Periodontal therapy is treatment for active gum disease. It removes bacteria and hardened tartar from below the gumline so the infection stops damaging your gums and the bone that holds your teeth. A routine cleaning (prophylaxis) helps prevent gum disease in a healthy mouth, while periodontal therapy treats an infection that is already causing inflammation or bone loss. At Clarkson Dental Group, Dr. Scott Mahlin and our hygienists provide periodontal treatment in our Chesterfield office.
Signs You May Need Periodontal Therapy
Common signs include bleeding, swollen, or tender gums, gum pockets deeper than [4 mm], bone loss on X-rays, loose teeth, and persistent bad breath. Gingivitis, the early stage without bone loss, can often be reversed with good home care and routine cleanings.
What Periodontal Therapy Includes
- Evaluation: a full exam, X-rays, and periodontal charting to measure pocket depths.
- Scaling and root planing: a deep cleaning below the gumline, done by our hygienist with local anesthetic.
- Periodontal maintenance: follow-up cleanings every [3 to 4 months] to keep the infection under control.
- Specialist care: for advanced cases, we coordinate treatment with a periodontist.
Antibiotics alone can’t clear gum disease, because the bacterial buildup still has to be removed.
Comfort During Treatment
Treatment is done with local anesthetic, and most patients report little to no discomfort afterward. Patients with dental anxiety can choose IV moderate sedation.
Periodontal Treatment Results
This patient had periodontal treatment, cavity treatment, and e.max crowns under IV moderate sedation to restore a healthy, confident smile. View the full periodontal treatment case
Periodontal Therapy in Chesterfield, MO
Clarkson Dental Group serves patients in Chesterfield, Ballwin, Wildwood, and Ellisville from our office at 1748 Clarkson Rd. Call (636) 537-0065 or contact us to schedule a periodontal evaluation.