Periodontal Treatment

The bacteria driving gum disease live in hardened deposits on the root surface, below the gumline, where a toothbrush cannot reach. Treatment removes them so that the tissue can heal and reattach.

Scaling and root planing

Scaling removes plaque and tartar from the tooth and root surfaces below the gum. Root planing smooths the root so that the gum can reattach and so that deposits build up less readily. It is normally done with the area numbed, and often over more than one appointment.

Afterwards

• Gums are often tender for a few days and may bleed initially
• Some sensitivity to cold is common as cleaned root surfaces are exposed
• Gums may recede slightly as swelling reduces — this is healing, not further loss
• Pockets are re-measured at a follow-up visit to see how the tissue has responded

More about this

Periodontal treatment methods depend upon the type and severity of the disease. Your dentist and dental hygienist will evaluate for periodontal disease and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Periodontal disease progresses as the sulcus (pocket or space) between the tooth and gums gets filled with bacteria, plaque, and tartar, causing irritation to the surrounding tissues. When these irritants remain in the pocket space, they can cause damage to the gums and eventually, the bone that supports the teeth!

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.

If the disease has progressed to more advanced stages, a special periodontal cleaning called scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) will be recommended. It is usually done one quadrant of the mouth at a time while the area is numb. In this procedure, tartar, plaque, and toxins are removed from above and below the gum line ( scaling ) and rough spots on root surfaces are made smooth ( planing ). This procedure helps gum tissue to heal and pockets to shrink. Medications, special medicated mouth rinses, and an electric tooth brush may be recommended to help control infection and healing.

If the pockets do not heal after scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery may be needed to reduce pocket depths, making teeth easier to clean. Your dentist may also recommend that you see a periodontist (specialist of the gums and supporting bone).

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