Periodontal Disease Treatment

Non-Surgical Treatments

For mild to moderate periodontal disease, non-surgical treatments are often highly effective:

• Professional dental cleaning — removal of plaque and tartar above and below the gum line during regular checkup visits
• Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) — a thorough cleaning procedure that removes tartar and bacteria from deep periodontal pockets and smooths the root surfaces to help gums reattach to the teeth
• Antibiotic therapy — topical or oral antibiotics may be prescribed to help control bacterial infection
• Antimicrobial mouth rinses — prescription rinses to reduce bacterial counts in the mouth
• Laser therapy — targeted laser treatment to remove diseased tissue and promote healing

Surgical Treatments

When non-surgical treatments are not sufficient, surgical interventions may be necessary:

• Flap surgery (pocket reduction) — the gums are lifted back to remove tartar deposits in deep pockets, then sutured to fit snugly around the teeth
• Bone grafts — fragments of your own bone, synthetic bone, or donated bone are used to replace bone destroyed by gum disease
• Soft tissue grafts — tissue from the roof of the mouth or another donor source is used to cover exposed root surfaces and reduce further recession
• Guided tissue regeneration — a biocompatible fabric is placed between the bone and gum tissue to allow bone and connective tissue to regrow

After Treatment

Following periodontal treatment, your dentist will schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your healing and the health of your gums. Ongoing maintenance therapy, including more frequent professional cleanings, is essential to prevent the disease from recurring.

Your commitment to daily oral hygiene at home is equally important. Your dental team will provide specific instructions on brushing techniques, flossing, and any additional products that may benefit your recovery.