This phase includes patient education in daily and regular plaque and calculus removal in conjunction with professionally delivered scaling and root planing. This will result in removal of plaque, calculus (tartar) and bacteria form tooth surface above and below the gum line. This may be the only treatment of gingivitis and early periodontitis.
Phase II:
Once relative gingival health has been established following scaling and root planing in cases with deep pockets and bone loss it may be necessary to perform gum surgery. This is acieved by reflecting the gums away from the teeth (flap), debridement of the teeth, and recontouring the underlying bone to as close to physiologic form as possible and re-suturing the flap. Upon healing a normal probing depth of 2-3 millimeter is anticipated. This surgery may lead to some degree of gingival recession but it provides access for the patient to clean the previously diseased sites that were not exposed to the outside environment. This will result in a change in the pocket bacterial profile, leading to improved gingival health.
Maintenance Phase
Once definitive periodontal treatemt has been delivered, you will be placed on a maintenance schedule which is repeated on 3 to 6 month basis depending on the degree of severity of the disease and the need for routine cleanings. This phase will include an evaluation, coronal polishing and scaling and root planing in the areas needed.
