Drs. Schneider, Freedman and Friedman provide a variety of non-surgical and surgical services. We pride ourselves on the fact that we are very conservative in our treatment recommendations and limit surgery to the areas where it is absolutely necessary. Periodontal procedures are available to regenerate the bone and gum tissue to their original function and cosmetic appearance.
Treatment methods depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed. The emphasis in Drs. Schneider, Freedman and Friedman's practice is conservative periodontal therapy. Many times, the early stages of periodontal disease are best treated with non-surgical periodontal therapy. The first step is usually a thorough cleaning that may include scaling to remove plaque and tartar deposits beneath the gumline.
This procedure is called root planning. Four to six weeks later, periodontal pockets are often eliminated due to gum shrinkage. Then the patient can personally maintain these areas with routine brushing and cleaning between the teeth.
Even in most severe cases of periodontal disease, non-surgical periodontal therapy most often precedes surgical therapy. This is done so that the overall tissue quality is improved prior to surgery and also limits the areas of required surgery.
Antibiotics in very advanced cases may be recommended to help control the growth of bacteria that create toxins and cause periodontitis. In some cases, Drs. Schneider, Freedman and Friedman may place antibiotic gels in the periodontal pockets after scaling and planing. This may be done to control infection and to encourage normal healing, and is often an alternate to surgical treatment, especially on teeth in the front of your mouth, the "smile-zone".
When deep pockets between teeth and gums are present, it is difficult for Drs. Schneider, Freedman and Friedman to thoroughly remove plaque and tarter. Patients can seldom, if ever, keep these pockets clean and free of plaque. Consequently, surgery may be needed to restore periodontal health and to possibly regenerate lost tissues. We can use modern techniques to help rebuild lost bone support.
