Treatment

The goal of treating periodontal disease is to:

• Reverse or repair the damaging effects of periodontal disease
• Reduce systemic health risks
• Implement an oral health routine to remove the bacteria to prevent recurrence
• Reduce the risk of tooth loss

Treatment plans can vary by person. Only by working closely with their dental team can patients decide what treatment or combination of treatments may best fit their unique situation.

Treatment Strategies

In order to determine the appropriate treatment or combination of treatments that best fit their unique situation, patients must work closely with their dental professionals.

Treatments for periodontal disease may include:

• Professional cleaning to remove tartar and plaque buildup
• Scaling and root planing to the depth of the pockets, sometimes with local anesthesia
• Use of a locally or systemically applied antibiotic drug to reduce the bacterial load in the pockets and help lead to reduction of the inflammation
• A daily oral hygiene treatment plan for between professional visits
• Surgical repair of the diseased tissues
• Removal of the damaged tooth