Periodontal (Gum) Disease

Treatment

Treatments include:

• More frequent dental visits (every 3 to 4 months instead of every 6 months).
• Scaling and root planning: A procedure which involves scaling to scrap off tartar and plaque from roots of teeth and root planning to smooth rough surfaces of the roots.
• Antibacterial Medication: In order to kill the bacteria known to cause and aggravate periodontal disease. These may be administered locally (such as Arestin®) by the dental profession at the site of the infection or prescribed to be taken orally.
• Surgery may become necessary if the disease is not brought under control by scaling and root planning and the use of antibacterial medications. Infected gums are surgically pulled back, the dentist removes all tartar and infection, and flap is sutured back to its original position. Bone and tissue grafting may be required to replace tissue destroyed by the disease.