Non-Surgical Periodontal Care
The main goal of periodontal treatment is the eradication of disease from the gums, ligaments and bones that surround the teeth, and restoration of health that can be predictably maintained in the future. Periodontal treatment involves many processes, including:
- Instructing patients about proper daily oral hygiene and techniques to remove plaque effectively.
- Scaling and/or root planning (deep cleaning) to remove bacterial plaque and calculus from the tooth and root surfaces.
- Chemical irrigations, antimicrobial rinses and localized antibiotics to eradicate the infection in the gums.
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gums, bone and ligaments that support the teeth in the jaw. Bacteria form a sticky white film called plaque which hardens into calculus. This produces toxins that cause inflammation in the gums and breaks down the attachment of the gums to the teeth, eventually leading to loss of the bone around the teeth and tooth loss.
During each periodontal evaluation, we examine:
- the size and color of the gums
- presence of bleeding
- bone levels
- tooth mobility
- recession levels
- the amount of plaque and calculus
The results of a periodontal evaluation will allow us to base a treatment that is appropriate for you.
Warning Signs of Periodontal Disease
- Gums that bleed easily
- Persistent bad breath
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Gums that have receded or pulled away from the tooth
- Loose teeth
- Large spaces between teeth
No bone loss Severe Bone Loss
