Periodontal Services

We place great emphasis on periodontal health and prevention. Often we can halt gum disease without surgery. Depending on each patient's diagnosis and needs, one or more of the following periodontal treatment modalities may be recommended and performed in our office:

+ Scaling and Root Planing ("Deep Cleaning")

Root planing and scaling is one of the most conservative and effective ways to treat gum disease before it becomes severe. Scaling is the removal of calculus (commonly called tartar) and plaque that attach to the tooth surfaces. The process especially targets the area below the gum line and along the root. Plaque is a sticky substance, full of bacteria, that forms on teeth. When plaque hardens over time, it is called calculus. Plaque is more likely to stick to rough surfaces. For this reason, the root surface is made smooth in a process called root planing. Root planing removes any remaining calculus and smoothes irregular areas of the root surface.

+ Periodontal Maintenance

If you have gum disease and have had scaling and root planing and/or periodontal surgery, the maintenance cleanings that will be recommended to you after those treatments are called periodontal maintenance therapy. A periodontal maintenance cleaning is a personalized program designed to prevent the spread of disease in the gum tissue. This dental cleaning therapy specifically targets plaque, bacteria, and tartar buildup along the surfaces of teeth above and below the gumline to ensure healthy gums and periodontal health.  The extent and type of your periodontal disease will determine the frequency necessary to control bacteria and keep your periodontal condition stable. Initially, periodontal maintenance may be recommended every 3 to 4 months. As you progress, recommendations in appointment frequency may change.

We are meticulous about addressing our patient’s periodontal needs, and our team of hygienists is truly outstanding. In 2022 we have introduced new technology for professional cleanings, called Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT). There is simply no better way to keep harmful biofilm under control than using this Swiss-developed technology and protocol. We are very pleased to offer this treatment option to our patients - very few dental practices in the United States have the equipment or training available at this point in time. See video link for a description of GBT protocol. https://www.youtube.com/watch?...

+ Periodontal Surgery

Periodontal surgery may be indicated to address your periodontal disease or other gum conditions such as recession. Dr. Larhs has advanced training and experience with surgical treatments for gingival recession/gum deficiencies and she will work with outstanding specialists to address any of your periodontal needs.