Non Surgical Gum Treatment
Root Planning
The goal of scaling and root planning is to eliminate the source of periodontal infection by removing the plaque, tartar and bacterial toxins from the root surfaces from the gum line. When you have active periodontal disease, routine cleanings are not enough because it generally removes plaque and tartar from above the gum line only. To keep you comfortable, we usually numb you before root planning begins. With instruments, we carefully remove the tartar from around and beneath the gum line and then smooth the root surfaces. This removes the source of infection and helps the gums heal. As they heal, your gums will tighten around your teeth. We may schedule scaling and root planning over several appointments so that we can promote comfort, check the healing, and help you fine tune your home care efforts.
Ultrasonic Scaling
Ultrasonic scaling is one the most effective procedure for treating periodontal disease and ultrasonic scaler consists of a wane, small scaling tip that produces a soft ultrasonic vibration. The small and quick vibration with combination with water flow thoroughly remove tartar while decreasing the number of bacteria below the gum line. Removing tartar and bacteria are crucial in controlling periodontal disease. Periodontal disease and infection of the teeth, gum and bone that surround the teeth begins when plaque, the sticky film of food and bacteria builds up. If the plaque is not removed, it hardens into tartar. The buildup of plaque and tartar dramatically increases the number of harmful bacteria in your mouth that can result in deepening spaces between the tooth and gum called pockets. The bacteria also trigger your immune system to produce enzymes that destroy the bone around your teeth which can ultimately lead to tooth loss. Ultrasonic scaling has many benefits over using hand scaling alone. These include more efficient removal of plaque and tartar, less need for hand removal of stubborn deposits, and greater comfort for you.
Arestin
As part of our therapy for periodontal disease, we have an effective treatment that helps us to control the infection in your mouth called Arestin. Arestin is used together with scaling and root planning to significantly reduce the depth of the infective pocket and prevent the progression of the disease.A cartridge filled with Arestin and antibiotics in powder form is administered. After scaling and root planning, we apply the powder to your periodontal pockets where it combines with the moisture in your mouth and adheres immediately to the infected gum tissue. The individual powder particles release a controlled steady flow of the active ingredient called aminocycline, a potent antibiotic. The medication helps fight the periodontal infection for at least twenty one days. There are some cases in which Arestin may not be right for you: the active ingredient is in the tetracycline family, so we won't use it if you are allergic to tetracycline, if you are pregnant or nursing or if you are under the age of eight. You should also know that Arestin is not a cure for periodontal disease. Once bone is lost, no medication will bring it back. If periodontal therapy is successful, you will still need to be very thorough with your daily oral hygiene and come see us regularly for your oral exams. Arestin is an important part of the overall periodontal therapy program that we have designed for you to restore health to your gums.
Atridox
To fight periodontal disease, we have an effective treatment called Atridox. A cartridge filled with Atridox, and an antimicrobial gel containing antibiotic is used. We apply the antibiotic directly over the spaces between your teeth and gum. It then flows deeply into the periodontal pocket and hardens into a wax like substance. As it disintegrates, it releases the antibiotic over a seven day period. During this time, the antibiotic attacks the bacteria that is causing your periodontal condition, dramatically reducing their numbers. There are some cases in which Atridox may not be an option for you: the active ingredient in Atridox belongs to the tetracycline family, so we won't use it if you are allergic to tetracycline; if you are pregnant or nursing or under the age of eight. Scaling and root planning treatment may not be necessary with each application of Atridox, but we'll still use these treatment as needed to keep your periodontal disease under control. You should be aware that Atridox is not a cure for periodontal disease. Once bone loss has occurred, no medication will bring it back. For periodontal treatment to be successful, you will still need to be very thorough with your daily oral hygiene and come see us regularly for your oral exams. However, Atridox is an effective additional method for us to use to eliminate bacterial infections and prevent further destruction of bone and connective tissue.
Periostat
When we are working to control periodontal disease, we may use a prescribed and effective medication called Periostat which contains the active ingredient doxycycline hyclate. It suppresses the enzyme that destroy bone and fibers that hold the teeth and gum firmly in place. We usually prescribe Periostat for a number of months, and will give you specific instructions about how and when to take the medication. There are some cases in which Periostat may not be an option for you: the active ingredient in Periostat belongs to tetracycline family, so we won't use it if you are allergic to tetracycline; if you are pregnant or nursing or under the age of eight. If you are taking other medication, let us know so we can confirm that Periostat is right for you. Also, Periostat is not a cure for Periodontal disease. Once bone is loss, no medication can bring it back. Periostat works most effective when used in combination with scaling and root planning procedures. You will still need to be thorough with your daily oral hygiene and come see us regularly for oral exams. However, Periostat is an important medicine that we can prescribe to help stop the ongoing damage caused by Periodontal disease.