Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Washington DC
Gum Disease Treatment
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that penetrates into the gums and into the bone around your teeth, causing inflammation. Periodontal inflammation leads to bone loss, and possibly tooth loss, and may contribute to other serious medical conditions.
The periodontal infection must be removed and the area given a chance to heal. There are generally two levels of treatment for this condition depending upon the severity of your infection.
Scaling and Root Planing
The upper level of infection in the pockets around your teeth can be removed using specialized instruments. This procedure is called, “Scaling and Root Planing,” “Phase One Treatment” or “Initial Therapy.” It is done under local anesthesia and is quite different from the routine dental cleaning.
Surgical Therapy
If your infection has spread into the bone that supports your teeth and is below the level that can be reached in “Upper Level Infection Removal,” then a surgical procedure may be needed to access the infected areas. We will refer you to a specialist if this is required.
