Periodontal (gum) disease is not curable, but is controllable. A periodontal therapy program is a Conservative, non-surgical program of three to six dental visits to control periodontal disease.
If you are diagnosed with pockets in the gum tissue around your teeth greater than 3 millimeters (mm) or with bleeding with dental probe measurements, then you have periodontal disease. Remember, healthy gums never bleed. If you have pockets deeper than 3mm and bleeding gums in these areas, your hygienist and dentist may recommend a periodontal therapy program to control your disease. The severity of the periodontal disease determines the length of your program.
The goal of periodontal therapy is to eliminate the active disease process, by shrinking the pocket depths, eliminate bleeding in the gums and restore the overall health of the supporting gum tissues.
The therapy consists of scaling, root planning, curettage and possible irrigation with antibiotics. Scaling and Root Planing is performed with topical and local anesthetic. The type of treatment that is required depends on the precise diagnosis. Often, treatment begins with scaling and root planing. Scaling is used to remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line. The tooth’s root surfaces are then smoothed or planed so that the gum tissue can reattach to the tooth. After the scaling and root planing is completed, an antibiotic may be placed in the pockets that are infected. The amount of pockets where the antibiotic is placed is determined by the severity of infection. Once the scaling and root planing visits are complete, another appointment is made so we can check how the pockets have decreased and improved.
The recommended Periodontal Therapy treatment, fluoride treatments, oral antibiotics and of course optimal oral hygiene care at home will help bring the periodontal health back to a healthy condition. An electric toothbrush may be recommended. The periodontal health and therapy progress will be monitored throughout the treatments with pocket depth and bleeding point charting during each program visit.
Topical and local anesthetic are commonly used for comfort. As always, nitrous oxide is available for comfort and relaxation. The goal is to have the periodontal therapy be a pleasant, comfortable, healthy, and personally rewarding experience.
After the therapy is complete the hygienist and dentist will likely recommend a three-month, continuing-care interval so that a new level of periodontal health can be maintained and monitored.
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