Non-surgical therapy has proven effective in removing plaque and calculus by controlling the growth of harmful bacteria and by treating conditions that encourage patient gum disease. This type of treatment may be all that's needed for specific patients, especially when periodontal disease is caught in its early stages. In addition, a patient may have to have certain non-surgical procedures, such as replacing worn fillings that can accumulate plaque, taken care of before periodontal therapy can begin.
Scaling is a type of advanced cleaning that removes plaque and calculus from the patient's teeth at and slightly below the gum line. Root planing smooths root surfaces, so the supportive tissues can more effectively reattach to the patient's tooth surface. Many times, this will be done with the aid of local anesthesia so the patient can relax and have an anxiety free experience.
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Periodontal disease is a bacterial disease and the key to controlling and/or eliminating it is the effective reduction or elimination of the harmful bacteria in the patients mouth. An option to scaling and root planing may be provided by the doctor in either pill form or applied directly to the infected area in the form of antibiotic powder. An antibacterial mouth rinse also may be prescribed by the doctor to help control the effects of and reduce bacterial plaque build-up.
This procedure makes corrections to the patient's bite associated with shifting, loose teeth or teeth that are biting too hard. Balancing and evenly distributing the biting and chewing forces on a patient's tooth helps reduce the looseness and relieves excessive pressures on the supporting gum and bone structures.