Treatment Options

Periodontal Maintenance

Regular periodontal cleanings are a part of periodontal maintenance. Like any other chronic disease, you should routinely see your periodontist to ensure your gums are healthy and clean, even after surgery or a non-surgical treatment. Regular visits will also allow us to monitor your gum health and identify any potential problems early on. The frequency of periodontal cleanings often differs from patient to patient. After an assessment, we will be able to suggest the best schedule for your periodontal health.

Non-Surgical

Treating gum disease doesn’t have to involve surgery. There are several non-surgical treatments for periodontal problems, including medications and a process called scaling and planing: Using special instruments, bacteria and infection are removed from the unhealthy deep pockets around the teeth below the gum line. This treatment can also be called a “deep cleaning.” Combining scaling and root planing with a strict home care routine and regular periodontal cleanings can greatly increase the chance of keeping your natural teeth. Doctors Corey and Then will work with you to determine which treatment option is best for you and your overall health.

Surgical Treatment

There are different surgical options to treat gum disease, including pocket reduction procedures and regenerative procedures. As with any procedure, Doctors Corey and Then will work with you to determine which treatment option is best for you and your overall health.

In healthy gums, there are small pockets around each tooth. The bacteria and infection that come with gum disease make these pockets deeper, trapping more bacteria. Bleeding, redness and bad breath often occur. A pocket reduction procedure may be in order if these pockets become too deep for scaling and root planing. The bacteria and infections are removed during this procedure, and the tooth is thoroughly cleaned. The doctor may also reshape the gum and bone and apply an antimicrobial medication to kill germs. This procedure helps the gums to heal and allows for smaller, healthier pockets.

A regenerative procedure can reverse some of the damage by regenerating lost bone and tissue. During this procedure, your periodontist folds back the gum tissue and removes the disease-causing bacteria. Membranes, bone grafts or tissue-stimulating proteins can be used to encourage your body's natural ability to regenerate bone and tissue.