Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment in Berwyn, IL

Non-surgical periodontal (gum) treatment is a deep cleaning procedure that is performed to help treat and prevent gum disease and periodontal (gum) disease.

Periodontal disease is an inflammation of the gums that can progress to the bone that supports your teeth. If left untreated, it can cause tooth loss.

What are the advantages of non-surgical periodontal treatment?

Non-surgical periodontal treatment has a number of benefits, including:

• Less invasive than surgery
• Less painful
• Quicker treatment time

What are the different types of non-surgical periodontal treatments?

Non-surgical periodontal treatments are different procedures that the dentist can perform to help control or stop gum disease.

The treatments include:

• Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing is a common non-surgical treatment that is performed in the dentist’s office. This treatment can be performed using local anesthesia, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), or IV sedation, depending on the patient’s comfort. Scaling removes plaque and tartar that is below the gumline. Root planing smoothes the roots of the teeth to discourage the further buildup of tartar. The treatment may take more than one visit to complete.

• Dental Laser Therapy

Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure that treats gum disease. Scaling and root planing use a dental laser to remove the tartar and plaque that has built up beneath the gums. The laser doesn’t actually work on the tooth itself; it’s used to remove the buildup of tartar and plaque around the roots of the teeth.

• Dental Antimicrobials

Antimicrobials, such as chlorhexidine have been widely used as an adjunct to scaling and root planing. Chlorhexidine was once a prescription-only antimicrobial but is now available over the counter.

Results of clinical trials have shown that chlorhexidine can be effective in reducing the probing depth and bleeding on probing in pockets. Some studies have also shown a reduction in the amount of plaque that builds up over time. This is likely due to the antimicrobial properties of chlorhexidine.

When is periodontal treatment needed?

There are many different reasons why a patient might need periodontal treatment. The most common is gum disease, which has been linked to several general health concerns. Inflamed gums are often red and swollen. They are also more likely to bleed during brushing or flossing.

Untreated gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. As the disease progresses, the gums begin to pull away from the teeth. As the gums recede, pockets form between the root of the tooth and gum. Bacteria and plaque can collect in these pockets, causing further damage to the teeth and gums.

Call 34th Street Dental Care at 708-484-6576 to schedule your consultation with our dentists to learn more about our dental treatments.