Periodontal Disease Treatment, Maintenance and Periodontal Cleaning from Port Perry Dental

Treatment plans for gum disease

Periodontal treatment methods depend upon the type and severity of the disease. Port Perry Dental Associates will evaluate for periodontal disease and recommend the appropriate treatment.

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 scheduled for regular dental cleanings.

Scaling and root planing

If the disease has progressed to more advanced stages, a special periodontal cleaning called scaling and root planing will be recommended. It is usually done one quadrant of the mouth at a time while the area is numb. In this procedure, tartar, plaque and toxins are removed from above and below the gumline (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.

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. Port Perry Dental Associates may also recommend that you see a periodontist.Perry dentists will discuss your treatment and maintenance options.

Maintaining your periodontal health

It only takes 24 hours for plaque that is not removed from your teeth to turn into tartar! Daily home cleaning helps control plaque and tartar formation, but those hard to reach areas will always need special attention.

Once your periodontal treatment has been completed, Port Perry Dental Associates will recommend that you have regular maintenance cleanings and periodontal cleanings, usually four times per year. At these cleaning appointments, the pocket depths will be carefully checked to ensure that they are healthy. Plaque and calculus that is difficult for you to remove on a daily basis will be removed from above and below the gumline.

In addition to your periodontal cleaning and evaluation, your appointment will usually include;

• Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions and will show if you are a candidate for other corrective measures to straighten your teeth
• Examination of existing restorations: check current fillings, crowns, etc.
• Examination of tooth decay: check all tooth surfaces for decay
• Oral cancer screening: check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, cheek tissues and gums for any signs of oral cancer
• Oral hygiene recommendations: review and recommend oral hygiene aids as needed (electric toothbrushes, special periodontal brushes, fluorides, rinses, etc.)
• Teeth polishing: remove stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling. We might also discuss receiving a professional whitening if you are interested in making your teeth look as bright as possible

Good oral hygiene practices and periodontal cleanings are essential in maintaining dental health and keeping periodontal disease under control! Contact us today to book your next check-up.