your oral health. The dentist or periodontist will examine your gums, measure pocket depths (the space between the gums and teeth), and take X-rays to evaluate the extent of gum disease and bone loss. This evaluation helps determine the appropriate treatment plan for your specific needs.

Scaling and Root Planing:
The primary procedure involved in periodontal therapy is scaling and root planing. It is a deep cleaning process performed under local anesthesia. The dentist or dental hygienist will use special instruments to remove plaque, tartar, and bacterial toxins from the tooth surfaces and below the gumline. The root surfaces will also be smoothed (planed) to eliminate rough areas and promote gum tissue reattachment.

Periodontal Maintenance:
Following scaling and root planing, a periodontal maintenance program is implemented to ensure the long-term success of the treatment. This typically involves regular follow-up appointments every few months for professional cleanings and monitoring of gum health. The frequency of maintenance visits may vary based on the severity of the gum disease and individual patient needs.

Surgical Intervention (if necessary):
In some cases, advanced gum disease may require surgical intervention, such as gum grafting to cover exposed tooth roots or flap surgery to access and clean deeper pockets. These procedures are performed by a periodontist and are aimed at resolving more severe cases of periodontitis.