Non-surgical treatment of Periodontal disease involves cleaning the roots of your teeth under the gumline where active bacteria produce toxins which destroy the gum and bone support for your teeth. We call that PDC for Periodontal Disease Control. It is also known as SRP which stands for Scaling and Root planing.

Periodontal disease is caused by plaque bacteria. These bacteria release toxins that inflame gums and, under certain conditions, "eat away" at the surrounding structures supporting your teeth. These include gum fibers and bone. The loss of bone and inflamed gums form a pocket between your teeth and gums. Calculus (tartar) builds up in these pockets. Calculus is dead plaque hardened by the minerals in your saliva.

The number of PDC appointments is determined on an individual basis with adequate time allotted for a thorough cleaning of your teeth. Typically, patients needing PDC appointments have not had their teeth cleaned for a while and they exhibit one or more of the following:

(1) moderate to heavy amounts of calculus
(2) moderate to heavy amounts of plaque
(3) moderate to heavy amounts of bleeding
(4) deep pockets
(5) sensitive gums and/or teeth

The Periodontal Care Appointment

During the PDC appointments, soft and hard deposits, and any diseased gum tissue are removed from the pockets . You can expect your gums to bleed. The procedure usually involves local anesthetic to make the cleaning more comfortable. The goal is to stop the disease and to bring your gums to a healthy state. Health is characterized by firm, pink, non-bleeding, non-tender gums. Since bone loss is irreversible, some pockets may remain, even with healthy gum tissue; therefore, it is important for you to perform regular and thorough home care and to make regular office visits every three to four months.

What to expect after your appointment

Local Anesthetic Duration
On average, feeling should return in one to two hours. But the time will vary on an individual basis.

Discomfort
Discomfort, which should not be severe, may include slight throbbing or aching and will disappear in a few hours to a few days. Any discomfort due to brushing or flossing should get better in several days.

Tooth Sensitivity
Teeth may be sensitive to temperature changes and/or sweets. This sensitivity can be severe for the first few days and should go away.

Bleeding
Slight bleeding may occur when brushing and flossing for the next few times. This bleeding should taper off in two or three days.

Appearance
Root surfaces may become exposed as the gum inflammation disappears. This may also result in more space between the teeth.

Post-op Instructions

Diet/Eating
If local anesthetic was used, avoid eating on that side until the anesthetic has worn off. Sometimes eating hard foods, such as raw vegetables, may be uncomfortable for a few days. A diet of softer foods is recommended until eating becomes more comfortable. For the first week, avoid eating shelled, grain foods, such as popcorn and nuts. These types of foods can easily become lodged between teeth and gums and cause irritation.

For Discomfort
Take Advil or Tylenol as needed. Be sure to take the recommended dosage. Also be certain these drugs are not contraindicated with a current medication or medical condition. Unsure? Call your pharmacist for help. Warm salt water rinses (1/4 tsp. salt in 6oz. warm water) can help reduce discomfort and encourage the healing process.

For Tooth Sensitivity
Using high fluoride gels such as Fluoridex or a desensitizing toothpaste such as Sensodyne helps minimize tooth sensitivity. If this does not work, contact the office. Professional application of a desensitizing agent may be required.

Oral Hygiene
Brush and floss gently but thoroughly. This may take more time than normal if gums are sensitive. By the second week gum tissues should be healthier and less sensitive.

After your initial Periodontal Care is completed

Your future cleanings will be called perio-maintenance visits. You have periodontal disease, and your gum/bone health must be maintained. These appointments involve more technical skill due to the bone loss and more tooth surface area needing to be cleaned. Sometimes local anesthetic may be needed in select areas.

Periodontal disease is a cyclic disease that goes through periods of activity and inactivity. No one can predict this disease which is why it is important to treat it preventively. Your periodontal status is always monitored, and you will be made aware of any changes and recommendations. Your next cleaning will be three months after your last session. At this appointment, pocket depths will be recorded, and your gum health and home care will be evaluated. Based on these findings, the appropriate perio-maintenance interval will be recommended, typically three to four months.

Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Our goal is to help you maintain as many of your natural teeth as possible for the rest of your life.

Contact us today by calling 206.682.3093 or online