Periodontal Disease and Treatment:

An important part of regular checkups is the periodontal examination. The word periodontal literally means "around the tooth." If the exam reveals that you have moderate periodontitis, there are several non-surgical techniques that can stave off surgery. These include laser curettage (cutting away the infected gum tissue), antibiotics both topical and oral, and root planing (also called scaling).

Root planing is similar to normal dental cleanings, but the procedure is more aggressive and requires removal of plaque and tartar from below the gum line. Root surfaces are cleaned and smoothed with specially designed instruments. Once the accumulated plaque and calculus have been removed the periodontal tissue can begin to heal. If the disease is advanced, you may be referred to a specialist for periodontal treatment.

Maintenance therapy is an ongoing program designed to prevent periodontal disease from recurring in people who have undergone periodontal treatment or surgery.