Nonsurgical periodontal therapy (also known as gum therapy) is an intervention used to combat the early stages of periodontal disease by removing bacterial plaque and tartar that has built up below the gum line.
Also known as gum disease, periodontal disease is characterized by a chronic infection below the gum line caused by bacteria that works to destroy the gum and eventually, if left untreated, the bone underneath supporting the tooth.
Because periodontal disease infects tissue way under the gum line, it may be difficult to detect at first—it could be present for years before showing any significant symptoms such as concerning pain. There are subtle signs that coincide with early periodontal disease, including inflamed, red, swollen gums that bleed when flossing or even brushing. Chronic bad breath or loose teeth could also be a sign that it’s time to visit a periodontal specialist.
Gum health is imperative for overall health, which is why we use our years of experience and advanced treatment techniques to improve periodontal health for our patients. As a practice with expertise in all areas of oral health, we pride ourselves on providing expert, compassionate periodontal care in an effective and nonsurgical manner.
One of the most effective ways to combat periodontal bacteria leading to chronic infection is through scaling and root planing. Scaling is the first part of the treatment process during which our providers will remove plaque that has built up in pockets below the gum line formed when the gums were first inflamed. We aim to ensure your comfort during this procedure and will typically use a local anesthetic to completely numb the area before beginning.
After scaling, our provider will smooth the root of the tooth to clear the way for reattachment, thus closing the pocket and preventing plaque and tartar from building up again. This process is referred to as root planing and is usually completed in one visit, though we will schedule a follow up appointment to ensure that the treatment is progressing properly. Depending on your individual needs, we may also recommend topical or oral medication in conjunction with the scaling and root planing procedure to increase effectiveness.
Questions about your gum health or ready to make an appointment? Reach out to our office and we can help.
