How to Delay Periodontal Surgery

According to MyPeriodontist.com, periodontal surgery is a term for the procedures that are utilized when the tissue surrounding the teeth is infected or otherwise unhealthy. This surgery is required when it is virtually impossible for the patient to keep his teeth clean either on his own or through the use of normal dental cleaning procedures. Although periodontal surgery can provide an effective means to control gum disease, treatment guidelines stress that noninvasive procedures are preferable. There are a number of ways to delay periodontal surgery.

Instructions

• 1

  Consult with your dentist or periodontist about setting up a detailed cleaning regime involving root planing and scaling. Root planing and scaling are cleaning procedures performed in your dentist's office, removing both tartar and plaque from affected areas of the mouth, delaying the need for full-blown surgery.

• 2

  Engage in a rigorous at-home protocol of teeth cleaning, making it a point to utilize a combination of regular brushing (at least twice per day), flossing (as needed) and use of an antiplaque mouthwash. While this will make little difference if your gum disease is already severe, if you are only suffering from mild to moderate gum disease, this cleaning protocol can help to offset the need for periodontal surgery.

• 3

  Talk to your dentist about the possibility of using lasers in conjunction with regular gum cleaning. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, laser cleaning used alongside other treatment methods can help to avoid the need for periodontal surgery in some cases.