Periodontal treatment methods depend upon the type and severity of the disease. Your dentist and dental hygienist will evaluate for periodontal disease and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Periodontal disease progresses as the sulcus (pocket or space) between the tooth and gums gets filled with bacteria, plaque, and tartar, causing irritation to the surrounding tissues. When these irritants remain in the pocket space, they can cause damage to the gums and eventually, the bone that supports the teeth!
If the disease is caught in the early stages of gingivitis, and no damage has been done, one to two regular cleanings will be recommended. You will also be given instructions on improving your daily oral hygiene habits and having regular dental cleanings.
If the disease has progressed to more advanced stages, a special periodontal cleaning called scaling and root planning (deep cleaning) will be recommended. In this procedure, tartar, plaque, and toxins are removed from above and below the gum line (scaling) and rough spots on root surfaces are made smooth (planning). This procedure helps gum tissue to heal and pockets to shrink. Medications, special medicated mouth rinses, and an electric tooth brush may be recommended to help control infection and healing.
If the pockets do not heal after scaling and root planning, periodontal surgery may be needed to reduce pocket depths, making teeth easier to clean. Your dentist may also recommend that you see a Periodontist (specialist of the gums and supporting bone).
Bacteria that hide at the bottom of pockets can be difficult to remove
While SRP has been shown to effectively remove many of the bacteria that cause infection, the instruments used during SRP sometimes can't reach the stubborn bacteria below the gum line and in the bottom of pockets that can cause the infection to return and spread.
Fight the infection with a locally administered antibiotic (LAA) - Arestin
Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection and, as with any infection, treatment with an antibiotic is common. Dental professionals often add an LAA directly to the site of infection where bacteria hide. Many dental professionals choose to add an LAA because:
- LAAs can help reduce the bacteria that SRP can leave behind
- Antibiotics treat infections in the body and periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection
- Clinical studies prove that SRP is more effective at reducing the harmful effects of periodontal disease when LAAs are added
- These effective treatments can reduce harmful bacteria before infection spreads and gum disease worsens
ARESTIN® is a small amount of antibiotic powder that is placed inside infected periodontal pockets just after your dental professional finishes the SRP procedure. Once ARESTIN® is inserted, it immediately adheres to the periodontal pocket. Through a process called “polymer hydrolysis”, tiny holes in the Microspheres provide "escape routes" for the drug to be slowly released and absorbed into the surrounding gum tissue. This allows for a “sustained release” of the antibiotic, meaning ARESTIN® continues to work inside your gums for up to 21 days.
Clinical studies show that ARESTIN® plus SRP is more effective at treating periodontal disease than SRP alone.
For more info: http://www.arestin.com/for-patients-how-work.jsp