Treatment of Periodontal Disease

After reviewing your medical and dental history, Dr. Polimeni will examine your gums, teeth and mouth. This examination will include looking at the color and firmness of your gums, studying which teeth are loose and checking how much gum tissue has been lost. Necessary radiographs may be taken to evaluate the bone supporting the teeth.

After gathering this information, the periodontist will discuss your condition with you and suggest the most helpful treatment for your dental health.

In the earlier stages of gum disease, most of the treatment involves scaling and root planing, which means removing plaque and calculus in the pockets around the tooth and smoothing the root surfaces. In most cases of early gum disease, scaling and root planing and proper daily cleaning of the teeth are all that are required for a satisfactory result.

More advanced cases may require surgical treatment. The goals of this treatment are to remove calculus from deep pockets around the teeth, shrink the pockets, smooth root surfaces and arrange gum tissue into a shape that will be easier to keep clean. The periodontist is trained to deal with many varieties of gum disease. Whatever your treatment plan entails, the periodontist's goal is to bring you to a state of good oral health, and then help you maintain it.

Improved equipment, local anesthetics and modern techniques make periodontal treatment more comfortable now than ever before. Effective medications (although often not necessary) are available to give you comfort after treatment. As with other aspects of periodontal treatment, considerations for your comfort during and after treatment will be tailored to best suit your individual needs.

Periodontal treatment does not require extensive recovery or recuperation nor will it cause you to miss going through your normal daily activities.

The cost of periodontal treatment will vary depending on your needs. After the periodontist has examined you and determined the appropriate treatment, he or she can provide you with an estimate of the cost. As you consider this health investment, keep in mind that treating gum disease is less costly - and better for your health - than replacing teeth lost to untreated gum disease.

Periodontal treatment is an investment in your health. Treating periodontal problems will help you achieve a healthy mouth and help prevent tooth loss. In fact, with prompt treatment, proper home care and regular dental visits, the great majority of patients can keep their teeth for a lifetime.

In closing, remember the most important member of the team is you. Your interest, participation and commitment are essential to make your treatment a success.