Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons

Periodontal Disease Treatment

The procedure of treating periodontal disease fundamentally involves the eradication of bacterial plaque and tartar that has built up deep in the pockets around the teeth. The first phase of this treatment is usually a thorough tooth cleaning, scaling, and root planing. Wherein, a dental professional utilizes special instruments to remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line. The root surfaces of the teeth are then smoothed, or planed, to promote healing and prevent further growth of bacteria. Depending on the severity of the disease, patients may require local anesthesia during this procedure. Moreover, antibiotics may be administered either locally or annually to assist in reducing bacteria levels.

If non-surgical treatments and good oral hygiene fail to improve the condition of periodontal disease, surgical intervention may be necessary. This can involve flap surgery, which requires lifting back the gums and removing tartar, then the gums are sutured back in place so that the tissue fits snugly around the tooth again. Alternatively, bone and tissue grafts may be done to regenerate any bone or gum tissue lost to periodontitis. The grafts work to prompt your body to regenerate bone and tissue naturally. Final treatment options will be based on how far the disease has progressed and determined after consultation with a dental professional.