Periodontal Treatment
Non Surgical Treatment
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Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and Root Planing Overview
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Dr. Cueva’s practice provides a variety of surgical and non-surgical services. We pride ourselves on the fact that we are very conservative in our treatment recommendations and limit surgery to the areas where it is absolutely necessary.
Many times, the early stages of periodontal disease are best treated with non-surgical periodontal therapy. Even in severe cases, non-surgical periodontal therapy often precedes surgical therapy. This is done to improve the overall tissue quality prior to surgery and also to help limit the areas requiring surgery.
The initial stage of treatment is usually a thorough cleaning that may include scaling to remove plaque and tartar deposits beneath the gum line.
The tooth roots may also be planed to smooth the root surface allowing the gum tissue to heal and reattach to the tooth. In some cases, the occlusion (bite) may require adjustment.
When deep pockets between teeth and gums are present, it is difficult for Dr. Cueva to thoroughly remove plaque and tartar. Patients can seldom, if ever, keep these pockets clean and free of plaque. Consequently, surgery may be needed to restore periodontal health.
Bite Adjustment
A bite is considered to be healthy when all or most of the teeth are present and not destroyed by normal daily usage.
It is destructive when teeth show wear, looseness or when TMJ (jaw joint) damage is seen. Bite therapy helps restore a bite that can function without damage and destruction. The therapy may include:
- Reshaping the biting surfaces of the teeth and eliminating spots of excessive pressures where the teeth are brought into contact. This is done by carefully dividing bite pressures evenly across all of the teeth.
- Bite splint therapy using a custom fitted and adjusted plastic bite guard to keep the teeth apart, day, night or both.
- Braces, to reposition mal-aligned or drifted teeth.
- Replacement of old, worn out or damaged fillings.
- Reconstruction of badly worn and damaged teeth
Local Antibiotic Treatment
The goal of this non-surgical treatment is to create conditions that enable tissues in the mouth to heal. This is done in conjunction with reducing plaque, infection, and other causes of periodontal disease.
This office uses an effective treatment protocol for this condition that includes direct antibiotic placement on the affected area(s) in combination with scaling and root planing.
Scaling and root planing is a procedure that we use to remove plaque buildup and bacteria from the infected area around teeth.
The antibiotic chip, powder or gel is easily placed in the infected gums around your teeth to treat your periodontal disease and help promote healing after scaling and root planing.
Antibiotic application is administered quickly and easily. Application is comfortable, no bandages are required, and it won’t leak or fall out.
In about 2-4 weeks, you’ll have another evaluation to determine if this treatment has been fully successful.