Treatment Methods

Many times, the early stages of periodontal disease are best treated with non-surgical periodontal therapy. Even in severe cases, non-surgical periodontal therapy often precedes surgical therapy. This is done to improve the overall tissue quality prior to surgery and also to help limit the areas requiring surgery.

Scaling and Root Planing

The initial stage of treatment is usually a thorough cleaning that may include scaling to remove plaque and tartar deposits beneath the gum line.

The tooth roots may also be planed to smooth the root surface allowing the gum tissue to heal and reattach to the tooth.

Antibiotics, irrigation with anti-microbials (chemical agents or mouth rinses), or antibiotic fibers may be recommended to help control the growth of bacteria that create toxins and cause periodontitis. In some cases, antibiotic fibers may be placed in the periodontal pockets after scaling and root planing to control infection and encourage normal healing.

When deep pockets between the teeth and gums are present, it is difficult to thoroughly remove plaque and tartar. Hence, it is difficult for patients to keep these pockets clean and free of periodontal disease. As a result, surgery may be needed to restore periodontal health.

Bite Adjustment

A bite is considered to be healthy when all or most of the teeth are present and not destroyed by daily chewing function.

It is destructive when teeth show wear, looseness or when TMJ (jaw joint) damage is seen. Bite therapy helps restore a bite that can function without damage and destruction. The therapy may include:

• Reshaping the biting surfaces of the teeth and eliminating spots of excessive pressures where the teeth are brought into contact. This is done by carefully dividing bite pressures evenly across all of the teeth.
• Bite splint therapy using a custom fitted and adjusted plastic bite guard to decrease excessive pressure on the teeth during the day, night or both.
• Braces, to reposition mal-aligned or drifted teeth.
• Replacement of old, worn out or damaged fillings.
• Reconstruction of badly worn and damaged teeth.