Periodontal Disease Treatment

Over time bacteria and calcium can accumulate on the surfaces and under the gums of teeth much like barnacles on a boat's hull. If not removed regularly by a professional using specialized instruments this bacteria could cause inflammation, bleeding, tooth mobility, bad breath, irreversible bone loss, and finally tooth loss. In most cases there will be no pain and the individual will not be aware of the situation until it is pointed out.

The first step in treating periodontal disease is usually to have a treatment known as a scaling and root planing (SRP) also known as a deep cleaning. During a deep cleaning a doctor or hygienist will anesthetize your gums so you are comfortable. Then using scalers and curettes they will scrape the calcified bacteria from under the gums. This will allow the connective tissue to reattach to the teeth and bring the gums back to health.

In extreme cases where the patient does not respond to SRP treatment, the patient may be referred to a periodontist, a specialist in treating gum disease.

In most cases SRP treatment, combined with home care instruction and 3 month recalls is all that is needed to maintain healthy gums in patients with periodontal disease.