Treatment of Periodontal Disease in South Burlington VT

The goal of periodontal treatment is to reduce pockets and create a healthy oral environment that can be maintained through home care and regular maintenance visits.

Non-surgical treatment

In early stages, periodontal disease can often be treated non-surgically. Root planning and scaling ("deep cleaning") is performed under local anesthesia. Hand instruments, ultrasonic instruments, and sometimes a laser is used to remove calculus ("tartar") from the depths of the pockets.

Surgical pocket reduction

When periodontal disease is more advanced, periodontal surgery is indicated.

Under local anesthesia, incisions are made around the teeth and the gums are gently pulled back to allow access to the roots and bone. Plaque, bacteria, and calculus (tartar) are removed. Any uneven bone is reshaped, and a small amount of gum tissue is removed to reduce the depth of the pockets. Gum tissue is repositioned and sutures (stitches) are placed. These stitches dissolve a few days after surgery. Although your diet will be somewhat limited after surgery, most patients return to normal activity the following day.

Bone regeneration

When bone has been lost, it is sometimes possible to grow new bone in the area. During periodontal surgery, a granular bone graft material (natural or synthetic bone) is placed in the area where bone loss has occurred. This material prevents gum tissue from growing in to the space and acts as a framework for new natural bone formation.

Over the next several months, the graft material will be replaced with your own natural bone.