Treatment of Periodontitis

Treatment methods depend on the type and severity of the disease

1.      Non-surgical treatment:  Scaling & Root Planing (deep cleaning)

·       scaling removes plaque and tartar above and below the gumline

·       root planing smoothes the tooth root and helps the gums reattach to the tooth

·       may take several visits to be completed

·       may require anesthetics

·       may experience pain for several days, teeth may be sensitive for up to a week

·       gums may be swollen and feel tender and bleed for a few days

·       medications  placed directly in the periodontal pocket after the scaling & root planing to help control infection and pain, or to aid healing

·       patient is scheduled to come back within a few weeks to measure the pocket depths and check how the gums have healed. 

·       More frequent dental checkups and cleanings to ensure there is improvement of your dental health

·       periodontal maintenance is recommended every 3 month

2.      Surgical treatment

·       Pocket Reduction Procedure/flap surgery-the dentist or periodontist can remove the infectious bacteria and smooth the areas of damaged bone, allowing the gum tissues to reattach to healthy bone

·       Gum Grafts-the dentist or periodontist can take gum tissues from the palate or from other parts of the mouth and graft over the exposed root of the tooth due to gum recession.

·       Bone Grafts-the dentist or periodontist can use natural or synthetic bone to graft over the area of bone loss. This procedure helps to regrow bone and gum tissues.