Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment
Periodontal disease can cause bleeding gums, gum inflammation, bad breath, gum recession, loose teeth and tartar below the gum line. At Glenmore Park Dental Services, non-surgical periodontal treatment may include periodontal assessment, scaling below the gum line, root planing, oral hygiene advice and ongoing maintenance to help stabilise gum health.
Gum disease occurs when plaque or bacteria gets build up on or between your teeth, causing inflamed and irritated gums. Gingivitis can then turn into periodontitis if its left untreated, which is where the gums pull away from the teeth and form gaps or pockets that get infected.
So it’s essential to see a dentist if you experience swollen gums, bleeding, inflammation, shrinking gums or loose teeth.
What Is Periodontal Scaling And Root Planing?
Periodontal scaling removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line, including around deeper gum pockets. Root planing smooths the tooth roots so the gums can heal more comfortably and bacteria are less likely to collect around rough root surfaces.
Two-Phase Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment
Non-surgical periodontal treatment may take longer than a routine clean, and some patients need more than one appointment. Your dentist may recommend staged care when there is heavy tartar build-up, deeper gum pockets, bleeding gums, inflammation, gum recession, bone loss or loose teeth.
Local anaesthetic may be used where appropriate to keep the treatment more comfortable. After treatment, your dentist will explain home care, review timing and periodontal maintenance to help support long-term gum health.
Changes since previous check-ups
First your dentist can ask you about any changes you’ve noticed since your last dental check-up and how you’re feeling about this check-up.
Make sure you tell them about any:
- medication
- medical conditions
- allergies
- previous experiences with dental treatment
- anxiety or discomfort.
Check-up list for check-ups
The dentist will then check your mouth for any issues, including:
- tooth decay and cavities
- gum bleeding and tartar, and other signs of gum disease
- loose teeth
- wisdom teeth issues, including advising whether to keep or remove them.
X-rays
Your dentist might want you to take some x-rays during your check-up. They will use the x-rays to:
- check your tooth roots and jaw alignment
- look for tooth decay and cavities, abscesses near the root and periodontal disease
- recommend fillings or root canals.
Further treatment
If your dentist believes you need further treatment, such as fillings or root canals, they will either make a referral to a specialist or book you in for work at a time that suits you. They will tell you exactly what needs to be done and how much it will cost.
Advice for after check-ups
After the check-up, the dentist will give you tips on how to keel your teeth and gums healthy until your next check-up.
This includes maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Smoking, alcohol and acidic foods are all detrimental not only to your health, but also to your teeth.
The dentist will make an assessment, and if further treatment is required, they will make a referral to a specialist, or create an outline of steps which you should take to help support your oral health