PERIODONTAL DISEASE TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT

PERIODONTAL DISEASE TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a common condition characterized by symptoms like persistent bad breath, red or swollen gums, bleeding gums, receding gums and loose teeth. If not treated, it can advance to periodontitis and lead to further complications. Gum disease is an inflammationof the gum tissue that could affect the teeth and supporting bone in your mouth. Plaque bacteria, acids and certain foods all contribute to the development of gum disease. Fortunately, two common methods exist to reverse the disease: dental scaling and root planning.

Dental scaling occurs with manual hand instruments, ultrasonic instruments or both. We will start the procedure with a thorough examination of your mouth. Next, an ultrasonic scaling device will

be used to eliminate the plaque bacteria with sonic vibrations. The ultrasonic scaling device removes tartar (calculus), plaque and bio-film from the tooth surface and underneath the gum line. A manual instrument may be used next to remove the remainder.

Root planing involves detailed scaling of the root surface to decrease inflammation of the gum tissue. The dentist scales the root surface to smooth out rough target areas, eliminating plaque and bio-film development.