Plano Cosmetic Dentist Services

Periodontal Therapy

The goal of periodontal therapy is to prevent tooth loss. Healthy gum tissue fits like a cuff around each tooth. Where the gum line meets the tooth, it forms a slight v-shaped crevice called a sulks. In healthy teeth, this space is usually three millimeters or less. To gage the healthiness of your smile, we measure your periodontal pockets on your first visit, and then regularly thereafter. When the pockets measure more than three millimeters, it is time to take action to make sure your gums get back to a healthy state.

• Scaling and root-planing - This the first non-surgical step Dr. Wilhite may take to remove plaque and tartar deposits on the tooth and root surfaces. This procedure helps gum tissue to heal and pockets to shrink.
• Antibiotic therapy - Dr. Wilhite may also recommend medications to help control infection and pain, or to aid healing. These medications could include a pill, a mouth rinse, or a substance Dr. Wilhite will place directly in the periodontal pocket after scaling and root planing.