Our hygienists are well trained in diagnosing and treating periodontal disease. Periodontal disease affects upwards of 60% of the population over the age of 40. In its initial form, periodontal disease may present itself as bleeding or sore gums, bad breath, or a bad taste in the gums. In its more severe form, periodontal disease may cause loosening of the teeth and even tooth loss. It is a bacterial disease and those same bacteria have been linked to heart problems, stroke, diabetes and some cancers.
Early detection and treatment is crucial. With the use of digital x-rays and high tech testing, our hygienists can treat periodontal disease with predictable results. Treatment may include removal of tartar (hardened plaque) with ultrasonic devices. These devices make this type of therapy comfortable for even the most apprehensive patient. Following the removal of tartar, treatment usually includes irrigating the area with gentle medicaments to kill bacteria and then using a low-power laser to ensure maximum bacterial removal.
We want to ensure your maximum comfort, and to do so, we will apply a topical anesthetic to your gums prior to treatment. If we see a stubborn area during re-care appointments, we may recommend placing an Arrestin, a time-released, low-level antibiotic, into the area. Arrestin works well to reduce inflammation and bleeding in the gums. We have been successful in controlling periodontal disease for our patients with proper re-care.
We use lasers and Perio protect, and all our hygienists are trained on the Perio Protect System.
THE PERIO PROTECT Method
The Perio Protect system is prescribed by doctors and applied by patients. Once you receive your custom Perio Trays™, your dental team will demonstrate how to place a small amount of prescription medicine in each tray. These trays are worn for a few minutes each day. Your dentist will create a personalized treatment plan for you, as the duration and frequency of use may vary for each patient.
The trays have a patented seal that effectively delivers medication to the infected areas deep below the gum line. A gentle concentration of hydrogen peroxide cleanses the periodontal pockets, fighting bacteria, whitening teeth, and freshening breath.
For some patients, the non-invasive Perio Trays™ can reduce the need for surgery. For others, they can complement traditional treatment methods, leading to a more successful outcome.
While gum disease cannot be cured, it can be managed with daily treatment to prevent the recurrence of pathogenic bacteria. Once desired results are achieved, your dentist will adjust your treatment plan to maintain those results.
The Perio Protect Method is an attractive option for both advanced periodontitis and early-stage gum disease, as it is minimally invasive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is Minimal Invasive Periodontal Therapy?
A. Minimal Invasive Periodontal Therapy is a modern gum disease treatment that uses advanced tools including lasers, ultrasonic devices, and medicaments to remove harmful bacteria and tartar below the gumline with minimal discomfort and without traditional surgery.
Q. How does this therapy differ from traditional gum disease treatment?
A. Unlike traditional deep cleaning or gum surgery, this approach incorporates low-power lasers, ultrasonic scaling, and gentle medicaments to treat periodontal disease. It often results in less bleeding, less pain, and faster recovery because the laser helps target bacteria precisely while preserving healthy tissue.
Q. Is Minimal Invasive Periodontal Therapy painful?
A. Most patients experience minimal discomfort. A topical anesthetic is applied to the gums before treatment, and the laser plus ultrasonic tools often feel more comfortable than traditional surgical instruments.
Q. What conditions can this therapy help treat?
A. This therapy is ideal for addressing gingivitis and periodontal (gum) disease, including early-stage symptoms like bleeding or sore gums and advanced issues like deep periodontal pockets.
Q. How does laser technology improve periodontal treatment?
A. The low-power laser used in therapy helps to remove bacteria, reduce pocket depths, and disinfect treated areas without cutting or sutures. This contributes to better healing and less post-treatment discomfort compared to conventional methods.
Q. How long does the treatment take, and what is the recovery like?
A. Treatment time varies based on disease severity, but most patients complete periodontal therapy comfortably in a single visit. Recovery is typically faster with minimal discomfort thanks to the minimally invasive laser approach.
Q. Will I still need maintenance after the treatment?
A. Yes. Periodontal disease cannot be completely cured, but it can be controlled and managed over time. Regular re-care visits and good home hygiene help maintain results and prevent recurrence.
Q. What is the Perio Protect System and how does it help?
A. The Perio Protect system uses custom trays that deliver medicated gel deep beneath the gumline to reduce bacteria between office visits. It can complement treatment and sometimes reduce the need for more invasive procedures.
