The initial stage of treatment usually include scaling to remove plaque and tartar deposits beneath the gum line.The tooth roots will also be planed to smooth the root surface allowing the gum tissue to heal and reattach to the tooth.

Antibiotics or irrigation with anti-microbials (site specific agents or mouth rinses) may be recommended to help control the growth of bacteria that create toxins and cause periodontitis.

Locally applied antibiotics which are slowly dissolved can be placed in the periodontal pockets after scaling and root planing. There are two types of locally applied antibiotics implemented in this practice.   www.arestin.com and  www.atridox.com.

Scaling and Root planning is often enough for early to moderate forms of periodontal disease or inflammation caused by oral systemic factors. The procedure usually decreases the depth of the pocket and decreases or eliminates bleeding but it does not cure the disease. A three month maintenance schedule will be recommended to maintain the new healthy state. Three month intervals are recommended because the bacteria that cause gum disease can reach their disease threshold in just eight weeks.

Following the initial treatment phase Dr. Smith will re-evaluate your periodontal status and determine if further treatment is necessary. When deep pockets persist periodontal surgery may be needed to restore you back to health.

Bite Adjustment - In some cases, the occlusion (bite) may require adjustment.

A bite is considered to be healthy when all or most of the teeth are present and not destroyed by normal daily usage.

It is destructive when teeth show wear, looseness or when TMJ (jaw joint) damage is diagnosed. Bite therapy helps restore a bite that can function without damage and destruction. The therapy may include:

• Reshaping the biting surfaces of the teeth and eliminating spots of excessive pressures where the teeth are brought into contact. This is done by carefully dividing bite pressures evenly across all of the teeth.

• Bite splint therapy using a custom-fitted and adjusted plastic bite guard to keep the teeth apart, day, night ,or both.

Following the initial treatment phase Dr. Smith will re-evaluate your periodontal status and determine if further treatment is necessary. When deep pockets persist periodontal surgery may be needed to restore you back to health.