Non-Surgical Treatments
The American Academy of Periodontology guidelines emphasize that periodontal health should be achieved in the least invasive and most cost effective manner. This is most often accomplished through non-surgical periodontal treatment via scaling and root planing (a careful deep cleaning of the tooth root surfaces under the gumline to remove bacterial plaque and calculus [tartar]). Occasionally, antibiotics may be placed into the gum tissue pocket to aid in healing or an oral low dose antibiotic may be prescribed for the patient to improve the patient’s healing response.In order to acheive an optimal result with a non-surgical approach, scaling and root planing may be repeated on a 3 month basis. Throughout treatment, the patient must become an expert in maintaining the health of their mouth, by effectively cleaning all tooth surfaces, especially at the gum line.
Quite often patients will not require surgical periodontal therapy after scaling and root planing and upon initiation of routine periodontal maintenance regime. Non-surgical therapy does have its limitations, however, and surgical periodontal therapy may be indicated to restore periodontal anatomy damaged by periodontal diseases and to facilitate oral hygiene practices.
How a Periodontist Can Protect Your Heath?
Interested in learning more about your gums and periodontal health?Check out the American Academy of Periodontology website for more information.
Back to top