Periodontal treatment methods depend upon the type and severity of the disease.  Your dentist and dental hygienist 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.

If the disease has progressed to more advanced stages, a special periodontal cleaning called scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) will be recommended.  It is usually completed with an ultrasonic hand scaler, one quadrant of the mouth at a time, and 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.  Medications, special medicated mouth rinses, and an electric tooth brush may be recommended to help control infection and healing.

In adjunct to scaling and root planing, a diode laser can be used in combination with the ultrasonic hand instrument. The ultrasonic hand instrument detaches the bacterial film from the tooth surface. The swirling motion created by the ultrasonic actually creates a tornado-like effect which attacks the physical structure of the bacterial film.

Once the bacterial film has been detached, the laser is used to sterilize a periodontal pocket (typically > 6 mm's in pocket depth) and remove any infected tissue. Studies have shown that the laser can stimulate new cell growth for reattachment of gum tissue. As the old tissue is removed, microscopic clots form and the body’s natural healing response takes over; as this occurs, the tissue should reattach to the bone and the gums should return to a healthy, infected-free state.

If the pocket health is not maintained 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).