Gum therapy, otherwise known as scaling and root planning, is one of the most effective, non-surgical ways to treat gum disease, as it cleans the gums and the teeth down to the roots.
Scaling is the process of removing dental tartar from teeth surfaces; and root planning is the process of smoothing the root surfaces and removing any infected tooth structure. If you have gum disease or gum pocketing, the gum pockets around the teeth will allow calculus (tartar) deposits to form under the gum line. A careful cleaning of the root surfaces to remove plaque and calculus from deep periodontal pockets and smoothing the tooth root to remove bacterial toxins will help ensure that your gum disease is controlled.
Active gum therapy accomplishes this by eliminating any discomfort that may occur during therapy by freezing the treated area with local anesthetic. This allows our skilled hygienist the freedom to thoroughly instrument everywhere, even in deep pockets, to remove all toxins, without having to worry about any discomfort that you may experience. During treatment a very helpful adjunctive procedure called Antibiotic Irrigation therapy can be carried out using Chlrohexidine-the most powerful antiseptic agent against gum disease causing bacteria. This can help to achieve even greater degree of disinfection below the gums.
An important part of the Active Gum Therapy is the re-evaluation of the gums. Approximately one month after your last treatment session we will examine your gums again in detail to check its progress and to ensure proper healing is being achieved. At that time we will recommend the appropriate maintenance interval with us to maintain your gum in optimal health.
Scaling and root planning under Active Gum therapy is a simple and effective means of controlling periodontal disease. It’s considered the first line of defense and can usually eliminate the need for gum surgery. If you maintain good home care afterwards and see us at the recommended interval, the progression of gum disease should stop, and your gums will heal and become firm and pink again in no time! Contact our office today to see if Active Gum Therapy is right for you.
