Drs. Lincks, Demetter, and Florence first consideration to resolve your gum problems is always the least invasive and most cost-effective manner. This is often accomplished through non-surgical periodontal treatment, including scaling and root planing (a careful cleaning of the root surfaces) to remove bacterial plaque (germs) and calculus (tartar) from deep periodontal pockets and to smooth the tooth root to remove bacterial toxins, followed by adjunctive therapy such as local delivery antimicrobials and host modulation, as needed on a case-by-case basis. We also teach you how to control the gum disease using a variety of productive and efficient cleaning techniques. Constant effort in effective oral hygiene is required if we are to expect long-lasting success in your treatment.

Most periodontists would agree that after scaling and root planing, many patients do not require any further active treatment, including surgical therapy. However, the majority of patients will require ongoing maintenance therapy to sustain health. Non-surgical therapy does have its limitations, however, and when it does not achieve periodontal health, surgery may be indicated to restore periodontal anatomy damaged by periodontal diseases and to facilitate oral hygiene practices.