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Gum treatment is the treatment of active gum
and jaw bone disease. The treatment can slow or
stop the progression of the disease. Since there are
different stages of gum disease (from gingivitis to
advanced periodontitis), there are different levels
of treatment. In some cases, the patient may be referred
to a specialist.
Gum treatment consists of one or more of the following
procedures, depending on the individual case:
Scaling and Root Planing
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Scaling and Root Planing is a common non-surgical
treatment for periodontal disease. By using special
instruments, we remove bacteria and infection from
the unhealthy deep pockets around the teeth below
the gum line. This is often referred to as a "deep
cleaning". |
| First the tooth is scaled to remove the
plaque and tarter that has accumulated on the tooth. |
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Then the root is planed or smoothed. This
eliminates any rough areas on the root that can
easily trap plaque and bacteria. |
A smooth clean root provides a healthy environment to
allow the gums to heal naturally and reattach to the
tooth. This will create a reduced pocket, therefore
eliminating areas for bacteria to hide and cause further
disease.
Scaling and Root Planing combined with a strict home
care routine and more frequent periodontal cleanings
and exams will increase your chances of keeping your
natural smile.
Gum Surgery
Sometimes, in order to treat advanced gum disease,
surgical procedures are necessary, such as:
Advanced Medications
| Recent advances in periodontal treatment allow
us to now place medications directly at the site
of infection. One of the most commonly used medications
of this kind is Arestin™.
This is often used in conjunction with scaling and
root planing. In addition, an antimicrobial rinse
is sometimes used after some procedures. |
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Advanced Medications
| Recent advances in periodontal treatment allow us to
now place medications directly at the site of infection.
One of the most commonly used medications of this kind
is Atridox™.
This is often used in conjunction with scaling and root
planing. In addition, an antimicrobial rinse is sometimes
used after some procedures. |
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| The PerioChip®
is a small chip designed to fit the dimensions of
the gingival pocket precisely. It contains a substance,
which is effective in killing bacteria in the gum
(2.5 mg. Chlorhexidine gluconate). After scaling,
the PerioChip®
is inserted into the pocket, the active ingredient
takes effect over a period of approximately a week,
kills the bacteria, and the chip itself dissolves
naturally. There is no need for an additional visit
to the dentist to remove the chip, but a follow-up
visit after three months is recommended to check
whether any further treatment is required. |
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Oral Medications
| A new medication called Periostat®
has been developed specifically to combat periodontal
infection by bolstering your body's immune response
to bacteria that cause periodontal disease. Your dentist
will evaluate your specific case to see if Periostat®
is right for you. |
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Oral Medications
Peridex® is a prescription mouth rinse that
reduces the redness, swelling and bleeding of
gums caused by gingivitis. Your dentist
may prescribe Peridex® for use between visits.
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Strict Home Care Regimen
A home care routine specific to the patient's individual
needs may be prepared to prevent the patient from relapsing.
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