Non-Surgical Perioscpy Therapy
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Non-Surgical Perioscopy Therapy
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an infection of the gums surrounding your teeth. Gum disease is the leading reason for tooth loss, affecting approximately 80% of Americans by age 45. Because it is virtually painless, 4 out of 5 patients with the disease are unaware they have it! Periodontal disease involves serious bacterial infections that release toxins in your body. These toxins then destroy the gums and bone that hold your teeth in your mouth (like termites). Gum disease is a chronic condition like heart disease or diabetes and there is no cure for it. However, just like those conditions, it is treatable, and your teeth can be maintained for a very long time. In the past, treating severe periodontal disease meant using surgery to remove the deep infection. Thanks to perioscope technology, we no longer have to do that in all cases! In fact, we can treat your periodontal infection without the need for incisions, sutures, or difficult post-operative recovery.
Non-Surgical Perioscopy Therapy
There is an advanced dental procedure called perioscopy that features miniaturized digital video technology. A miniature camera with a fiber optic light is inserted carefully below the gumline (where your floss goes). The camera’s images show up on a screen next to your chair so that you and our team can see the infection and decontamination process. This advance in technology allows us to see details at 48 times the magnification. We can now diagnose and treat things that we couldn’t see before! The camera allows your periodontal expert to clean the teeth and gums more thoroughly than any other form of treatment available. The cleaning experience, instruments, and recovery are the same as other
“scaling” procedures, but the process and outcome are more complete and thorough.
What are the Advantages of Perioscopy?
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Perioscopy allows us to see and treat gum disease infections that might have remained hidden.ï‚· In the past, dentists and hygienists clean the teeth by feeling the roughness of the root surface. However, bacteria and tartar are extremely hard to detect and remove. With the magnification of the camera, we are now able to see all of the “barnacles” of infection below the gumline and ensure their removal.
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In many cases, periodontal surgery may be avoided. Perioscopy offers an alternative that can be used to treat you comfortably and effectively without the apprehensiveness and discomfort of traditional gum surgery. Your specialist will explain your options, and together you can decide what will work best for you and your smile.
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Recovery from perioscopy therapy is much easier than surgery. Patients typically experience much less discomfort, sensitivity, and gum recession than with surgery. Typically, minimal over-the-counter medication is needed and there is little to no downtime from the procedure.
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Perioscopy can also allow us to see cracks and malformations of the teeth below the gumline. This allows us to better diagnose and treat conditions to ensure the best treatment and outcome.
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Treating periodontal infection is very complex but it is our team’s goal to find the best and most effective option for each patient. Perioscopy provides a less-invasive and a lower cost option compared to surgery. Patients report that perioscopy was a worthwhile investment that helped them save their smiles!
Preventing Gum Disease
Once we have helped to clear the periodontal infection from your mouth, we will work diligently with you to help keep your mouth clean and healthy from that point on. The most important part of periodontal therapy is working hard to prevent the infection from setting back in. You can prevent gum disease by following the basic rules of a healthy mouth: avoid smoking, perform diligent hygiene at home, and visit the dentist as prescribed. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you brush at least twice each day, clean between the teeth each day, and visit your dentist every three months for bacteria control.
The best way to determine the ideal gum disease treatment for you is to contact our office today to schedule your comprehensive, no-obligation examination. Simply call us at 503-222-9961 or contact us using our convenient online form. We look forward to helping you have a happier, healthier smile!
To make an appointment, please call our office at 503-222-9961 or e-mail us at
frontdesk@setterperio.com. We look forward to the opportunity to meet you!