Procedures

Scaling & root planing

Possible additional procedures

Prophylaxis is a similar procedure to scaling & root planing, because both involve cleaning the teeth. However, prophylaxis is performed to preserve health, in the absence of disease process. Scaling & root planing is performed to treat a disease process.

Surgical periodontics may be required for patients whose periodontal disease is unresponsive to non-surgical treatment.

Localized treatment with antibiotics via a controlled-release mechanism may help to eliminate the bacteria present in the gingival crevice, and to reduce inflammation.

For teeth which have become loosened as a result of periodontal disease ("secondary occlusal trauma"), periodontal splinting may become necessary. This is generally done in cases of moderate to severe periodontal disease, and is common in the lower anterior teeth.

Periodontal maintenance involves a series of procedures which are typically performed on a two to four month schedule, to provide patients with the lowest chance that their periodontal disease will progress.

Teeth which become sensitive following SRP may benefit from the application of desensitizing medications.