Treatment of Periodontal Diseases The emphasis of Dr. Pamela Baldassarre's practice is on using the most conservative periodontal therapy available to arrest the disease process. There are many non-surgical techniques in periodontics that are being used to treat periodontal diseases. Many times, in the early stages of periodontal diseases these techniques are all that are needed to arrest the disease process. When the periodontal disease process is diagnosed in its early stages versatile non-surgical techniques can arrest the disease process. Frequent visits with your dentist for ongoing supportive care and good oral hygiene can maintain long-term health in these situations. Even in the more advanced cases of periodontal disease, non-surgical periodontal therapy most often precedes surgical therapy. This is done so that overall tissue quality is improved prior to surgery and it also limits the are of surgery required. Treatment Methods: Non-surgical Services Treatment methods depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed. The first step is usually a procedure known as scaling and root planing. This non-surgical therapy uses fine instruments to reach and remove plaque and calculus on the tooth and root surfaces. A planing or smoothing of the root surfaces is performed. This procedure also involves the removal of the cementum or dentin that has been damaged or permeated by the bacterial plaque or calculus. The tissues are then allowed to heal and reattach to the tooth. In some cases, the occlusion (bite) may require adjustment. In addition to this "mechanical" removal of the plaque and calculus antibacterial rinses may be used. There are several antibiotics that are in the form of gels or fibers that can be introduced into the pocket to help with management of the disease process at the time this non-surgical treatment is being rendered. Ask Dr. Baldassarre at your consultation appointment if you are a candidate for this treatment. When there are deep pockets present between the teeth and gums, it is difficult for the plaque and calculus to be thoroughly removed with non-surgical techniques. Patients can seldom, if ever, keep these pockets free of bacterial plaque. Consequently, surgery may be needed to gain access to this diseased surface to restore periodontal health. Root Planning Smoothing The Tooth Root Subgingival Scaling Cleaning The Tooth Below The Gum