Periondontal Therapy

The primary cause of periodontal disease is the accumulation of bacterial plaque at and under the gum line. Plaque is often a colorless mass of bacteria that sticks to teeth, crowns, bridges, and other tissues in the oral cavity. Plaque is constantly forming on the teeth and must be removed regularly to maintain dental and periodontal health. Inadequate oral hygiene results in irritation of the gums, causing them to become red, tender, and swollen.

Scaling and root planning is the first treatment for periodontal disease. The procedure serves to remove the irritants under the gums to reduce inflammation and infections. One-fourth or half of the mouth is anesthetized so that the hygienist can comfortable remove the irritants below the gums. This is called scaling and root planing which is a procedure that may be performed by a dentist, hygienist or periodontist (gum specialist). Using hand instruments or ultrasonic vibrating instruments calculus deposits are removed off the teeth. The smooth root surfaces allow the gums to regenerate without irritation. As a result of this procedure gum tissue shrinks and tightens around the teeth as the irritant (plaque and calculus) has now been reduced or eliminated.

Park Ave Dental Associates' family dental care office serves periotherapy patients from Cranston, Providence, Johnston, and Warwick RI.