Gum disease is a chronic condition that can quietly damage the gums and bone supporting your teeth, ultimately leading to tooth loss if left untreated.
Like other chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, periodontal disease is not something that can simply be treated once and forgotten. The goal is to control the disease, stop its progression, and preserve your natural teeth for as long as possible.
For most patients, the first line of treatment is scaling and root planing (SRP), also known as a deep cleaning. This non-surgical treatment removes plaque, tartar, and harmful bacteria from beneath the gumline and cleans and smooths the tooth roots, creating an environment where the gums can heal. Whenever possible, Dr. Kelleher takes a conservative approach and begins with the least invasive treatment that can predictably control the disease.
Shortly after a deep cleaning, the gums are reevaluated to determine how well they have responded to treatment and whether additional therapy is necessary. For some patients, scaling and root planing, improved home care, and regular periodontal maintenance may be enough to stabilize the disease. For patients with persistent deep periodontal pockets, significant bone loss, or other areas of active disease, additional treatment may be recommended to further reduce inflammation and preserve the supporting tissues around the teeth.
See also: Periodontal Maintenance →
