Management of Periodontal Disease (Deep Cleanings)
Periodontal diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are bacterial infections that directly affect the gum tissues and bone that support the teeth. Periodontal disease is triggered when aggressive bacteria are not eliminated during brushing, flossing, or professional care. Smoking and poor systemic health can also be contributing factors to periodontal disease. Gum disease often develops with little warning or pain and may only be discovered by your dentist. Periodontal disease may be managed successfully, but only if the following requirements are met:
- A commitment to improving daily oral hygiene (brushing and flossing).
- A commitment to improving total body health.
- A proper diagnosis is made and treatment is carried out in a conservative, but effective manner.
- Understanding and willingness to participate in a maintenance program, including scaling and root planing followed by adjunctive therapy.
While mild forms of disease may be managed with deep cleanings, more severe forms of disease will require more advanced treatments, such as osseous surgery or nonsurgical endodontic therapy (i.e. a root canal). In certain instances, the patient may have the opportunity to regenerate or grow new bone that was lost as a result of periodontal disease.