It is popularly acknowledged in the periodontal community that dental treatments should be conducted with minimally invasive and surgical procedures. This is also particularly cost-effective as most surgical treatments surpass general affordability proving it difficult for the general public. There are also cases where nonsurgical therapy is usually performed prior to surgery. This ensures that there are no weakened tissues or other similar conditions that might affect the surgical treatment directly and also in some cases, reduce the number of areas that would require surgery.
It would be wise to follow the advice of your dental care professional in this matter. A concise list of nonsurgical dental treatments is as follows.
Using Dental Tray delivery systems
Tray delivery systems were popular ever since they were used to deliver medications to the mouth. Trays are impressions that are made from the patient’s mouth which they can then use at home for their prescribed medications. Most widely used for teeth whitening treatments, this system is preferred to other non-surgical dental treatments as it is affordable and easy to use without supervision. It is recommended to consult with your periodontal professional on the specifics, and pros-cons of the trays before using them.
Scaling and Root Planing
This treatment initially involves cleaning out plaque and tartar deposits in the gum pockets between the tooth and the gum. These deposits usually exist below the gum line making it harder to clean personally at home. Leaving these can lead to severe gum diseases on account of bacterial infestation. Antibiotics and anti-microbial mouthwashes are usually applied to treat this. The roots of the teeth can also become disjointed from the gum and planning or smoothening is required to re-attach it. For extreme cases, surgery may be necessary.
Laser Periodontal Therapy
Laser Periodontal Therapy is a trademarked procedure for dental professionals to remove damaged and diseased tissue without affecting any of the healthy tissue. The therapy involves a pulse laser and requires detailed knowledge and skills in all fields of dentistry. It is used to maintain tissue height around the teeth, reduce pain and other irritations that the patient might feel, and in some cases, close pockets in the tissue on account of wounds so that they heal properly. Laser Therapy also helps in restoring teeth that would otherwise be deemed hopeless case.
Cosmetic treatments
Gum diseases can be a nuisance as it results in severe pain and tooth decay. It is usually treated by disposing of the damaged and diseased tissue and re-contouring the bone which is otherwise uneven on account of the damaged tissue. For some more sophisticated treatments, membranes are used to cover the damaged tissue and bone defects in order to counter their effects. These membranes are usually bio-absorbable except in cases where removal is required (following a professional’s recommendation). Bio-active gels are also used which contribute to tissue regeneration.
It is advisable to
consult with your dental care professional on the kind of treatment applicable to you. In most cases, nonsurgical treatments are preferred as it is less expensive for both the patient and the doctor.
