Periodontal (Gum) Disease (cont.)
IN THIS ARTICLE
- Periodontal (Gum) Disease Overview
- Periodontal (Gum) Disease Causes
- Periodontal (Gum) Disease Symptoms
- When to Seek Medical Care
- Exams and Tests
- Periodontal (Gum) Disease Treatment
- Self-Care at Home
- Medical Treatment
- Next Steps
- Prevention
- For More Information
- Web Links
- Multimedia
- Synonyms and Keywords
- Authors and Editors
Medical Treatment
If the dentist diagnoses periodontal disease, the first treatment will probably include scaling and root planing. More than one visit may be needed for this treatment. Scaling removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line down to the bottom of each pocket.
- A local anesthetic (Novocain) may be needed to reduce discomfort.
- The roots of the teeth are smoothed. Smoothing allows the gums to reattach to their roots.
- Antibiotics and a special mouth rinse may be needed.
- If pockets are still present after scaling and planing, surgery may be needed.
Next: Next Steps »
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