The form of your periodontal treatment is largely dependent upon the stage of your infection and the amount of deterioration involving your gums, teeth, supporting tissues and bone.
After reviewing your digital X-rays and performing a thorough periodontal exam, your periodontist will discuss your treatment options, answer questions, and explain what happens:
- During and after the procedure(s)
- The number of office visits required for treatment
- What to do post-treatment as your gums heal
- How to keep gum disease under control after treatment is complete
Non-Surgical Treatment
The most well-known type of non-surgical treatment is known as scaling and root planing. This under-the-gum procedure involves a careful removal of plaque and tarter from the tooth roots. During this procedure, your hygienist will remove harmful bacteria and irritants from deep beneath your gums to prevent plaque from accumulating again.
Surgical Treatment
Your periodontist may perform periodontal surgery to eliminate bone infections or to regenerate lost bone. The most common surgical treatments include:
Pocket Reduction
During this procedure, a local anesthetic is applied. The gum tissue is folded back to expose deeper tissues. Irregular surfaces of the damaged bone may need to be smoothed to expose otherwise hidden areas of bacteria. Then, harmful bacteria are removed. Gum tissue is then closed and sutured in place.
Bone Regeneration
During this procedure, a local anesthetic is applied. Gum tissue is folded back to expose deeper tissues. Then disease-causing bacteria are removed. Membranes, bone grafts or tissue-stimulating proteins are used to encourage your body’s natural ability to regenerate bone and tissue and reverse some of the damage of gum disease.
Excess gum and bone tissues are then reshaped to expose more of the natural tooth. This can be done to one tooth (to even out the gumline) or to several teeth (to expose your natural, broad smile). Gum tissue is then closed and sutured in place.
