Nonsurgical periodontal treatment is typically the first line of treatment for mild to moderate gum disease before more invasive surgical options are considered. The purpose of nonsurgical periodontal treatment is to remove bacterial plaque and calculus (tartar) buildup below the gumline, thus reducing infection and promoting healing.
Why Choose Us?
Winston-Salem Periodontics offers both deep cleaning via scaling and root planning, as well as LANAP laser gum treatments as our nonsurgical treatment options:
Deep Cleaning
How Does Periodontal Disease Progress?
Plaque is a sticky substance that adheres to tooth structure and is teeming with bacteria. Over time, plaque becomes calcified (hardens) and at this stage, it becomes what is called calculus. Plaque and calculus are actually irritants to the tissues of your mouth. The reaction of your body to the irritants and the subsequent gum inflammation, gum recession, bleeding and eventual bone loss around the teeth constitute periodontal (gum) disease. The earliest stage of periodontal disease is called gingivitis (which is reversible) and is characterized by bleeding gums, especially when one brushes and flosses. If the disease is not addressed, it will progress to periodontitis, which is far more destructive, and is characterized by further gum deterioration, bone loss, and ultimately tooth loss.
Periodontal disease can have widespread negative effects on your health, but the good news is that Winston-Salem Periodontics has many ways of treating this very common and devastating disease that are more comfortable and effective than ever before!
What is Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing is the most common form of treatment for periodontal disease. Removing mineralized material is the goal of scaling and root planing which is commonly referred to as a “deep” cleaning. Removing the bacteria and calculus is an important step in helping the body’s immune system fight back and this step is included in all our treatments of gum disease.
Scaling removes calculus (also called tartar) and plaque from the tooth surface above and below the gum line. Root planing improves the smoothness of the root’s surface and removes any remaining calculus. When the amount of plaque and calculus to remove is extensive, the dentist will numb the area to make the procedure comfortable for you. A combination of sonic and hand instruments are used in the procedure. The sonic instruments remove the large deposits of plaque and calculus. Hand instruments are then used to remove any remaining tartar and ensure all surfaces of the crown and root are clean and free of bacteria. Sensitivity and soreness may be present a few days following treatment and usually can be relieved with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Post-Procedure Care
Excellent home care is needed afterward to achieve the best results. We recommend brushing and cleaning in between your teeth twice daily with any of the aides available including floss, proxy brushes, and other interdental tooth pick like devices.
Additionally, a follow-up visit with Winston-Salem Periodontics is usually scheduled for four weeks following treatment to check the improvement of gingival status, and regular intervals (3 month and 6 month intervals are typical) thereafter to monitor the disease. The goals are to eliminate the active inflammation caused by bacteria and reduce the periodontal pockets around the teeth so they cannot trap plaque or calculus, thus maintaining the present bone height around the teeth.
LANAP Laser Treatment
An FDA-cleared laser treatment called the LANAP protocol offers a less painful, more successful treatment alternative to conventional surgery. LANAP=LAR is the only scientifically, research proven methodology that results in true periodontal regeneration, new bone growth and gum tissue reattachment. LANAP and LAR is accomplished with the PerioLase MVP-7. It is a free-running, variable pulsed Nd:YAG laser. The 7 variable pulse durations can be thought of as “different lasers” in one device as they have discrete and discriminating tissue interactions. The LANAP=LAR treatment is one of the most successful protocols in treating gum disease because it can target the source of the inflammation without hurting or removing any healthy gum tissue, slow or stop attachment loss and decrease pocket depth, and allowing the body to recover from the chronic infection without the need for scalpel or sutures.
THE LANAP PROTOCOL FOR PERIODONTITIS
- Perio probe indicates excessive pocket depth
- Laser radiation vaporizes bacteria, diseased tissue, pathologic proteins, and alerts the practitioner to the presence of tartar
- Ultrasonic scaler and special hand instruments are used to remove root surface accretions
- Bone is modified at time of surgery
- Laser is used to form a gel-clot containing stem cells from bone and PDL
- Reattachment of reté ridges to clean root surface, with a stable fibrin clot at the gingival crest to create a ‘closed system’
- Occlusal trauma adjusted
- New attachment is regenerated
Don’t Wait - Schedule a Gum Disease Consultation in Winston-Salem!
If you are looking for a dentist in Winston-Salem offering nonsurgical periodontal treatment, please call, text, or email Winston-Salem Dental Specialists today!
Got a question?
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We will schedule your appointment with Winston-Salem Dental Specialists as promptly as possible. If you have pain or an emergency situation, every attempt will be made to see you that day.
We value your time and do everything we can to stay on schedule and minimize your wait. While in our office, please enjoy your stay and have a nice beverage and relax in our serenity room; we also offer free WIFI to take care of some business during your visit. We appreciate your understanding and patience when unpredictable appointment delays occur.
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Winston-Salem Dental Specialists is a member of the following professional organizations (not all doctors belong to all these organizations):
