Gum Disease Treatment – Periodontal Debridement and Maintenance

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a serious condition that can lead to tooth loss and can impact other health conditions (for example: cardiovascular disease and diabetes) if left untreated. Fortunately, there are effective treatments available to manage and control gum disease before it becomes too advanced. In severe cases, the wound area from periodontal inflammation can be as large as the palm of the hand.

Periodontal Debridement

Periodontal debridement is a deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque, calculus (tartar), and bacterial deposits from the surfaces of the teeth and root areas underneath the gums. It is typically performed when gum disease has progressed beyond the early stage (gingivitis) to a more advanced stage with bone loss around the tooth/teeth (periodontitis).

This process involves:

  1. Scaling – To remove plaque and calculus deposits from the tooth surfaces and beneath the gum line.
  2. Root Planning – To remove plaque and calculus deposits from root surfaces to discourage further buildup of bacteria and promote gum healing.

Periodontal debridement may need to be carried out over multiple visits, depending on the severity of the disease. It will be accompanied by the administration of local anesthesia to ensure comfort during the procedure.

Following the procedure, you will be given individually-tailored oral hygiene instructions to compliment the treatment provided and help to stabilise your gum health (arguably the most important part!).

A dentist wearing magnifying glasses and a face mask examines a patient. A TV screen in the background shows a man and woman standing together.

Maintenance (Periodontal Recall)

Once the gum disease is under control, it is crucial to maintain the health of your gums through regular periodontal maintenance visits. The recall frequency may vary depending on your individual needs and the severity of your gum disease.

A dental professional wearing purple gloves prepares instruments while smiling at a seated patient in a bright dental office with large windows.

These visits typically involve:

  1. Evaluation – Your oral health will be carefully evaluated, including an assessment of gum pockets, bone levels, and any signs of inflammation or infection.
  2. Scale and Polish – Your dental professionals will perform thorough cleaning to remove any new plaque and calculus buildup, helping to prevent the return of gum disease.
  3. Reinforcement of Home Care – Your dental team will reinforce proper oral hygiene techniques, such as brushing, flossing/interdental brushes, and using antimicrobial rinses, to help you maintain good gum health at home.

Early detection and treatment is crucial for preventing the progression of gum disease and avoiding more invasive and costly treatments in the future. A referral to a Periodontist (Gum Specialist) may be needed in some circumstances.

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