Periodontal treatment methods depend upon the type and severity of the disease.  Your dentist will evaluate for periodontal disease and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Periodontal disease progresses as the sulcus (pocket or space) between the tooth and gums gets filled with bacteria, plaque, and tartar, causing irritation to the surrounding tissues.  When these irritants remain in the pocket space, they can cause damage to the gums and eventually, the bone that supports the teeth!

If the disease is caught in the early stages of gingivitis, and no damage has been done, one to two regular cleanings will be recommended.  You will also be given instructions on improving your daily oral hygiene habits and having regular dental cleanings.

Soft Tissue Management (STM) Treatment Program

If the disease has progressed to more advanced stages, a special periodontal cleaning called scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) will be recommended. The treatment (root planning and scaling) consists of professional in-office care that detoxifies the tooth surfaces below the gum line and in between the teeth. It is usually done one quadrant of the mouth at a time while the area is numb.  In this procedure, tartar, plaque, and toxins are removed from above and below the gum line (scaling) and rough spots on root surfaces are made smooth (planing).  This procedure helps gum tissue to heal and pockets to shrink. Then medicine will be used to flush out the bacteria that caused this infection. Medications, special medicated mouth rinses, and a Rota-dent® One Step powered brush may be recommended to help control infection and healing.

Besides your daily home care to remove plaque bacteria, our office will recommend the appropriate interval of maintenance care. You will probably need to increase your hygiene visits from two to maybe three or four times per year to maintain the health achieved through your STM Treatment Program.