Periodontal treatment methods depend upon the type and severity of the disease.  Dr. Viner and your dental hygienist will evaluate for periodontal disease and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Periodontal disease progresses as the sulcus (pocket or space) between the tooth and gums gets filled with bacteria, plaque, and tartar, causing irritation to the surrounding tissues.  When these irritants remain in the pocket space, they can cause damage to the gums and eventually, the bone that supports the teeth!

If the disease is caught in the early stages called gingivitis (swelling and redness of the gums), and no damage has been done, one to two regular cleanings will be recommended.  You will also be given instructions on improving your daily oral hygiene habits and having regular dental cleanings.

If the disease has progressed to more advanced stages called periodontitis (damage to the bone support), a special periodontal cleaning called scaling and root planning (deep cleaning) will be recommended.  It is usually done one quadrant of the mouth at a time while the area is numb.  In this procedure, tartar, plaque, and toxins are removed from above and below the gum line (scaling) and rough spots on root surfaces are made smooth (root planning).  This procedure helps gum tissue to heal and pockets to shrink.  Medications, special medicated mouth rinses, and an electric tooth brush may be recommended to help control infection and healing.

If the pockets do not heal after scaling and root planning, Dr. Viner may employ the EasyLase Diode Dental Laser to treat these areas, making it less painful, less invasive, and leading to quicker healing than with traditional perio surgery.  If there is still no improvement, he may then recommend that you see a Periodontist (specialist of the gums and supporting bone) for perio surgery.