Non Surgical Services

We can use modern techniques to help rebuild lost bone support. The emphasis in our practice is conservative periodontal therapy. Many times, the early stages of periodontal disease are best treated with non-surgical procedures. This usually consists of a combination of hand instrumentation and placing a fine ultrasonic tip in between the tooth and gum tissue to remove any plaque and calculus below the gum line. This procedure is called root planning. Two to four weeks later, periodontal pockets may be eliminated through gum reattachment and shrinkage. Then the patient can maintain these areas with routine brushing, flossing, and routine professional dental cleanings.

Even in most severe cases of periodontal disease, non-surgical periodontal therapy most often precedes surgical therapy. This is done so that the overall tissue quality is improved prior to surgery and also limits the areas of required surgery.

Treatment Methods

Treatment methods depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed. The first step is usually a thorough cleaning that may include scaling to remove plaque and tartar deposits beneath the gumline. The tooth roots may also be planed to smooth the root surface allowing the gum tissue to heal and reattach to the tooth. In some cases, the occlusion (bite) may require adjustment.

Antibiotics or irrigation with anti-microbials (chemical agents or mouth rinses) may be recommended to help control the growth of bacteria that create toxins and cause periodontitis. In some cases, Dr. Ceravolo may place antibiotic fibers/gels or chemically treated chips in the periodontal pockets after scaling and planing. This may be done to control infection and to encourage normal healing.

When deep pockets between teeth and gums are present, it is difficult for Dr. Ceravolo to thoroughly remove plaque and tarter. Patients can seldom, if ever, keep these pockets clean and free of plaque. Consequently, surgery may be needed to restore periodontal health.

Root Planning
Smoothing The Tooth Root

Subgingival Scaling
Cleaning The Tooth Below The Gum