Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment - Encinitas, CA

While some people with advanced periodontal disease require surgical care, not everyone does.  A non-surgical solution is often enough to help the  condition improve and stabilize. Non-surgical periodontal treatment from our Encinitas, CA periodontist typically combine scaling and root planing with one or more supplementary solutions that assist in achieving better results.

Scaling & Root Planing

During a scaling and root planing procedure, also known as a “deep cleaning,” years of plaque and tartar buildup are removed from below the gumline.   This buildup is the most common cause of periodontal disease in susceptible individuals, as it releases toxins below the gumline.  These toxins are the source of constant irritation to the body that trigger a chronic inflammatory response. Only with the help of scaling and root planing can the irritants be completely removed.

Antibiotic Therapy

Antibiotics have been proven to help reduce the depth of pockets and provide systemic protection against periodontal infections.   Because periodontal disease starts with the accumulation of bacterial plaque, eliminating as much of that bacteria as possible is an essential step in the treatment process. The pill form is normally prescribed in conjunction with scaling and root planing and is taken for 6-9 months. Antibiotics can also be delivered in the form of a gel or powder and placed directly into the patient’s infected pockets, where it will aid the healing process. As you start your treatment, Dr. Bita will recommend a specific antibiotic and discuss how it will help you.

Perio Protect

Perio Protect is a recently designed, non-invasive approach to periodontal therapy.  It’s similar to a mouth-guard, but has a special sealing system to deliver medication below the gums in between dental office visits.  As you go through treatment, your tray is loaded with a medicated gel and worn for a few minutes a day. The greatest advantage of using PerioProtect is that it will help you treat your condition more comfortably, minimizing the need for surgery or antibiotics.

Periodontal Maintenance

After active periodontal treatment, whether it be nonsurgical or surgical, Dr. Bita evaluates the gums again and decides the regimen of maintenance the patient should be placed on.  This can range between 3-6 months, depending on the patient’s disease state, compliance level, and rate of bacterial accumulation that is unique to each individual.   Periodontal maintenance is an important and imperative last step after treatment, and without it a patient can expect for pockets to return and their periodontal disease to continue.