Even when periodontal disease is in a fairly advanced stage, it is possible to improve or even reverse the condition with non-surgical procedures. Depending on the type of disease and its severity, one of these approaches may be suggested by your doctor.
Scaling
This process can be done above or below the gum line and involves the scraping and removal of plaque and calculus (tartar) from the tooth. Scaling done at regular teeth cleanings usually involves the crown of the tooth. However, in more extreme circumstances, it is necessary to go further below the gum line to thoroughly remove disease-causing bacteria and its by-products on the root surface. In very advanced cases, flap surgery or gingivectomy may be necessary to allow the doctor free access to the infected tooth root.
Planing
After the thorough cleaning of the tooth surface has been completed above and below the gum line, the root of the tooth undergoes a process called planing. This is a process of smoothing the root of the tooth so that any remaining tartar is removed. This also serves two other purposes: it clears away any rough areas that bacteria below the gum line thrive in, and it makes it much easier for the gingival (gum) tissue to re-attach itself to the tooth, effectively reducing the size of the pockets that the plaque and bacteria hide in. This re-growth of tissue is key in stopping a recurrence of gum disease and happens very quickly once the calculus has been removed.
With either of these procedures, your periodontist may prescribe you either local or systemic antibiotics and a specially indicated mouth rinse.
PerioProtect
Recently North Pointe Dental has been certified in a new method to control gingivitis and periodontitis (gum disease). This system is known as Perio Protect. It is a non-invasive, comfortable way to treat periodontal disease. The Perio Protect method uses an FDA-cleared medical device called a Perio Tray that is custom-made for your mouth. The Perio Tray has a special, patented seal that holds medications in the infected area for enough time to kill the bacteria causing the disease.
The World Health Organization has published a comprehensive report on oral health with research showing that up to 85% of adults in the US have some form of gum disease. Unfortunately many of these people don’t know it. If you have bleeding gums, sensitive teeth, obvious plaque, tartar or calculus, bad breath, swollen, red or tender gums, spaces developing between your teeth, receding gums, or loose teeth you may be a candidate to use the Perio Protect method. These symptoms are part of your body’s response to the bacterial infection in the gum tissue around the teeth. The symptoms listed should not be ignored because they can be linked to type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, blood clots and strokes, preterm and low birth weight babies, respiratory disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
Not only does the Perio Protect method deliver antimicrobial medication around the teeth and below the gum line but it also offers a long-term homecare maintenance program to manage the disease.
Many patients who have chosen Perio Protect have avoided invasive treatments. If you have any of the symptoms listed above or questions about this exciting new treatment please ask the doctors or staff about how it can be a benefit to you.