An Overview of Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatments

The importance of periodontal care can’t be overstated. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a serious and progressive medical condition that can result in tooth loss in severe cases. At our practice, we offer a number of non-surgical periodontal treatments to treat gum disease and delay or prevent its onset.

Serving patients from throughout Brooklyn, NY, from our office in Brooklyn Heights, NY, our team of licensed dental professionals at Dentistry at The Heights can assist you in answering any questions you may have regarding non-surgical periodontal treatments.

How Do Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatments Help?

With non-surgical periodontal treatments, we thoroughly clean the teeth, including the area below the gumline. If left untreated, periodontal disease will continue to worsen and may cause patients to lose their teeth. Gum disease treatments improve the oral microbiome, allowing the gums to heal. It is essential for patients to practice good oral hygiene after treatment to maintain gum health.

Three Types of Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatments

Three common types of non-surgical periodontal treatments include scaling and root planing, doctor prescribed medication, and periodontal soft tissue laser treatment. These early intervention treatments can reverse gum disease or stop it from progressing.

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing, also referred to as a deep cleaning dental, involves removing plaque and tartar at and below the gumline and smoothing out areas near the root that could potentially accumulate bacteria. Root planing is especially important because it prevents bacterial growth and helps loose gums reattach to the teeth. The procedure involves being numbed with local anesthetic and may take more than one session in severe cases.

Medication

When medication is prescribed during the earliest stages of periodontitis, antibiotics may help restore your oral health and prevent periodontal disease from progressing. The antibiotics work by killing the bacteria at or below the gumline. Medications can be either taken as a pill or applied directly to the site of the tooth. Antibiotics often work best when combined with other treatments, such as dental cleanings.

Periodontal Soft Tissue Laser Treatment

Periodontal disease is caused by a buildup of plaque and calculus. A soft tissue laser can be used to remove bacteria and diseased tissue. This approach offers a number of benefits over traditional surgical methods; it is typically more comfortable, results in less post-treatment pain, does not require stitches, reduces swelling and bleeding, and results in a faster recovery time. There is also a decreased risk of infection post-treatment compared to other methods.

Are Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatments Right for Me?

We often recommend non-surgical gum disease treatment to patients with mild to moderate periodontal disease. In severe cases, treatments like gum grafts and tooth extraction, may be necessary.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Are you suffering from periodontal disease or seeing early signs of it and considering undergoing a non-surgical periodontal treatment? At Dentistry at The Heights, serving patients throughout Brooklyn, we can set you on track toward a healthier smile.

Call (718) 625-2116 or contact us to schedule your appointment at our practice.