CONSERVATIVE PERIODONTAL TREATMENTS

If you've been diagnosed recently with periodontal (gum) disease, there is good news. Periodontal diseases often can be treated successfully. Treatment has many benefits. You'll increase the chances of keeping your natural teeth--and decrease the chances of serious health problems associated with periodontal diseases.

The first non-surgical step usually involves a special cleaning, called scaling and root planing, to remove plaque and tartar deposits on the tooth and root surfaces. This procedure helps gum tissue to heal and periodontal pockets to shrink. This is sometimes referred to as "periodontal" or "deep cleaning." A local anesthetic may be used to make you more comfortable. And the treatment may be scheduled for one or more visits.

Medications may also be recommended to help control infection and pain, or to aid healing. These medications could include a pill, a mouthrinse, or a substance that is placed directly in the periodontal pocket after scaling and root planing.

At the next visit, pocket depth is checked to determine the effect of the scaling and root planing. At this point, many patients do not require any further active treatment, only preventive care. However, if the disease has advanced to the point where the periodontal pockets are deep and the supporting bone is lost, surgery may be necessary to help prevent tooth loss.