Probing for Healthy Gums

Periodontal treatment guidelines stress that; periodontal health should be achieved in the least invasive and most effective manner. This is often accomplished through non-surgical periodontal treatment such as scaling and root planing (a careful cleaning of the root surfaces to remove bacteria and tartar from deep gum pockets.) This treatment can be accompanied with a local delivery of antimicrobials as needed on a case-by-case basis.

The majority of patients will require ongoing maintenance therapy to sustain the health of gum tissue with deep pockets. Non-surgical therapy does have its limitations, however, and when it does not achieve periodontal health, surgery may be indicated to facilitate oral hygiene practices.

Periodontal surgery is necessary when your dentist determines that the tissue around your teeth is unhealthy and cannot be repaired with non-surgical treatment.