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| Preventive Dentistry » Periodontal Therapy |
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SURGICAL PERIODONTAL TREATMENT
Long-standing gingivitis can turn into periodontal disease. There are a number of types of periodontal disease and they all affect the tissues supporting the teeth. As the disease gets worse the bone anchoring the teeth in the jaw is lost, making the teeth loose. If this is not treated, the teeth may eventually fall out.
CONSULTATION
Initial consultation, including detailed history, clinical and radiographic examination, photographs, diagnosis, treatment plan and report to dentist and patient with estimate of treatment costs.
NON-SURGICAL PERIODONTAL TREATMENT
Instruction in appropriate oral hygiene techniques and reinforcement at subsequent visits, supra- and subgingival debridement (i.e. cleaning above and below the gum line) under local anaesthesia as required for patient comfort. The adjunctive use of antimicrobials may be indicated in selected cases.
The aim of this initial phase of therapy is to control the infection and arrest progression of the disease. Compliance in terms of optimal self-performed plaque control is essential for a favourable outcome.
REASSESSMENT
Re-examination of the periodontal tissues to assess the outcome of the initial course of therapy and determine appropriate subsequent treatment steps.
In cases that are not too severe and/or have responded well to the non-surgical therapy, maintenance may be all that is required. In more severe cases and depending on the outcome of the non-surgical treatment, surgery may be indicated.
SURGICAL PERIODONTAL TREATMENT
Periodontal surgical therapy may be indicated in deep sites in order to achieve thorough subgingival debridement. This is the corrective phase of therapy, where pocket elimination surgery is often indicated to prevent disease recurrence, and disease-induced anatomical defects can be corrected to facilitate improved plaque control. In selected cases, regenerative surgery will restore part of the tissues that have been lost in the disease process.
PERIODONTAL PLASTIC SURGERY
Periodontal plastic surgery refers to soft and hard tissue procedures aiming to prevent or correct anatomic, developmental, traumatic or disease induced defects of the gingiva, alveolar mucosa or bone, e.g. root coverage, gingival augmentation, correction of mucosal defects at implants, socket preservation, crown lengthening, fraenectomy, augmentation of the edentulous ridge.
SUPPORTIVE PERIODONTAL THERAPY (MAINTENANCE)
Oral hygiene reinforcement and full-mouth debridement at regular 3-6 month intervals, depending on the severity of the disease and standard of self-performed plaque control, are imperative measures in order to maintain the periodontal tissues in a healthy state. Local delivery of antimicrobials may be indicated in selected cases. |
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