Periodontal/Gum Disease Treatment

For those that have developed periodontal disease, there are several treatments available, depending on the stage of the disease. The dentist, with the help of the hygienist, will diagnose what level of periodontal disease exists at the initial dental exam. The different stages are determined by how much damage has taken place, such as bone loss. Plaque and calculus accumulations, as well as tooth mobility, are also determining factors in the type of treatment required.

The first step in treatment is the removal of calculus (tartar), infected tissue and bacteria. This is done in two to four appointments under local anesthesia to keep the patient comfortable. Hand instruments and ultrasonic scalers are used to perform the deep scaling and root planing. Certain areas may require the placement of localized antibiotics to treat deeper pockets of the disease. A special mouth rinse is given to the patient to supplement their home care.

Additional Treatments for Advanced Cases

Tissue Regeneration

• This involves either grafting hard tissue (freeze-dried de-mineralized bone) to stimulate bone re-growth, or soft tissue grafts to thicken or heighten gums.
• Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) may be used, which involves the insertion of a membrane to stimulate bone regeneration. The membrane can be either non-resorbable or resorbable.

Gingival Surgery

• Periodontal flap surgery may be performed to reduce the pocket depth between the bone crest and gum height.
• Bone may be re-contoured to eliminate the rough and cratered bone surface caused by the bacteria damage. This will discourage any future re-colonization of bacteria.

Laser Therapy

A laser may be used to reduce the periodontal pocket and kill bacteria in the sulcus, the area between the bone crest and gum line.