Scaling & Root Planing
Many times, the early stages of periodontal disease are best treated with non-surgical therapy. There are several treatment modalities which may reduce or eliminate the need for surgery.
This is the mechanical removal of dental plaque and calculus (commonly referred to as tartar) from the tooth and root surface below the gum line. The mechanical removal of plaque and tartar results in a significant decrease in disease causing bacteria in the periodontal pocket. This is typically done with a topical anesthetic, although a local anesthetic may be required in advanced cases. Removal of these disease causing bacteria result in an immediate and often dramatic improvement in the way your mouth looks and feels. In some cases, the occlusion (bite) may require adjustment.
Even in most severe cases of periodontal disease, non-surgical periodontal therapy precedes surgical therapy. This is done so that the overall tissue quality is improved prior to surgery. It may also reduce the field of required surgery.
Systemic antibiotics
Scaling and Root Planing Overview
For a brief narrated overview of scaling and root planing, please click the image on the below. It will launch our flash educational MiniModule in a separate window that may answer some of your questions about scaling and root planing.
Having trouble? Please make sure you have version 7 of the Flash browser plugin in order to correctly view this presentation. This software is available as a free download.
Antibiotics or irrigation with anti-microbials (chemical agents or mouth rinses) may be recommended to help control the growth of bacteria that create toxins and cause periodontitis. These are typically administered in conjunction with active periodontal treatment .
Localized delivery of antibiotics
Arestin (Minocycline Powder)is a means by which a high concentration of antibiotic is delivered directly to the periodontal pocket non-surgically that can be inserted without a local anesthetic. The antibiotic level in the pocket reaches a substantially higher level around the tooth than can be attained from oral medication, however the antibiotic does not enter the bloodstream. As a result, there are no common antibiotic side effects or interactions with other medications you may be taking. This is a good option for early periodontal disease or in an area which has had previous surgery and has recurrent infection. People who suffer from significant medical problems and cannot tolerate surgical procedures may also benefit from this.