Periodontal Treatment

Periodontal disease is an infectious and inflammatory disease which destroys the periodontal tissues. These tissues consist of the gums and the bone that support the teeth. It is a gum and bone disease. Periodontal disease affects 3 out of 4 adults. Signs of periodontal disease are: bleeding at the gum line, gum recession, bad breath, and the loosening of teeth. Our office provides a non-surgical approach to gum disease. It has also been identified as a risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

In many cases of periodontal disease, the amount of inflammation is severe and the bone around the teeth begins to be destroyed. In these cases the patient may require a series of deep cleanings that extend under the gums to remove the debris and control the bacteria. This is done in 2-4 appointments with local anesthesia, and is considered the optimal non-surgical treatment for severe periodontal disease. Following these deep cleanings, Dr. Lehan will prescribe periodontal maintenance cleanings every 3-4 months to maintain optimal gum health.

For our patients who have a history of Periodontal Disease, we recommend a routine periodontal maintenance cleaning. These are optimally done every three to four months to minimize the bacteria that cause the periodontal disease - a chronic and non-curable disease.