Non-Surgical Gum Disease Therapy in Stony Brook, NY

Although most people don’t realize it, gum disease can be painful and may require complex treatment. Early stages of periodontal therapy are easily treatable with non-surgical treatment.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Gum disease can develop when a bacterial infection spreads to the gum line and infects tooth roots and soft gum tissue. If you notice bleeding, tenderness, swelling, reddishness, or pus, you need to visit your dentist at the earliest for timely treatment.

Periodontists are trained experts who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease. Our dentist in Stony Brook will first assess your problem and determine the most suitable mode of treatment. Non-surgical periodontal therapy near you may include scaling and root planing, and oral treatment.

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing involve cleaning tartar and calculus (hardened tartar) off from the roots under the gums. Before starting the process, our dentist will administer local anesthetic to numb the area to reduce sensitivity. Although scaling and root planing can be completed in a single visit, we recommend completing one quadrant at a time.

Standard cleaning procedures at the dentist involve cleaning plaque above the gum line. However, this may not treat gingivitis, which develops below the gums.

During scaling, the dentist cleans the bacteria-infested gum pockets thoroughly. Scaling is done with the help of handheld or ultrasonic tools, as they may be unable to see the plaque below the gum line. Ultrasonic devices help scale away tartar with a vibrating metal tip. Once we complete scaling, the dentist will complete the root planing, which involves smoothing the tooth root.

After the Procedure

Once the scaling and root planing procedure is complete, the gums are likely to become pink and healthy and will firmly wrap around the tooth roots. The gum pockets become smaller and finally disappear.

Please call Stony Brook Dental Group for more information on non-surgical periodontal therapy in Stony Brook, NY.