Periodontal Disease

1. Non-surgical Scaling and Root Planing - This treatment is the first line of treatment and is often referred to as a "deep cleaning". This treatment entails numbing specific areas with deep pockets between the tooth and gum and cleaning bacterial debris from the root surfaces of the teeth where bone loss has occurred. This treatment serves to remove the bulk of plaque and tartar from the areas under the gum and once healed, will reduce the overall inflammation. People with mild to moderate forms of periodontal disease will experience a reduction of their pocket depths and will require no further treatment and maintained over time.

2. Periodontal Surgery - This treatment is provided to those with more severe forms of periodontal disease and those that do not respond to non-surgical treatments. Periodontal surgery entails numbing the affected area and surgically altering the gums and the bone to eliminate the pocketing and provide an environment that can be cleaned effectively and maintained over time. Due to severity or other anatomical factors, some patients will benefit from a type of bone grafting called Guided Tissue Regeneration. This procedure aims to regrow the bone that has been lost due to periodontal disease. Dr. Richardson will go into great detail to describe what areas are likely to require surgery and benefits versus the risk.

3. Periodontal Maintenance - Periodontal maintenance is designed to keep close watch on the areas previously treated and ensure that the condition does not worsen again. This procedure is very similar to a traditional dental cleaning; however, will be performed by a hygienist that is extensively trained in working on periodontal patients and will ensure that proper hygiene practices are being implemented to prevent reactivation of the disease. The majority of periodontal patients will require periodontal maintenance every 3 months for the rest of their lives.