Understanding Periodontal Treatment Options
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!
Treatment Approaches for Early and Advanced Periodontal Disease
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 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 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.
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).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.
What are common treatment options for periodontal (gum) disease?
A.
Treatment depends on the severity of your gum disease. Early stages may require enhanced oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings. For more advanced disease, deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) removes plaque and tartar above and below the gum line to help gums heal. If pockets don’t respond, surgical options such as flap surgery or gum grafts may be recommended.
Q.
What is scaling and root planing (deep cleaning)?
A.
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical periodontal therapy that removes plaque, tartar, and bacterial toxins from tooth surfaces and below the gum line. Root planing smooths the root surface to encourage gum reattachment and pocket reduction.
Q.
How does periodontal treatment help my gum health?
A.
Removing harmful bacteria and calculus reduces inflammation and infection, helps gums reattach to teeth, decreases pocket depths, and slows or stops disease progression. Successful treatment also supports long-term bone and tissue health.
Q.
What surgical treatments might be needed for advanced gum disease?
A.
If deep cleaning alone doesn’t resolve the disease, periodontal surgery may be suggested. Options include flap surgery to reduce pocket depth, gum grafts to replace lost tissue, and bone grafting or guided tissue regeneration to restore supporting bone.
Q.
Will periodontal treatment improve my daily oral health?
A.
Yes. Periodontal treatment not only targets current gum disease but also makes it easier to keep teeth and gums clean at home. After therapy, your dental team will recommend personalized oral hygiene and recall visits to maintain gum health and prevent recurrence.
