How is Periodontitis Treated?

Periodontitis is a serious infection of the tissues that surround and support the teeth. Without treatment, periodontitis can damage and destroy the tissues, and this can eventually lead to tooth, gum and bone loss. Our periodontist in Los Angeles offers treatments that can control the infection and stop the spread of the disease. 

Non-surgical treatments are generally recommended before surgery. These can include: 

·         Scaling and root planing
This is a special deep cleaning procedure that is used to remove any buildup from your teeth and below the gum tissue. We may use small instruments and ultrasonic devices to remove hardened or mineralized deposits. This procedure also is used to smooth the roots of the teeth in order to discourage future buildup.

·         Antibiotic therapy
Both topical and oral antibiotics can be used to control the bacteria. Topical antibiotics are usually administered as a mouthwash, but it may also include the placement of antibiotic fibers or gels between the roots of the teeth and the gum tissues.

If the infection has progressed considerably, conservative treatments may not be enough to stop it. In this case, we may recommend surgery. Surgical periodontal treatments are designed to address the tissue loss and halt the progression of the disease. They can include soft tissue grafts, bone grafts, pocket reduction surgery and guided tissue regeneration. Call us today to learn more or to schedule an appointment with our expert in periodontitis treatmentin Los Angeles.