Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatments
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection and inflammation of the tissues that support your teeth.
It often begins when plaque accumulates around the gum line. If plaque isn’t removed effectively, it can harden into tartar and contribute to inflammation.
As gum disease progresses, bacteria can move below the gum line and create deeper spaces around the teeth called periodontal pockets.
Without treatment, these pockets can become difficult to keep clean and may eventually contribute to damage of the gums and supporting bone.
When Is Non-Surgical Treatment Recommended?
Non-surgical periodontal treatment may be appropriate when gum disease can be managed without surgical intervention.
Your dentist will evaluate factors such as:
- Gum inflammation
- Bleeding
- Periodontal pocket depths
- Tartar buildup
- Gum recession
- Bone levels
- Overall oral hygiene
The goal is to control the infection and create an environment where your gums can heal and remain healthy.
Scaling & Root Planing
One of the most common non-surgical periodontal treatments is scaling and root planing, sometimes referred to as a deep cleaning.
Scaling removes plaque and tartar from the teeth, including deposits located beneath the gum line.
Root planing carefully cleans and smooths the exposed root surfaces, helping remove bacterial deposits and creating a cleaner surface for the gums to heal.
Treatment may be performed in sections of the mouth and may require more than one appointment depending on the extent of the periodontal disease.
What Happens During Treatment?
01
Periodontal Examination
02
Deep Cleaning
03
Root Planing
04
Re-Evaluation
Improving Your Oral Hygiene
Professional treatment is only one part of managing periodontal disease.
Daily home care is essential for controlling plaque and preventing the condition from progressing.
Your dental team may recommend:
- Brushing twice a day
- Cleaning between your teeth every day
- Using specialized interdental brushes or other cleaning aids
- Improving your brushing technique
- Following a personalized home-care routine
We’ll help you understand how to clean the areas where plaque tends to accumulate.
Periodontal Maintenance
After active periodontal treatment, regular maintenance appointments can help keep the gums healthy and reduce the risk of the disease returning or progressing.
The frequency of these visits depends on your periodontal condition and individual risk factors.
During maintenance visits, your dental team can monitor your gums, remove plaque and tartar, and identify changes that may require additional treatment.
Can Gum Disease Be Reversed?
The earlier gum disease is identified, the easier it may be to manage.
Gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, can often be reversed with professional cleaning and improved daily oral hygiene.
Once periodontal disease has progressed and caused damage to the supporting bone and tissues, that damage cannot simply be reversed. However, appropriate periodontal treatment can help control the infection and prevent or reduce further progression.
When Is Surgical Treatment Needed?
Non-surgical treatment is often the first approach for managing periodontal disease.
If deeper periodontal pockets remain or the disease does not respond adequately to non-surgical treatment, your dentist may recommend additional periodontal treatment or referral to a periodontist.
The appropriate approach depends on the severity of your gum disease and how your tissues respond to treatment.
Meet Our Dental Team
Our Locations
Scarborough Village Dental Care
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Phone
Working Hours
- Monday: 9 AM - 7 PM Tuesday: 9 AM - 7 PMWednesday: 9 AM - 7 PMThursday: 9 AM - 6 PM Friday: 9 AM - 3 PM Saturday: 9 AM - 2 PM
Cliffcrest Family Dental
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Phone
Working Hours
- Monday: 8 AM - 8 PM Tuesday: 8 AM - 8 PMWednesday: 8 AM - 8 PMThursday: 8 AM - 8 PM Friday: 8 AM - 4 PM Saturday: 9 AM - 2 PM