Non Surgical Periodontal Treatment

What is Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment?

The American Academy of Periodontology emphasizes achieving periodontal health by means of the least invasive and cost effective treatment approaches to care. Deeper cleanings, which include Scaling and Root planing, are non-surgical procedures that are considered the first line of defense against the progression of periodontal disease.

With scaling and root planing, any plaque and tartar (hardened dental plaque) that have accumulated below the gumline are carefully removed and then the root surfaces of the teeth are smoothed. Since, periodontal disease is an inflammatory response to plaque, tartar and bacterial toxins, by simply mechanically eliminating these agents, the progression of gum disease can be halted. In addition to removing plaque and tartar with a scaling and root planing procedure, antimicrobial medication placed under the gumline or systemic medications can be used as adjuncts to care to further reduce the bacterial population.

Types of Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment

Scaling and Root Planing

One gum disease takes hold, it causes gum recession, as the gum tissue is gradually destroyed by the infection and inflammation, exposing the tooth roots. Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning treatment where your teeth are cleaned professionally, as well as the exposed tooth roots. The periodontist or hygienist uses ultrasonic tools to loosen plaque and tartar buildup, substances that contain harmful bacteria, so these can be scaled or removed thoroughly. The process leaves the tooth roots feeling slightly rougher, so they are planed or smoothed.

Smoothing these tooth roots is important because the smooth surface makes it harder for new plaque and tartar to adhere and build up, reducing the chance of reinfection. The smoother surfaces also make it easier for gum tissue to reattach to the tooth roots.

Laser Gum Therapy

Many dental experts have a dental laser in their dental office capable of treating hard tissues like bone and soft tissues like gums. They often use laser gum therapy when treating gum disease because the laser’s energy helps remove damaged gum precisely, leaving healthy tissue intact. The energy quickly seals any blood vessels cut during this treatment, so healing is quicker, smoother, and much more comfortable.

Also, a dental laser helps sterilize the areas treated, eliminating more harmful bacteria that can be achieved with an ordinary scaling and root planing. Laser gum therapy is a very gentle treatment; you may not even need a local anesthetic.

If non-surgical approaches to managing periodontal disease do not achieve the desired outcome, surgery may be recommended to halt its progression and repair damage as possible. Contact our family dental experts for more information.