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The use of antibiotics
alone would be of only limited help in eliminating this infection since
the deposits of plaque, tartar, food debris and pus would still remain
stuck under the gum long after the antibiotics have been completed.
Conservative (non-surgical) periodontal therapy is an effective way to
control infection and to allow for natural healing. This approach consists
of education in personal oral hygiene techniques in order to insure a
healthy environment for healing, followed by a series of regular and
deeper cleanings to remove contamination above and below the gum line
including the root of the teeth. These procedures are referred to as
"scaling" and "root planing" and are usually done in
one section of the mouth at a time using local anesthesia for the
patient's comfort. Once a few weeks have passed , the healing of the gums can be
re-evaluated to determine the extent of permanent damage in the gum and
bone support caused by periodontitis.
To insure a successful
result following periodontal therapy, patient cooperation in maintaining
excellent oral hygiene is essential. More frequent professional cleanings
can help reduce the likelihood of the disease ever returning.
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