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, the PerioProtect method of treatment will be reccommended.  This is the best and most comfortable way to treat gum disease and maintain health after treatment.  Trays that look a little like athletic mouth guards are custom fabricated by an FDA approved laboratory.  These trays are worn several times per day with antibacterial medicine in them.  Occasionally, a special periodontal cleaning called scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) will be needed.  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 electronic tooth brush may be recommended to help control infection and healing.

If the pockets do not heal after scaling and root planning, periodontal surgery may be needed.  This will be to remove infected healing tissueand/or to grow new bone in the area.  Your dentist may even recommend that you see a Periodontist (specialist of the gums and supporting bone).