Treatment of Periodontal Disease

Typically dental hygienists or dentists use special instruments to clean (debride) teeth below the gumline and disrupt any plaque growing below the gumline.  This is a standard treatment to prevent any further progress of established periodontal disease.  Studies show that after such a professional cleaning (periodontal debridement), bacteria and plaque tend to grow back to pre-cleaning levels after about 3–4 months.  Without daily oral hygiene, periodontal disease will not be overcome, especially if the patient has a history of extensive periodontal disease. 

A periodontist can perform effective cleaning procedures in deep pockets such as scaling and root planing, and prescribe antibiotic and antifungal medications to treat infection and halt the progression of the disease.

Here are some of the more common treatments for periodontal disease:

• Dental Cleaning.A professional dental cleaning (debridement) is a cleaning procedure that thoroughly cleans the teeth.  Cleanings are an excellent way to help keep the oral cavity in good health, and halt the progression of gum disease (gingivitis and periodontal disease).  Cleaning is recommended twice annually as a preventative measure, but should be performed every 3-4 months on sufferers from periodontal disease.  Though periodontal disease cannot be completely reversed, cleaning is one of the tools the dentist can use that effectively halts its destructive progress.  Cleanings are usually performed by Registered Dental Hygienists, but some dentists prefer to perform all cleanings.  For more detailed information about Dental Cleaning click here.
• Scaling and Root Planing.  In order to preserve the health of the gum tissue, the bacteria and calculus (tartar) that initially caused the infection, must be removed.  The gum pockets will be cleaned using a deep cleaning process called scaling and root planing, then normally treated with laser and/or antiobiotics as necessary to help alleviate the infection.  A prescription mouthwash may be incorporated into daily cleaning routines.  If the pockets do not heal after scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery may be needed to reduce pocket depths, making teeth easier to clean.  Your dentist may also recommend that you see a Periodontist (specialist of the gums and supporting bone).  For more detailed information about Scaling and Root Planing click here.
• Laser Bacterial Reduction.  Laser treatments can also be used in combination with scaling and root planning, antibiotic treatments, curettage, surgery or as a stand-alone treatment to help reduce bacteria before and/or after many common periodontal procedures.  Research has shown that laser treatments have been incredibly effective to deter bacteria from re-colonizing.  For more detailed information about Laser Bacterial Reduction click here.
• Tissue Regeneration.  When the bone and gum tissues have been destroyed, regrowth can be actively encouraged using bone and gum grafting procedures.  For more detailed information about bone grafting click here and gum grafting click here.
• Pocket Reduction Surgery.  Pocket reduction surgery (also known as flap surgery) is a surgical treatment that can be performed to reduce the pocket size between the teeth and gums.  Surgery on the jawbone is another option that serves to eliminate indentations in the bone that foster the colonization of bacteria.  For more detailed information about Pocket Reduction Surgery click here.
• Dental Implants.  When teeth have been lost due to periodontal disease, the aesthetics and functionality of the mouth can be restored by implanting prosthetic teeth into the jawbone.  Tissue regeneration procedures may be required prior to the placement of a dental implant in order to strengthen the bone.  For more detailed information about Dental Implants click here.