Periodontal Treatment for Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a disease commonly associated with the progressive loss of the alveolar bone around the teeth which may result to the loosening and subsequent loss of teeth. Common periodontal treatment for periodontitis, according to the cosmetic dentist pasadena , is establishing an excellent oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day with daily flossing.

Persons with dexterity problems such as arthritis may find oral hygiene to be difficult and may require more frequent professional care and/or the use of a powered tooth brush. People with periodontitis must realize that it is a chronic inflammatory disease and a lifelong regimen of excellent hygiene. The professional maintenance care of a dentist/hygienist or periodontist is required to maintain affected teeth.

Initial Step in Periodontal Treatment

Removal of bacterial plaque and calculus is necessary to establish periodontal health. The first step that every cosmetic dentist pasadena take involves non-surgical cleaning below the gumline with a procedure called scaling and debridement. In the past, root planing was used (removal of cemental layer as well as calculus). This procedure involves use of specialized curettes to mechanically remove plaque and calculus from below the gumline, and may require multiple visits and local anesthesia to be completed adequately.

In addition to initial scaling and root planing, it may also be necessary to adjust the occlusion (bite) to prevent excessive force on teeth with reduced bone support. Also, it may be necessary to complete other dental needs such as replacement of rough, plaque retentive restorations, closure of open contacts between teeth, and any other requirements diagnosed at the initial evaluation.

Reevaluation of the Teeth

Multiple clinical studies have shown that non-surgical scaling and root planing is usually successful in periodontal pocket depths no greater than 4-7mm. It is necessary for the dentist or hygienist to perform a reevaluation 4-6 weeks after the initial scaling and root planing, to determine if the treatment was successful in reducing pocket depths and eliminating inflammation.

It has been found that pocket depths which remain after the initial step of greater than 5-6mm, with bleeding upon probing, are indicative of continued active disease and will very likely show further bone loss over time. This is especially true in molar tooth sites where furcations or areas between the roots have been exposed.

Maintenance

Once successful periodontal treatment has been completed, with or without surgery, an ongoing regimen of "periodontal maintenance" is required. According to the cosmetic dentist pasadena, this maintenance involves regular checkups and detailed cleanings every 3 months to prevent repopulation of periodontitis-causing bacteria, and to closely monitor affected teeth so that early treatment can be rendered if disease recurs. Usually periodontal disease exist due to poor plaque control, therefore if the brushing techniques are not modified, a periodontal recurrence is probable