Periodontal, or gum, disease may be treated with nonsurgical options when it’s identified early. At Miami Healthy Smiles, the expert team offers a variety of deep cleaning and bacteria-fighting treatments to restore gum health, decrease inflammation, and preserve your smile. Call the Miami office, or schedule an appointment online to learn more.
Non Surgical Treatments Q & A
What are nonsurgical therapy options for periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults in the United States. When caught early enough, treatment is possible without invasive, uncomfortable surgery.
The team at Miami Healthy Smiles offers thorough deep cleaning known as scaling and root planing to control the disease and help identify and eliminate associated risk factors (such as food traps between your teeth). They can also educate you on how to control plaque at home. Systemic or localized antibiotics therapy may be recommended in order to assist in the nonsurgical treatment of your gum disease.
What is plaque?
Plaque is a soft, sticky mixture of bacteria, toxins, and food debris that adheres to your teeth and irritates your gums and promotes inflammation. When plaque is left on your teeth, it first forms a Ceglie cover called a biofilm. At this point, oral rinses are no longer effective. If left untreated this plaque will harden to form tartar (a.k.a. Calculus), which can no longer be removed with a toothbrush and floss. The presence of plaque and tartar puts you at risk of gum disease.
What is root planing and scaling?
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure performed while you’re under local anesthesia. During the therapy, plaque and tartar are scraped away from above and below the gum line. Expert technicians smooth rough spots on your tooth root, so the gums can reattach when they heal.
You’re a candidate for scaling and root planing when your provider determines that you have plaque and tartar under your gums (gum disease). You may also be a candidate for periodontal laser treatment that uses laser energy to remove the tartar, eliminate the bacteria, and stimulate reattachment of the gum tissue (reduce/eliminate pockets).
How is periodontal disease managed long-term?
Once you’ve received a diagnosis of periodontal disease, along with active treatment, long term success is determined by an aggressive periodontal maintenance recall schedule as well as good home care.
At these periodontal recall visits, your provider will evaluate your oral health status and identify any new potential risk factors or negative changes which indicate recurrence of periodontal disease. You’ll be educated on superior flossing and brushing techniques to ensure you remove plaque thoroughly and keep your gums healthy. Early identification of periodontal recurrence can usually be addressed with minimal intervention.
To treat your inflamed gums and save your smile, call Miami Healthy Smiles, or book an appointment online.
