Supportive Periodontal Therapy

Also known as:

• Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment
• Maintenance Therapy
• Dental prophylaxis
• Teeth Cleaning

Scaling and root planing (SRP) is the least invasive and most cost-effective manner in which we can maintain periodontal health, or healthy gums and teeth. This treatment involves careful cleaning of the root surfaces to remove trapped plaque and calculus (tartar) from within the pockets. Local anesthetic may be administered, when indicated, in order to allow the procedure to be as comfortable and pain-free as possible, and to allow the dental cleaning instrument, or curette, to access the deepest part of each pocket (Figures 1-4). The majority of disease-causing bacteria are removed with this treatment. In certain cases, a Periodontist may recommend further cleansing of pocket immediately after with a local antimicrobial solution such as Chlorhexidine (Peridex™). In other cases, this same solution may be prescribed as a mouth rinse for a 2-week period, and in combination with a 1-week oral antibiotic regimen.

Although very effective, SRP treatment does have its limitations. The prevalence of periodontal disease among people 30 years of age or older is 47.2% with 8.7% having mild, 30% having moderate, and 8.5% having severe disease.1 When the disease is far-progressed, the pockets around our teeth become too deep to allow effective treatment with SRP alone. In these cases, a Periodontist may offer surgery in order to help restore periodontal health.

Continuous maintenance therapy on a 6-month recall is sufficient to sustain gum health for most patients. For patients with periodontal disease, a 4-month or 3-month recall may be recommended until the periodontal condition is stabilized. After a consultation with Dr. Valentin Dabuleanu, a tailor-made treatment plan will be made that best suits your specific needs.

Why is Scaling and Root Planing so important?

The main cause of gum disease is bacterial plaque, an adherent whitish film that continuously reforms on our teeth. The bacteria in this plaque produce toxins that constantly attack our teeth and gums (Figures 1-2). Unless plaque is removed, it will harden into a rough crystal-like deposit called calculus, also known as tartar. Thorough daily brushing and flossing techniques are effective in minimizing the formation of calculus, but they will not completely prevent it.

Regardless of how effective we are at brushing and flossing, bacterial plaque will cause a recurrence of gum disease 2-4 months after the last SRP. Periodontal disease is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults. Your natural teeth can be kept for a lifetime by carefully following the guidelines of a maintenance program recommended by Dr. Valentin Dabuleanu. You will be able to keep dental costs down by preventing future problems if you stick to a recommended SRP schedule. This commitment will help you maintain better oral health for a lifetime.

Reference

Genco R, et al. Risk factors for periodontal disease. Periodontology 2000. 2013; 62: 59-94.