Non-Surgical

There are two main objectives in treating periodontal disease:

1 - The first goal is to reduce and control the bacterial colonies that form under the edge of the gum.
2 - The second goal is to eliminate any known factors that cause the patient to be more susceptible to breakdown. Primary among these is smoking.

In the early stages of periodontal disease (gingivitis), the gum is infected but the bone has not yet been altered. The pocket depth is generally only slightly deepened, to 4-5 mm.

How does scaling and root planing work?

Scaling and root planing ("deep cleanings") are done to remove any calculus that has formed.

If the pockets are tender, numbing the gums is often necessary so there will be no discomfort during the procedure. There is little or no pain afterward.

Daily Maintenance

The patient must keep plaque from reforming by daily brushing and flossing. The healing gum will snug back up around the root, and health will return. Daily plaque removal with regular dental cleanings will prevent a reoccurrence.

Scaling removes plaque & calculus		Root planing smoothes the root surface