What Is GINGIVITIS / PERIODONTITIS :
Periodontal disease is an infectious and inflammatory disease, which destroys the periodontal tissues. These tissues consist of the gums and bone that support the teeth. It is gum and bone disease. Periodontal disease affects 3 out of 4 adults. Growing colony of living bacteria called “plaque” causes it. The greatest cause of adult tooth loss is periodontal disease.
In the early stages of periodontal disease there is little, if any pain; therefore you may not notice the gradual onset of puffiness and occasional bleeding. without through removal, toxins from plaque cause the disease process to continue. Periodontal disease left untreated may result in extensive bone destruction and possible tooth loss. Also, evidence now links gum disease to a variety of health concerns including Heart Disease, Diabetes, Stroke and other degenerative diseases that are life threatening.
If detected in the early stages, periodontal disease can be treated and controlled.
We will refer to the timely diagnosis and treatment of the signs and symptoms of periodontal disease as Soft Tissue Management.
What is Soft Tissue Management?
Soft Tissue Management is an individual plan to eliminate infection of the gums and root surfaces. Your dentist, hygienist and you will choose an appropriate plan. The hygienist will perform the treatments to help eliminate infection, make recommendations to help you more effectively clean your teeth daily, and guide you through our efforts to achieve and maintain oral health.
What Is Therapeutic Scaling (Gross Debridement)?
Therapeutic Scaling is the treatment of the infection present in the gums by removing the toxins present and flushing out the bacteria. An evaluation is done to determine the extent of the infection and treatment needed to achieve and maintain oral health.
What is Root Planing?
Root Planing is the treatment of the diseased root surfaces below the gum line. A routine prophy (cleaning) emphasizes cleaning the teeth above the gum line in a generally healthy mouth. Root Planing focuses on eliminating tarter and plaque below the gum and detoxifying the root surfaces where the disease occurs. Obtaining smooth roots and flushing out the pockets allows for healthy reattachment of the gums to the root surfaces.
What do we hope to accomplish with Soft Tissue Management?
- Gums that do not bleed. Healthy gums do not bleed. Fresher breath and taste.
- Gums that are not red, swollen or tender.
- Knowing how to effectively maintain good oral hygiene. Reduced pocket depths.
- Control of Periodontal Disease.
What do we need from You, the patient, to make this treatment a success?
- Completion of the periodontal therapy prescribed by your dentist
- Thoroughly cleaning all tooth surfaces two times a day
- Maintenance of regular recare visits
Why A 3-Month Periodontal Recare Visit ?
Your Soft Tissue Management Program is a non-surgical approach to control periodontal disease. There is NO CURE for periodontal disease : it can only be managed and controlled.
The bacteria that causes periodontal disease re-establishes in 3 months after treatment. A 3-month recare visit is critically timed to disrupt this bacteria in pockets greater than four millimeters in order to disable the destructive process at its critical stage. This critical stage is when the bacteria and their poisons do the most harm to the supporting structures, namely, the periodontal attachment.
For patients with adult Periodontitis, supportive 3-month Recare is not an option – but a requirement for successful therapy.
Waiting longer than three months for recare may cause regression of your periodontal status. Re-evaluation for further treatment may be required. Your recare interval will be determined by your hygienist and dentist to best manage your oral health.