Non-Surgical Procedures

Scaling and Root Planing is usually the first step to reduce the inflammation, remove bacteria, calculus (tartar) and smoothen the root surface, so that the tissue can reattach to the tooth

surface. In most cases, this procedure is performed by our highly trained hygienists. If multiple areas must be addressed, we typically allow for two appointments. Unlike a routine dental cleaning, with this procedure you will be numb as manual and ultrasonic instruments are used to debride the teeth and smoothen the root surfaces. Afterwards, you can expect some tenderness along the gum line, which can be managed at home with pain medication.

While undergoing periodontal therapy in other areas, we may continue to have you on a maintenance schedule, so we do not neglect the other areas of the mouth. The goal of maintenance is to assess your periodontal condition, clean your teeth and work to stabilize your periodontal disease. Once we have completed all surgical treatment, we may continue to have you on a maintenance schedule to ensure that your periodontal disease does not regress.

Botulinum Toxin (or Botox), commonly used cosmetically to reduce areas of wrinkling, also has dental applications; specifically, it can be used to treated temporo-mandibular disorder (TMD).  For patients who grind their teeth, Botox can be used to weaken the jaw muscle and relieve TMD pain.

There are certain situations in which a medicament is applied to a pocket to help reduce inflammation. For example, if there is an isolated pocket (a <5mm or greater) with presence of inflammation (bleeding), we will apply it to the improve the pocket.

We can utilize our laser for a varied of applications, including laser assisted new attachment procedure. This procedure is sometimes applied in selective cases, where surgical treatment may not be the best choice. Additionally, laser therapy can be applied to removal of excess tissue and removal of hard tissue. We have a dual action laser N-DYAG and Er-YAG that can promote ideal tissue healing.