Periodontal Therapy

Dr. Patel and his team work diligently to ensure that your periodontal (gum) health is as good as possible. At each appointment, they examine your periodontal status and, if changes are detected, discuss your options to prevent further progression of periodontitis.

Non-surgical periodontal treatment

The American Association of Periodontists recommends achieving periodontal health in the least invasive manner possible. Non-surgical periodontal treatment is often the first step.

Scaling and root planing

Scaling and root planing is a careful cleaning of root surfaces to remove plaque and calculus from deep periodontal pockets and smooth tooth roots to eliminate bacterial toxins. It is frequently followed by adjunctive therapy such as local-delivery antimicrobials on a case-by-case basis.

Most patients who undergo scaling and root planing do not require further active treatment, though ongoing maintenance therapy is important for long-term health.

Laser periodontal therapy

Research supports the use of lasers as an adjunct to scaling and root planing. When lasers are used properly during periodontal therapy, there can be:

• Less bleeding and swelling
• Reduced post-procedure discomfort
• Faster recovery (days rather than weeks)
• Precise removal of diseased tissue while leaving healthy tissue untouched
• Reduced risk of infection through tissue sterilization
• Promotion of bone regeneration

Laser therapy is particularly beneficial for medically compromised patients. Contact our office to learn whether laser periodontal therapy is right for you.

Frequently asked questions

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal (gum) disease is a bacterial infection of the gum tissue and bone that support your teeth. Left untreated, it can lead to tooth, gum, and bone loss, and has been linked to systemic health issues including heart disease and diabetes.

What is scaling and root planing?

Scaling and root planing is a careful cleaning of the root surfaces to remove plaque and calculus (tartar) from deep periodontal pockets and to smooth the tooth root to remove bacterial toxins. It is often the first-line non-surgical treatment for gum disease.

Does laser therapy hurt?

Most patients do not require anesthesia for laser treatment of gum disease. The laser provides comfortable, minimally-invasive removal of diseased tissue with less bleeding, swelling, and discomfort than traditional surgery, and a faster recovery.