PATIENT EDUCATION

Periodontal Treatment (gum disease)
   • Dental Prophylaxis
   • Scaling and Root Planing
   • Chemotherapy
   • Gum Grafts
   • Gum Surgery
   • Treatment of Bad Breath (Halitosis)

Dental Prophylaxis
A form of non-surgical periodontal (gum) therapy where tooth surface irritants (plaque and calculus) are removed manually or mechanically. The objective is to maintain periodontal health and to prevent disease.

Scaling and Root Planing
Another form of non-surgical periodontal therapy where instrumentation of the crown and root of the tooth are necessary to remove irritants, toxins and microorganisms that have created inflammation, and/or bone loss. The objective is to arrest or slow the progression of periodontal disease. In advanced cases it is to prepare the tissue for more complex surgical therapy.

Chemotherapy
This is an adjunctive treatment to the dental prophylaxis and scaling and root planing appointments. Chemotherapy includes placing a localized antibiotic to a site that has developed inflammation and/or initial bone loss. The agent is placed after the area has been treated and all irritants have been removed. The objective is to aid in pocket reduction by reducing the number of microorganisms and to re-establish periodontal health.

Gum Grafts
Gum grafts are performed to restore dental health. First, the gums are thoroughly numbed and a graft is taken from a donor site, typically the palate. The graft is then strategically placed and stitched to hold its position. The results blend with the surrounding tissue creating protected root surfaces, strengthened gums and a more pleasing appearance.

Gum Surgery
Gum surgery is specialized treatment done by a periodontist. The gum tissue is usually cut and reflected back to reveal the roots of the tooth. This is done to remove all the bacterial irritants that have been creating a periodontal pocket. The bone is then re-contoured and the tissue is sewn back in place. Gum surgery is performed following scaling and root planing, these procedures will result in a reduced pocket depth that the patient can keep clean on their own. The gingiva will heal to a more optimal condition.

Treatment of Bad Breath (Halitosis)
90% of malodor originates in the mouth from infection, coated tongue, faulty restorations and carcinomas. The treatment of halitosis is done first by identifying the source of the problem and then making case specific recommendations. The recommendations may be as simple as having routine dental cleanings and better home care with the use of a Sonicare toothbrush, floss, tongue scrapper and an antibacterial mouth rinse or replacing a faulty restoration that traps food and bacteria. If bad breath persist after these recommendations a referral may be given.

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