Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment
Treatment guidelines of leading dental organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) emphasize the importance of non-surgical periodontal treatment procedures such as root planing and scaling as it is the least invasive and most cost-effective.
At Pierce Aesthetics, Newport Beach, CA, Dr. Paul Pierce is skilled and experienced in the latest techniques of administering traditional non-surgical periodontal treatment including root planing and scaling. However, non-surgical periodontal treatment has limitations, and surgery is the only option to restore periodontal health after sole non-surgical periodontal treatment does not succeed.
In non-surgical periodontal therapy, Dr. Pierce will eliminate living bacteria found in the microbial biofilm and also the calcified biofilm microorganisms from adjacent tissues and the surface of the tooth. While complete extermination of such pathogenic microorganisms is not possible, a significant decrease in bacterial load leads to reduced inflammation, which results in beneficial clinical changes.
An essential role of non-surgical periodontal treatment is to generate an environment that prevents the re-colonization of pathogenic microbial by using personal oral hygiene methods. Non-surgical therapy methods include ultrasonic and sonic scalers, hand instrumentation, and ablative laser therapy. Now, let’s discuss the major traditional and non-conventional non-invasive periodontal treatment procedures.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planning—traditional periodontal therapy or deep cleaning—involves detailed cleaning of the root surfaces. The procedures help remove tartar and plaque from the deep periodontal pockets and smooth the tooth root to clear away bacterial toxins. Root planing and scaling are sometimes supported by adjunctive therapy such as systemic antibiotics, local delivery antimicrobials, and host modulation depending on the dentist’s assessment of the patient. However, studies indicate that many periodontists agree that most patients do not need further treatment after scaling and root planning—only ongoing maintenance therapy to maintain oral health.
Tray Delivery System
Such a tray system, similar to fluoride trays used for tooth decay prevention, comprises of a customized tray made from the impressions of a patient’s mouth. The patient uses the tray at home for intake of prescribed medication. However, the FDA clearance procedure did not link specific medication and the tray delivery system as a proven and safe way to treat periodontal disease. The AAP analyzed several studies examining periodontal disease treatment utilizing the tray drug delivery system. The academy concluded that a stand-alone tray delivery system is not more effective than traditional non-surgical periodontal therapy.
Placement of Medication Under The Gum Line
Placing medication under the gum line may help in killing the bacteria following a root planing or dental cleaning procedure—with patients of advanced periodontal disease benefiting the most from antimicrobial medications. However, such medicines are not effective as a stand-alone treatment.
Systemic Antimicrobials
Certain drugs may be prescribed in combination with traditional non-surgical therapy to treat periodontal disease. Some patients, based on the assessment of the periodontist, may be given systemic oral antimicrobials or antibiotics to treat their periodontal disease.
Laser Therapy
It may be useful for eligible patients, but at present, the technique and performance assessment of laser periodontal therapy is unproven and may even be damaging to the gums and teeth of patients who should avoid this therapy and consult with their dentist to know more about its safety and effectiveness.
To know more about the uses and advantages of non-surgical periodontal treatment, please call Pierce Aesthetics at Newport, CA, at 949-379-6511 and our qualified staff will help you schedule a dental appointment and dental examination.