Many times, the early stages of periodontal disease are best treated with non-surgical periodontal therapy. Even in severe cases of periodontal disease, non-surgical periodontal therapy often precedes surgical therapy. This is done to improve the overall tissue quality prior to surgery and also to help limit the areas requiring surgery.

Treatment methods depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed. The first step is usually a thorough cleaning that may include scaling to remove plaque and tartar deposits below the gumline.

Subgingival Scaling: Cleaning the tooth below the gumline.

The tooth roots may also be planed to smooth the root surface allowing the gum tissue to heal and reattach to the tooth. In some cases, the occlusion (bite) may require adjustment.

Root Planing: Smoothing the tooth root

Antibiotics or irrigation with anti-microbials (chemical agents or mouth rinses) may be recommended to help control the growth of bacteria that create toxins and cause periodontitis. In some cases, your doctor may place an antibiotic in the periodontal pockets after scaling and planing. This may be done to control infection and to encourage normal healing.
When deep pockets between teeth and gums are present, it is difficult for your doctor to thoroughly remove plaque and tartar. Patients can seldom, if ever, keep these pockets clean and free of plaque. Consequently, surgery may be needed to restore periodontal health.

Perio Protect^TM

We are now using a system that greatly enhances the effectiveness of our non-surgical periodontal treatments by using medications that are kept in contact with the gums, effectively killing the bacteria that causes gum disease.  This revolutionary system uses FDA approved custom made trays, like bleaching trays, to force medications under the gums and around the teeth that kill the bacteria that cause gum disease.

These trays are very comfortable to wear and only have to be worn as little as once per day for about 10 minutes, depending on the specific prescription that we make for you.  We use them before, during, and after scaling and root planing to not only make the procedures easier on you, but to enhance the effectiveness of what we are doing.  We also recommend wearing them as a part of your daily routine to better control your gum disease and cavities.

Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions!

How much does this cost?

Each tray is around $600.  For someone who is on routine cleanings, this might be the only tray you ever have for years, unless the dog gets a hold of it.  For those who are in active treatment, it depends on the severity.  Some people will need multiple trays because as the gums tighten-up the fit will not be sealed completely and the effect will be minimal.  This airtight seal is the most important benefit of these trays.

Will my insurance pay for this?

Many insurance companies will help to cover dental procedures, and this is no different.  It really depends on the type of plan that you have and with each company.  We gladly work diligently to help keep the out of pocket expense to a minimum.

How long will it take?

Taking impressions for the trays takes about 15 to 30 minutes.  It takes 2 weeks for the custom made trays to be fabricated.  Everyone will do their individually prescribed regimen forever.

Can my children use this?

Adult children will be able to do this, but I would recommend waiting until kids are into their teenage years before doing this, as they are still growing and their mouths are still developing.

Will this interfere with my other medications?

The overall answer is no.  However, there might be minor interactions with your medications and your pharmacist would be able to identify that for you.  Mainly it doesn't interfere with medications because it is a topically applied medication, but it is always a good idea to ask questions.

What types of medications can you use?

The most common medications used are hydrogen peroxide, antibiotics, fluoride, and topical steroids.  Basically any medication that can be made into a gel can be used, but research has found that these are the most common medicines.

Are there any reasons not to do this?

Generally no.  My feeling is that anyone with teeth or implants should do this and make this as much of a daily routine as brushing and flossing.  This is especially good if you are not the best flosser in the world, like many people are.  By forcing the medicines between the teeth and into the gums, you eliminate the bacteria that gets between the teeth.  Only people who have an allergy to tetracycline should avoid using tetracycline in the trays, but most people will find huge benefits from just using the hydrogen peroxide gel alone.

Is it painful?

Absolutely not and that's the beauty of the system.  You take an impression, and wear a soft, flexible tray that holds the medications.  It even eliminates a lot of need for surgery, so definitely painless.

Will I still need surgery?

Most people will not, but occasionally, due to anatomic issues, people might need minor procedures done.  However, it will be only in an isolated area.  Let's say that you have 8 teeth that need surgery.  After a small amount of time in therapy, you only might need 2 teeth done, so a much kinder procedure.

Can I get my other family members to do this even if they're not a patient?

Of course, and I would highly recommend it.  Especially for the fearful or reluctant patients in the family.  We simply make them an appointment and do an examination and impressions and then start them on a good regimen.

Can I tell my friends about this?

I would definitely tell your friends about this and have them come in for appointments, even if they are seeing another dentist or don't need to see a gum specialist.  Everyone can benefit.  There is even incentive to sending in other friends, besides having your friends thank you immensely.

How often will I need new trays made?

Under normal use, trays should be able to last for quite some time, because they don't get a lot of stress.  You would need new trays once the trays don't create the seal that we are looking for.  Once this occurs they are less effective and will need to be remade.

Why can't I just use my bleaching trays?

For the savvy person, this would make sense, but the bleaching tray material is not thick enough first of all, and the material stops short of the gum tissue where we need it to be placed.  The fabrication of the trays is the most important process in the system so they must be manufactured exactly as needed.

Can anyone make this?

Not really!  Only a few people are licensed to provide the system to patients.  They must use FDA approved labs to make the trays.  Failure to do so will result in problems for those you break the rules.

Scaling and Root Planing MultiMedia

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