Non-surgical
therapy removes plaque and calculus by controlling the
growth of bacteria and by treating conditions that
encourage gum disease. This type of treatment may be
all that needed, especially when periodontal disease
is caught early. Your periodontist may ask you to talk
with general dentists, who may provide some forms of
non-surgical therapy. You may also need to have certain
procedures, such as replacing worn fillings that can
accumulate plaque, taken care of before periodontal
therapy can begin.
Scaling is a type
of cleaning that removes' plaque and calculus from
the teeth at and slightly below the gum line.
Root Planing
smoothes the root surfaces, so the supportive tissue
can better reattach to the tooth surface. Your
periodontist may use local anesthesia, because this
procedure goes deeper than regular cleaning.
Antibiotics
Because bacteria
cause periodontal disease, you may receive antibiotics.
These may be in pill form or to be applied directly to
the infected area in the form of tiny fibers. An
antibacterial mouth rinse may also be prescribed to help
control plaque.